[Learn][Korean] How to Say "Sorry" in Korean: 미안해, 미안합니다, 죄송합니다, 죄송해요

 

Apologizing is an important part of any language, and in Korean, there are several ways to say "sorry" depending on the level of formality and the situation. Understanding the differences between 미안해, 미안합니다, 죄송합니다, and 죄송해요 will help you use the right expression in different contexts.

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1. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – The Most Formal "Sorry"

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✅ Politeness Level: Very formal (존댓말)
✅ When to Use: In professional settings, with elders, or when making a serious apology
✅ Literal Meaning: "I feel guilty."

죄송합니다 is the most polite way to say "I'm sorry." It is commonly used in workplaces, customer service situations, or when you need to apologize to someone you respect.

Examples:

• 실수해서 죄송합니다.
  (I’m sorry for my mistake.)
• 늦어서 죄송합니다.
  (I’m sorry for being late.)

If you are unsure which form of "sorry" to use, 죄송합니다 is the safest choice in formal situations.

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2. 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo) – Polite but Less Formal

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✅ Politeness Level: Polite (존댓말) but softer than 죄송합니다
✅ When to Use: With acquaintances, colleagues, or in polite but casual situations
✅ Literal Meaning: "I feel guilty."

죄송해요 is slightly less formal than 죄송합니다 but still respectful. It is suitable when speaking to people who are older than you but in a less strict environment.

Examples:

• 실수했어요. 죄송해요.
  (I made a mistake. I’m sorry.)
• 갑자기 못 가게 돼서 죄송해요.
  (I’m sorry I can’t go suddenly.)

Although grammatically correct, 죄송해요 is less commonly used than 죄송합니다. Most people stick to 죄송합니다 in polite speech.

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3. 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) – Formal but Softer Than 죄송합니다

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✅ Politeness Level: Formal (존댓말)
✅ When to Use: In polite situations, but less serious than 죄송합니다
✅ Literal Meaning: "I feel sorry."

미안합니다 is another polite way to say "I'm sorry," but it is considered slightly less serious than 죄송합니다. It is often used in work settings, but if the situation is very serious, 죄송합니다 is preferred.

Examples:

• 방해해서 미안합니다.
  (I’m sorry for disturbing you.)
• 착각해서 미안합니다.
  (I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.)

If you want to be very polite but not overly formal, 미안합니다 is a good option.

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4. 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – Polite Yet Friendly

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✅ Politeness Level: Polite (존댓말) but softer than 미안합니다
✅ When to Use: With acquaintances, friends, or colleagues in a warm but respectful way
✅ Literal Meaning: "I feel sorry."

미안해요 is a polite but friendly way to say "sorry." It is appropriate for situations where you want to be respectful but also casual.

Examples:

• 늦어서 미안해요!
  (I’m sorry for being late!)
• 깜빡 잊었어요. 미안해요!
  (I forgot! I’m sorry!)

This form is often used between friends who still maintain some level of politeness.

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5. 미안해 (mianhae) – The Casual "Sorry"

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✅ Politeness Level: Informal (반말)
✅ When to Use: With close friends, younger people, or in very casual settings
✅ Literal Meaning: "I feel sorry."

미안해 is the casual way to say "sorry" and is commonly used among friends, siblings, or people of the same age. Since it’s 반말 (informal speech), avoid using it with elders or in professional settings.

Examples:

• 늦어서 미안해!
  (Sorry for being late!)
• 몰랐어, 미안해.
  (I didn’t know, sorry.)

Using 미안해 with someone who expects politeness might sound rude, so use it carefully.

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6. 죄송합니다 vs. 미안합니다 – What’s the Difference?

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Expression	Politeness Level	Who to Use It With?	Seriousness
죄송합니다	Very formal	Elders, teachers, strangers, business settings	More serious
죄송해요	Polite	Acquaintances, polite conversations	Less serious
미안합니다	Formal but softer	Elders, formal settings	Medium seriousness
미안해요	Casual polite	Friends, colleagues, polite but warm situations	Less serious
미안해	Informal	Close friends, younger people	Least serious

If you are in doubt, 죄송합니다 is the safest and most respectful choice!

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7. Other Ways to Express an Apology in Korean

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✔ 정말 죄송합니다. → "I’m truly sorry." (Very formal)
✔ 진심으로 미안해요. → "I’m sincerely sorry." (Polite)
✔ 용서해 주세요. → "Please forgive me." (Formal)
✔ 잘못했어요. → "I was wrong." (Polite)
✔ 미안, 내 잘못이야. → "Sorry, my bad." (Casual)

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8. Final Thoughts

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Now you know how to say "sorry" in Korean depending on the situation and the level of formality.

• Use 죄송합니다 in professional and formal settings.
• Use 미안합니다 in polite situations but with less seriousness.
• Use 미안해요 in friendly yet respectful conversations.
• Use 미안해 only with close friends.

By choosing the right form, you’ll sound more natural and respectful when apologizing in Korean!