친구에게 미안해
chinguege mianhae
The phrase "sorry to your friend" in Korean is 친구에게 미안해 (chinguege mianhae).
This phrase is used to express an apology specifically addressed to a friend. You can also use the shorter form 미안해 to say "I'm sorry" or 정말 미안해 to say "I'm really sorry".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 친구 (friend), the particle 에게 (to) and 미안해 (I am sorry).
Which one should you use?
This polite version is appropriate if the friend is older or if you are maintaining a level of social distance.
How do you pronounce it?
chinguege mianhae
Did you know?
- If a friend does not accept 미안해, a Korean speaker might use the word 사과 to describe the act of apologizing. This word is a homonym that also means 'apple', leading to common puns in pop culture.
- In Korea, the concept of 'face' or social standing is so important that an apology can sometimes be more about restoring your shared status than just expressing regret. Using the wrong level of politeness in an apology can actually cause more offense than the original mistake.
- When apologizing to a friend in person, a slight bow is often more impactful than the words themselves. Even with the phrase 미안해, a complete lack of a physical gesture might make your apology seem insincere to a Korean speaker.
Examples in context
- 미안해, 지금까지 기다려줘서. 정말 미안해.I'm sorry for keeping you waiting until now. I'm really sorry.
- 사실 친구에게 미안해하고 있어.sasir chinguege mianhae-hago isseo.Actually, I am feeling sorry to my friend.
Example conversation
Minji apologizes to Minjun for being late.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 많이 기다렸지? 친구에게 미안해.Minjuna, mani gidaryeotji? chinguege mianhae.Minjun, did you wait long? I'm sorry to you, my friend.
- 민준 Min-jun괜찮아. 이제 왔으니까 됐어.gwaenchana. ije wasseunikka dwaesseo.It's okay. Now that you're here, it's fine.
- 민지 Min-ji다음에는 절대 늦지 않을게.daeume-neun jeoldae neutji aneulge.I will never be late next time.
- 민준 Min-jun그래, 얼른 들어가자.geurae, eolleun deureogaja.Okay, let's go inside quickly.
