Two Words for Sorry
Like thank you, Korean has two roots for apologies, each serving different social functions: 죄송 (joesong), which is Sino-Korean and carries a formal, weighty sense of wrongdoing and guilt, and 미안 (mian), which is native Korean and conveys a more personal, emotional sense of regret. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is the go-to apology in professional settings, with strangers, and whenever the situation is serious. 미안해 (mianhae) is lighter and more emotionally intimate, appropriate between friends or in minor situations. Choosing the right one depends on the situation's severity and your relationship with the person. Korean apology culture differs significantly from Western norms. In Korea, apologizing frequently — even for small inconveniences or things that are not your fault — is seen as polite and socially graceful rather than as an admission of weakness or guilt. Saying 죄송합니다 when asking for help, when someone holds a door for you, or when you need to squeeze past someone in a crowd is standard Korean behavior. This frequent use of apology as a social lubricant keeps interactions smooth and respectful and is one of the first cultural adjustments English speakers need to make. The concept is related to the broader Korean value of 배려 (baeryeo), meaning consideration for others, which pervades Korean social interaction.
All Ways to Say Sorry
| Korean | Romanization | Level | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | Formal | Work, elders, serious situations |
| 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo | Polite | Slightly softer formal apology |
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | Formal | Formal but slightly personal |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Polite | Daily situations, acquaintances |
| 미안해 | mianhae | Casual | Close friends, significant others |
| 미안 | mian | Very casual | Quick casual sorry |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | Formal | Excuse me (before imposing) |
| 잠시만요 | jamsimanyo | Polite | One moment / excuse me (passing by) |
When to Use Each Apology
- 1
Serious mistakes at work or with elders
Use 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) and bow. For very serious situations, say 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida — I'm truly sorry).
- 2
Bumping into someone or minor inconvenience
Say 죄송합니다 or 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida — excuse me). A quick 죄송 while passing works too.
- 3
With friends or peers
Use 미안해 (mianhae) or 미안해요 (mianhaeyo). Add 진짜 (jinjja — really) for emphasis: 진짜 미안해 (jinjja mianhae).
- 4
Accepting an apology
Say 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo — it's okay) or 아니에요 (anieyo — it's nothing). For casual: 괜찮아 (gwaenchana).
Korean Apology Culture
Koreans tend to apologize more frequently than English speakers, and understanding this cultural tendency is crucial for natural Korean communication. Saying 죄송합니다 for minor things — like asking a question that might take someone's time, being slightly late, making someone wait, or needing to interrupt a conversation — is considered polite, not excessive or self-deprecating. If someone goes out of their way to help you, apologizing for the inconvenience with 번거롭게 해드려서 죄송합니다 (beongeoreopge haedeuryeoseo joesonghamnida — sorry for troubling you) is a sophisticated expression that combines gratitude with apology. This pattern of expressing thanks through the framework of apology is uniquely Korean and reflects the cultural emphasis on not imposing on others. Another common pattern is 불편을 드려서 죄송합니다 (bulpyeoneul deuryeoseo joesonghamnida — sorry for causing you discomfort), used by businesses and organizations when service is disrupted. In personal relationships, the phrase 내가 잘못했어 (naega jalmothaesseo, I was wrong) is a more direct admission of fault, typically used in serious personal conflicts between close friends or couples.
Apology in Context
늦어서 정말 죄송합니다. 다음부터 조심하겠습니다.
Neujeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida. Daeumbuteo josimhagetseumnida.
I'm truly sorry for being late. I will be more careful from next time.
Apologizing in Professional Settings
Workplace apologies in Korea follow strict protocols that reflect the hierarchical nature of Korean corporate culture. When apologizing to a superior, always use the most formal register: 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) as the baseline, and 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida, I am truly sorry) for more serious matters. Accompanying your apology with a bow — deeper for more serious situations — demonstrates sincerity. For business mistakes, the phrase 앞으로 이런 일이 없도록 하겠습니다 (apeuro ireon iri eopdorok hagetseumnida, I will make sure this does not happen again) shows accountability and a commitment to improvement. In email communication, opening with 불편을 드려 죄송합니다 (bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida, I apologize for the inconvenience) is standard when addressing a complaint or mistake. A particularly useful phrase for professional settings is 제 불찰입니다 (je bulcharimnida, it was my oversight), which takes full responsibility. Korean workplace culture generally values taking responsibility quickly rather than making excuses. When late to a meeting, saying 늦어서 죄송합니다 (neujeoseo joesonghamnida, I'm sorry for being late) immediately upon entry is expected. Adding a brief reason without making it sound like an excuse strikes the right balance: 교통이 막혀서 늦었습니다 (gyotongi makyeoseo neujeosseumnida, I was late because of traffic).