죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
The English phrase 'sorry to elders' is translated into Korean as 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida).
죄송합니다 is the standard phrase to use when you have made a mistake or need to apologize to someone of higher social status or age. It is a formal apology that conveys a deeper sense of remorse.
Which one should you use?
While 미안합니다 means 'I am sorry' in a polite way, it is less formal and shows less respect to elders than 죄송합니다. For a very casual setting, one might use 미안해, but this is used only with friends or people younger than you. Using the casual form with an elder would be considered rude.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- The root of 죄송합니다 uses a Hanja character that literally means 'sin' or 'crime'. This elevates a simple apology from a mere social error to the acknowledgment of a moral wrong committed against the listener.
- In some traditional settings, saying 죄송합니다 might be accompanied by a deep bow where the forehead stays lowered for a moment. The depth and duration of the bow are often seen as being as important as the words themselves when apologizing to an elder.
- If you are apologizing in a crowded space, 죄송합니다 can function as a social lubricant rather than an admission of fault. It serves to apologize for the 'sin' of existing in the other person's path or occupying their space.
Examples in context
- 늦어서 정말 죄송합니다.neujeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am truly sorry for being late.
- 실수를 해서 죄송합니다.silsu-reul haeseo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for making a mistake.
Example conversation
Jihoon accidentally bumps into an older female colleague, Jieun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun앗, 죄송합니다!At, joesonghamnida!Oh, I am sorry!
- 지은 Ji-eun괜찮아요, 지훈 씨.Gwaenchannayo, Jihun ssi.It is okay, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun조심하지 못해서 죄송합니다.Josimhaji mothaeseo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for not being careful.
- 지은 Ji-eun아니에요. 신경 쓰지 마세요.Anieyo. Singyeong sseuji maseyo.No, don't worry about it.
