죄송합니다
How to say sorry in Korean A1
죄송합니다 vs 미안합니다 vs 미안해 — apology levels, the bump-in-the-subway sorry, and what to say back.
Every form, from formal to casual
죄송 is the humble, formal root; 미안 is the everyday one. Both conjugate through the usual politeness ladder.
| Korean | Romanization | Level | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | Formal | Strangers, customers, elders, work |
| 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo | Polite | Slightly softer formal |
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | Formal-neutral | Formal but less humble than 죄송 |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Polite-soft | Acquaintances |
| 미안해 | mianhae | Casual | Friends |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | Excuse me | Before interrupting or squeezing past |
Which one do I actually use?
Bumped someone on the subway: a quick 죄송합니다 or even 아, 죄송. Late for a friend: 미안, 늦었어. Need to pass through a crowd: 실례합니다 or 잠시만요 — not 죄송합니다. Reply to an apology with 괜찮아요 (“it’s fine”).
Pronunciation notes
- 죄송합니다
죄 is [ㅈ + ㅚ] ≈ “jwe”. 합니다 → [함니다].
- 미안해
Two syllables plus 해: mi-an-hae; the ㄴ links smoothly into 해.
Vocabulary set
Cards are saved in this browser and scheduled with spaced repetition.
Quick drill
Common mistakes
- ✗ 죄송해 to a friend✓ 미안해죄송 is humble and formal — it sounds stiff in casual speech.
- ✗ 미안합니다 to your boss after a real mistake✓ 죄송합니다죄송 carries more humility; 미안 can read as merely “my bad.”
Example sentences
FAQ
What is the difference between 죄송합니다 and 미안합니다?
죄송합니다 is more humble and formal, used toward customers, elders, and superiors. 미안합니다 is formal-neutral; 미안해 is the casual version among friends.
How do you say “excuse me” in Korean to get past someone?
실례합니다 or 잠시만요 (“just a moment”). 저기요 gets a stranger’s attention, e.g., a waiter.
How do you respond to 죄송합니다?
괜찮아요 (“it’s okay”) or 아니에요 (“not at all”).
Related