미안해
mianhae
To say "sorry informally" in Korean, use 미안해 (mianhae).
미안해 is a common and casual way to say sorry to someone close to you. You can also use the even shorter version 미안 as a very casual, slangy way to say sorry among close friends. If you want to emphasize a deeper sense of regret, you can say 참 미안해 by adding 참 to the phrase.
Which one should you use?
While 미안해 is the standard informal way to apologize, 미안 is an even shorter, more slangy version used among close friends. 참 미안해 is used when you want to add emphasis to your regret.
How does it change in a sentence?
미안해 is the informal, non-honorific form of the verb used for apologizing.
How do you pronounce it?
mianhae
Did you know?
- The root word 미안 comes from Hanja characters meaning 'not comfortable' or 'not at ease'. Literally, you are telling the other person that your heart is not at peace because of your actions.
- In Korean, the level of apology is tied to social hierarchy. Using 미안해 to someone older or in a higher position would not just be 'informal', it would be considered a serious social transgression or even a lack of manners.
- If you are texting a close friend, you might see 미안해 written as 미안해용 or even 미안해용~. Adding the 'ㅇ' sound at the end is a way to soften the phrase and make it sound more playful and friendly.
Examples in context
- 늦어서 미안해.neujeoseo mianhae.I am sorry for being late.
- 정말 미안해, 내가 잘못했어.jeongmal mianhae, naega jalmothaesseo.I am really sorry, it was my fault.
- 기분 나쁘게 해서 미안해.gibun nappeuge haeseo mianhae.I am sorry for making you feel bad.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo forgot to bring Minji's book.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지야, 책 가져오는 거 깜빡했어. 미안해.minjiya, chaek gajyeooneun geo kkamppakaesseo. mianhae.Minji, I forgot to bring the book. Sorry.
- 민지 Min-ji정말? 내일까지 읽어야 하는데.jeongmal? naeilkkaji ilgeoya haneunde.Really? I have to read it by tomorrow.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지금 바로 가서 가져올게. 미안해!jigeum baro gaseo gajyeo-olge. mianhae!I'll go get it right now. Sorry!
- 민지 Min-ji알았어. 빨리 다녀와.arasseo. ppalli danyeowa.Alright. Hurry back.
