Korean Dictionary
How to say “Sorry” in Korean
죄송합니다
Joesonghamnida
Usage & Context
The most formal and polite way to apologize in Korean. Use this when you bump into someone, make a mistake at work, or need to show sincere regret.
Example Sentence
늦어서 죄송합니다.
I am sorry for being late.
More Expressions Words
Related Guides
Korean Formal vs Informal Speech
Formal Korean speech (존댓말, jondaenmal) uses polite endings like -요 (-yo) and -습니다 (-seumnida) and is used with strangers, elders, and superiors. Informal speech (반말, banmal) drops these endings and is only used with close friends, younger people, or children.
How to Say Thank You in Korean
To say thank you in Korean, say "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) for formal situations or "고마워요" (gomawoyo) for casual-polite situations. With close friends, use the casual "고마워" (gomawo). 감사합니다 is the safest choice and works everywhere.
Korean Apology Expressions
To apologize in Korean, say "죄송합니다" (joesonghamnida) in formal situations or "미안해요" (mianhaeyo) in casual-polite situations. For close friends, use "미안" (mian) or "미안해" (mianhae). 죄송합니다 is the safest choice with strangers, elders, and at work.
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