25 Ways to Say I'm Sorry in Korean - Advanced Vocabulary
- Katherine Pierce
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Apologies in Korean go far beyond the basic “미안해요 (mianhaeyo).” Just like in English, different situations call for different levels of formality, emotion, and even cultural understanding. In Korea, expressing regret properly is deeply tied to respect, social roles, and sincerity.
Whether you’re smoothing over a small mistake with a friend or apologizing formally in a business setting, using the right form shows emotional intelligence and cultural fluency. And if you're interested in acting or working in Korean media, knowing the nuances of apologizing can deepen your character work and help your delivery feel truly native.
Let’s explore the layers of Korean apologies—from the simple to the ceremonial.
The Standard Forms
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Standard polite “I’m sorry” |
죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | Formal and respectful |
미안해 | mianhae | Casual (friends, same age or younger) |
Deep & Formal Apologies
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
진심으로 사과드립니다 | jinsimeuro sagwadeurimnida | “I sincerely apologize” (very formal, written) |
용서해주세요 | yongseohae juseyo | “Please forgive me” (humble and pleading) |
깊이 반성합니다 | gipi banseonghamnida | “I deeply reflect” (used for serious offenses) |
사과의 말씀을 드립니다 | sagwa-ui malsseumeul deurimnida | Formal, respectful phrase |
불편을 드려 죄송합니다 | bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida | “Sorry for the inconvenience” (business or customer service) |
폐를 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다 | pyereul kkichyeo deuryeo joesonghamnida | “Sorry for causing trouble” (high formality) |
Casual or Playful Apologies
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
미안~ | mian~ | Casual, texting-style |
잘못했어 | jalmothaesseo | “I was wrong” (cute/casual) |
아, 진짜 미안! | a, jinjja mian! | “Ah, I’m really sorry!” (informal, surprised tone) |
미안 미안~ | mian mian~ | Playful repetition (cute/friendly tone) |
미안한데… | mianhande… | “Sorry, but…” (softens request) |
용서해줄래? | yongseohaejullae? | “Will you forgive me?” (casual, emotional) |
Situational Apologies
Situation | Phrase | Use/Meaning |
Late | 늦어서 죄송합니다 | “Sorry I’m late” |
Interrupting | 실례합니다 | “Excuse me” (formal interruption/apology) |
Breaking something | 망가뜨려서 미안해요 | “Sorry for breaking it” |
Bumping into someone | 죄송해요 / 죄송합니다 | Standard apology |
Over text | 미안해요~ ㅠㅠ | “Sorry 😢” (texting style with emoticon) |
Honorific & Humble Forms
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
사과드립니다 | sagwadeurimnida | “I offer my apology” (formal/humble) |
머리 숙여 사과드립니다 | meori sugyeo sagwadeurimnida | “I bow my head in apology” (serious/formal) |
송구스럽습니다 | songguseureopseumnida | Archaic, very formal “I’m sorry” (used in government or press) |
제가 경솔했습니다 | jega gyeongsorhaetseumnida | “I was careless” (accepting fault respectfully) |
How to Practice
These phrases don’t just work in dramatic scenes—they’re part of real-life conversations, texts, and even emails. Try responding to everyday scenarios with a variety of apology styles to get a feel for how each one sounds in context.
Practice dialogue:
A: 왜 이렇게 늦었어? (Why are you so late?)
B: 늦어서 정말 미안해. 차가 너무 막혔어.(I’m really sorry I’m late. There was so much traffic.)
In Korean culture, an apology isn’t just a statement—it’s an emotional and social gesture that carries weight. Whether it’s a quick “미안~” or a heartfelt “진심으로 사과드립니다,” using the right form shows respect and emotional awareness.
At Language Academia, our Korean classes go beyond vocabulary drills—we teach the cultural context behind the words. Our coaches, many of whom work in acting and media, help students master emotional delivery, nuance, and fluency in real-world settings.
