How to Say “Sorry” in Korean
미안합니다 vs 죄송합니다 (What’s the Difference?)
Introduction
If you’re learning Korean, you’ve probably seen 미안합니다 and 죄송합니다.
Both mean “sorry,” but they are NOT interchangeable.
Using the wrong one can make you sound:
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Too casual
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Too rude
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Or socially awkward 😅
In this post, you’ll learn:
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The difference between 미안합니다 and 죄송합니다
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When Koreans actually use each one
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Which word you should use to stay polite and natural
1️⃣ 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
Meaning
죄송합니다 is a very polite and formal way to say sorry.
It comes from the word 죄 (sin, fault), so it carries a sense of respect and seriousness.
When to use
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To elders
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At work
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To customers
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To strangers
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In official situations
Example
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늦어서 죄송합니다.
Romanization: Neujeoseo joesonghamnida
Meaning: I’m sorry for being late.
✅ If you are unsure, 죄송합니다 is always safe.
2️⃣ 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida)
Meaning
미안합니다 is still polite, but less formal than 죄송합니다.
It expresses personal regret, not social apology.
When to use
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To coworkers
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To people you know
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In semi-formal situations
Example
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기다리게 해서 미안합니다.
Meaning: Sorry for making you wait.
⚠️ It may sound too casual when speaking to elders or customers.
3️⃣ 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo)
Meaning
Polite but friendly apology.
When to use
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Friends
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Close coworkers
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People around your age
Example
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답장 늦어서 미안해요.
Meaning: Sorry for the late reply.
👉 This is very common in daily conversation.
4️⃣ 미안해 (Mianhae)
Meaning
Casual “sorry”.
When to use
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Close friends
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Younger people
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Informal situations only
Example
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아, 미안해!
Meaning: Oh, sorry!
❌ Do NOT use this with elders or in formal settings.
5️⃣ Quick Comparison Table
| Korean | Politeness | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | Very formal | Elders, work, strangers |
| 미안합니다 | Polite | Coworkers, acquaintances |
| 미안해요 | Friendly polite | Friends, casual |
| 미안해 | Casual | Close friends only |
6️⃣ Cultural Tip: Koreans Apologize a LOT
In Korean culture, people say sorry even when:
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It’s not their fault
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They are just being polite
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They want to sound considerate
Examples:
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먼저 말해서 죄송해요. (Sorry for speaking first)
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귀찮게 해서 미안해요. (Sorry for bothering you)
👉 Saying sorry often means kindness, not guilt.
7️⃣ Which One Should You Use?
If you remember only one rule:
✅ 죄송합니다 = safest choice
✅ 미안해요 = everyday friendly apology
Avoid 미안해 unless you’re very close.
Final Summary
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죄송합니다 → formal & respectful
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미안합니다 → polite but less formal
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미안해요 / 미안해 → casual use
Learning when to say sorry correctly will make your Korean sound natural and polite.
#LearnKorean #HowToSaySorryInKorean #KoreanForBeginners
#KoreanHonorifics #SurvivalKorean #KoreanCulture
#미안합니다 #죄송합니다 #한국어공부
