유감입니다
yugam-imnida
The English phrase "sorry to hear that" is expressed in Korean as 유감입니다 (yugam-imnida).
This phrase is used to express formal sympathy or regret regarding a situation, rather than a personal apology for a mistake.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 유감 (yugam) literally means regret, sorrow or a sense of regretful feeling.
Which one should you use?
While 유감입니다 is a standard formal expression, you may also encounter 안타깝게 생각합니다, which is a formal way to deliver condolences and translates to 'I think/feel sorrowfully.' or 안타깝네요, which is an informal way to say 'That's regrettable/sad.'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 유감입니다 is a formal and polite way to express sympathy, suitable for professional settings or speaking to elders. The form 유감이야 is the casual version used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
yugam-imnida
Did you know?
- If you use the word 미안하다 (mianhada) to express sympathy for someone's bad news, you will sound as if you are apologizing for causing the trouble yourself. In Korean, there is a strict distinction between 'regretting a situation' and 'apologizing for an action'.
- In Korean, expressing sympathy with 유감입니다 can sometimes sound more like a formal political statement than a warm personal comfort. Because it is so highly structured, it is often used by news anchors or officials to express regret about a social situation.
- The word 안타깝다 (antakkapda), found in the alternative phrase 안타깝네요, describes a feeling of being 'heart-aching' or 'choking' because a situation cannot be changed. It focuses on the helplessness of the listener rather than just the sadness of the news.
Examples in context
- 안타깝게 생각합니다. 어떤 어려움이 있으셨나 봐요.I'm sorry to hear that. It seems you've encountered some difficulties.
- 정말 유감입니다.jeongmal yugamimnida.I am truly sorry to hear that.
- 그 소식은 정말 유감입니다.geu sosigeun jeongmal yugamimnida.That news is truly regrettable.
- 그런 일이 있었다니 유감입니다.geureon iri isseotdani yugamimnida.I am sorry to hear that such a thing happened.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about a failed job application.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 면접 결과가 어떻게 되었어요?Subin ssi, myeonjeop gyeolgwaga eotteoke doeeosseoyo?Subin, how did the interview results go?
- 수빈 Su-bin아쉽게도 이번에 떨어졌어요.aswipgedo ibeone tteoreojyeosseoyo.Unfortunately, I didn't get it this time.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 유감입니다. 고생 많으셨어요.jeongmal yugamimnida. gosaeng maneusyeosseoyo.I'm so sorry to hear that. You worked very hard.
- 수빈 Su-bin위로해 주셔서 감사합니다, 지훈 씨.wirohae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida, Jihoon ssi.Thank you for your kind words, Jihoon.
