Learning "I'm Sorry" – A Complete Guide to Korean Apologies

Hello! Today, we’ll learn one of the most important apology expressions in Korean: "죄송합니다" (joesonghamnida). In Korea, politeness is highly valued, so using appropriate apology expressions is crucial. "죄송합니다" is a formal and polite apology expression that can be used in various situations. In this article, we will learn the exact meaning, pronunciation, usage, and related expressions of "죄송합니다".

1. Meaning and Pronunciation of "죄송합니다"

1) Expression
죄송합니다
(joe-song-ham-ni-da)
→ Meaning: I’m sorry / I apologize.
2) Pronunciation
죄송 (joe-song): "joe" is pronounced similarly to the English word "joy," but more softly. "song" is similar to English, but slightly shorter and stronger.
합니다 (ham-ni-da): "ham" starts softly, and "ni-da" is pronounced with a clear break between the syllables.
3) Importance of Honorifics
"죄송합니다" is a very formal and polite apology expression. In Korea, honorifics are always used when apologizing to show respect for the other person.

2. Situations Where "죄송합니다" is Used

1) Formal Situations
When you’ve made a mistake:

When apologizing to your superior at work: "회의 자료를 늦게 보내드려서 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for sending the meeting materials late.)
When making an excuse in a public place: "지나갈게요. 죄송합니다." (Excuse me. I’m sorry.)
In formal emails or phone calls:

In a business email: "답변이 늦어 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for the late reply.)
When dealing with customers: "불편을 끼쳐드려 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for the inconvenience.)
2) Everyday Situations
When apologizing politely to friends or family:
When you’ve missed an appointment: "시간 약속을 못 지켜서 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for not keeping the appointment.)
When you’ve mishandled something: "그거 깨뜨려서 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for breaking that.)

3. Various Apology Expressions

1) Apologies Depending on the Situation
"정말 죄송합니다." (I’m truly sorry.): When you want to emphasize your sincerity.
"깊이 사과드립니다." (I deeply apologize.): A very formal and polite expression.
"실례합니다." (Excuse me.): Used when passing by or getting someone’s attention in a public place.
2) Informal Expressions
"미안합니다." (I’m sorry.): It’s a polite form, but slightly less formal than "죄송합니다".
"미안해요." (I’m sorry.): Less formal and suitable for friends or colleagues.
"미안해." (Sorry.): Informal and used with close friends or family.
3) Expressions of Gratitude After an Apology
"이해해 주셔서 감사합니다." (Thank you for understanding.): When the other person accepts your apology.
"기다려 주셔서 감사합니다." (Thank you for waiting.): When expressing gratitude for someone’s patience.

4. Real-life Examples of Using "죄송합니다"

1) At Work
Employee: "회의 자료를 늦게 제출해서 죄송합니다. 앞으로 더 신경 쓰겠습니다." (I’m sorry for submitting the meeting materials late. I’ll pay more attention from now on.)
(I’m sorry for submitting the meeting materials late. I’ll be more careful in the future.)
2) In Public
Passerby: "실례합니다. 제 가방이 닿았네요. 죄송합니다." (Excuse me. My bag bumped into you. I’m sorry.)
(Excuse me, my bag bumped into you. I’m sorry.)
3) Conversation with a Friend
Friend: "어제 약속 못 지켜서 정말 미안해. 다음엔 꼭 내가 살게!" (I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. Next time, it’s on me!)
(I’m really sorry for missing our appointment yesterday. Next time, it’s on me!)

5. Useful Expressions After an Apology

1) Willingness to Solve the Problem
"다음부터는 주의하겠습니다." (I’ll be more careful next time.)
"어떻게 하면 보상할 수 있을까요?" (How can I make it up to you?)
2) Responses Based on the Other Person’s Reaction
Other person: "괜찮아요." (It’s okay.)
→ Response: "이해해 주셔서 감사합니다." (Thank you for understanding.)
3) Expressions of Gratitude After Resolving the Issue
"정말 감사드리고 다시 한 번 죄송합니다." (Thank you very much, and I apologize again.)

6. Useful Learning Tips

1) Pronunciation Practice
Practice speaking naturally in front of a mirror.
Repeatedly read example sentences and practice the intonation appropriate to the situation.
2) Using Dramas and Movies
Observe situations where apology expressions are used by watching Korean dramas or movies.
Recommended Dramas: Misaeng (미생), Stranger (비밀의 숲)
Recommended Movies: Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (친절한 금자씨), The Attorney (변호인)
3) Using it in Real Life
Try using it when talking with Korean friends or colleagues.
Actively practice in situations where you make mistakes or need to be polite.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between "죄송합니다" and "미안합니다"?
A: "죄송합니다" is a formal and polite expression suitable for formal situations or when speaking to elders or superiors. "미안합니다", on the other hand, is more casual and less formal.

Q: How are "실례합니다" and "죄송합니다" different?
A: "실례합니다" is a light apology used when passing by or getting someone’s attention, while "죄송합니다" is used to apologize sincerely and politely when acknowledging a mistake.

8. Today’s Summary

"죄송합니다" is the most basic expression for politely apologizing in Korea. This sentence is useful for everyone from beginners to advanced learners of Korean. Remember the pronunciation, usage in different situations, and the applied expressions that we learned today, and use them confidently in real-life situations!

In what situations have you apologized in Korea? Or, if you have any other Korean expressions you’d like to learn, please share them in the comments!