정말 죄송합니다
The English phrase "very sorry" can be expressed in Korean as 정말 죄송합니다.
The phrase is used to express apologies, with 정말 죄송합니다 meaning "I'm really sorry" and serving as a polite way to apologize.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 정말 (really/very) and 죄송합니다 (to be sorry/apologetic in a formal way).
Which one should you use?
While 정말 죄송합니다 is a formal way to say "I'm very sorry", you should use 정말 미안해 when apologizing to close friends or people younger than you. For an even more intense apology, 대단히 죄송합니다 replaces 정말 with 대단히 (greatly/extremely) to increase the level of formality and gravity.
How does it change in a sentence?
By changing the ending to '-해요', you can create the standard polite form 정말 죄송해요, which is suitable for everyday social interactions with acquaintances or strangers.
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, saying 정말 죄송합니다 while looking directly into a superior's eyes for too long can actually feel aggressive rather than apologetic.
- The word 정말 literally translates to 'correct word' because it is composed of the Hanja '정' meaning 'correct' and '말' meaning 'word'.
- While 정말 죄송합니다 is polite, if you use it with a very close friend, it might sound like you are jokingly being overly dramatic or actually angry at them.
Examples in context
- 정말 죄송합니다.I'm very sorry.This example is useful for seeing how to say "I'm very sorry" using 정말 죄송합니다.Tatoeba #4708226 by rainbow4us, translation #275979 by CK
- 죄송합니다, 제가 실수를 해서 정말 죄송합니다.I'm sorry, I made a mistake and I'm truly sorry.
- 제가 도움을 드리지 못해 깊이 사과드립니다.I deeply apologize for not being able to assist you.
- 미안해, 약속 시간에 늦어서 정말 미안해.I'm sorry, I'm really sorry for being late to our appointment.
- 늦어서 정말 죄송합니다.neujeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am very sorry for being late.
- 기대를 저버려서 정말 죄송합니다.gidaereul jeobeoryeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am very sorry for letting you down.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo accidentally spills coffee on Ji-eun's desk.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 죄송합니다, 지은 씨!jeongmal joesonghamnida, Ji-eun ssi!I am very sorry, Ji-eun!
- 지은 Ji-eun괜찮아요. 그럴 수도 있죠.gwaenchanayo. geureol sudo itjyo.It's okay. It happens.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 얼른 닦아 드릴게요.jega eolleun dakka deurilgeyo.I will wipe it up quickly.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 고마워요 현우 씨.ne, gomawoyo Hyun-woo ssi.Yes, thank you, Hyun-woo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정말, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
