How to say "I am sorry" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "I am sorry" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

Casual apology to someone close. For strangers or anything serious, use 죄송합니다 - Koreans notice the difference immediately.

Polite form

• ▶
  죄송합니다

  joesonghamnida

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

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  미안해요

  mianhaeyo

  = Sorry (polite-casual)

  Polite but still warm.
• ▶
  죄송합니다

  joesonghamnida

  = I apologize (formal)

  Strangers, work, anything that actually caused trouble.
• ▶
  정말 미안해

  jeongmal mianhae

  = I am so sorry

  When you mean it.

In a sentence

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  늦어서 미안해.

  neujeoseo mianhae.

  Sorry I am late.
• ▶
  늦어서 죄송합니다.

  neujeoseo joesonghamnida.

  I apologize for being late.