| Korean | Romanization | English | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | I apologize / I’m sorry | Formal – strangers, superiors, elderly people |
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | I apologize | Formal – respectful situations |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Sorry | Polite – common usage, neutral situations |
| 미안해 | mianhae | Sorry | Informal – close friends, younger people |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | Excuse me | To get attention, pass through a crowd |
You just bumped into someone in the Seoul subway or made a mistake in front of your Korean colleague? Don’t panic! Saying sorry in Korean just requires knowing a few simple rules depending on your conversation partner. Unlike English where “sorry” works everywhere, Korean makes distinctions between different levels of politeness and usage contexts.
Formal Apologies for Official Situations
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) remains your best ally when you’re unsure about the level of politeness to adopt. This expression works with strangers, your boss, a teacher, or anyone older than you. At the office, if you arrive late to a meeting, this is exactly what you should say.
- 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) sounds a bit less intense than the previous version while remaining very respectful. Perfect when you want to apologize politely without giving the impression of having committed a serious fault. Imagine you accidentally interrupt someone – this formula fits perfectly.
- 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) is used more to say “excuse me” when you want to get attention or pass through a crowd. In crowded public transportation, this is your magic phrase to make your way through without appearing rude.
The Everyday Polite Expression
- 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) quickly becomes your favorite expression. This polite form with the 요 (yo) ending works in 90% of everyday situations. You spill coffee on a café table? You slightly bump into someone your age? It’s the right choice. This expression makes you appear polite without exaggerating the seriousness of the situation.
Informal Apologies Between Close People
- 미안해 (mianhae) is reserved only for your close friends and people younger than you. With your Korean roommate who has become a good friend, or when you’re teasing someone younger, this casual version shows your closeness. Be careful though: use it with the wrong person and you’ll come across as rude.
Mistake to Absolutely Avoid
One thing that often surprises English speakers: in Korean, these expressions only work for apologizing for a fault. If your Korean friend tells you their cat just died, avoid saying 죄송합니다! They’ll ask you why you’re apologizing, thinking you’re responsible for their pet’s death. In English, “sorry” also expresses compassion, but Korean clearly separates the two concepts.
To express your sympathy when faced with bad news, other expressions exist depending on the context – but that’s another topic that would deserve an entire article.
In the end, remember this simple rule: when in doubt with a stranger, use 죄송합니다. With your acquaintances, 미안해요 will do perfectly fine. And save 미안해 for your real friends who won’t mind you speaking casually.
If these subtleties make you want to deepen your Korean to navigate all social situations with ease, a structured course would help you progress faster than these piecemeal discoveries.