sorry in korean
How to Say "Sorry" in Korean (미안해 / 죄송합니다): Casual to Formal
미안해
mianhae
Quick answer
Say 미안해 (mianhae) to a close friend and 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) in formal or serious situations.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 미안해 | mianhae | Casual apology between friends or partners — the K-drama staple. |
| polite | 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Polite form of 미안해, suitable for people slightly above your social level. |
| formal | 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | More formal and weightier — for serious mistakes, strangers, or elders. |
| really sorry | 정말 미안해 | jeongmal mianhae | Intensified with 정말 (really) — sincerely apologetic between friends. |
How it changes by relationship
미안, 진짜 미안해.
Mian, jinjja mianhae.
to a close friend: Repeating 미안 emphasizes how sorry you are — very natural.
미안해, 내 잘못이야.
Mianhae, nae jalmos-iya.
to a romantic partner: 내 잘못이야 = 'it's my fault' — the full K-drama apology.
죄송합니다.
Joesonghamnida.
to an elder or senior: Safe and respectful; never use 미안해 with someone significantly older in a formal setting.
죄송합니다!
Joesonghamnida!
to a stranger (bumping into them, etc.): Quick polite sorry in public — you'll hear this constantly in Korea.
Examples
늦어서 미안해!
Neujeoseo mianhae!
Sorry I'm late!
불편을 드려서 죄송합니다.
Bulpyeoneul deuryeoseo joesonghamnida.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
나 잘못했어, 미안.
Na jalmothaesseo, mian.
I was wrong, I'm sorry.
Usage note
Korean apologies often include the reason — saying just 미안해 without context can feel a little abrupt; adding 늦어서 (for being late) or 그래서 (for that) makes it feel more natural and sincere.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "sorry" here?
FAQ
What's the difference between 미안해 and 죄송합니다?
미안해 (mianhae) is casual and personal; 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is formal and shows deeper respect. Use 죄송합니다 with elders, bosses, or strangers.
How do I say 'I'm so sorry'?
정말 미안해 (jeongmal mianhae) casually, or 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida) formally.
What do you say back when someone apologizes?
괜찮아 (gwaenchana, it's okay / I'm fine) is the most common reply. See the gwenchana entry for more.