KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
내가 틀렸어요
nae·ga teul·lyeo·sseo·yo
naega teullyeosseoyo
I was wrong
Cultural Insight
Admitting you were wrong (내가 틀렸어요 / 제가 잘못했어요) requires courage in any culture, but especially in hierarchical Korean settings where face-saving is important. However, genuinely owning a mistake is deeply respected and strengthens trust in Korean relationships.
Phrase Breakdown
내가
naega
I (casual subject)
나 (casual I) + 가 (subject particle)
틀렸어요
teullyeosseoyo
was wrong/mistaken
틀리다 (to be wrong/off) + past = 틀렸어요
Honestly admits to being wrong — a mark of character and maturity.
Example Phrases
내가 틀렸어요. 미안해요.
Naega teullyeosseoyo. Mianhaeyo.
I was wrong. I’m sorry.
미안해요 = I’m sorry (casual polite).
제 판단이 잘못됐어요.
Je panjtani jalmotdwaesseoyo.
My judgment was wrong.
판단 = judgment/assessment; 잘못되다 = go wrong.
당신이 맞았어요. 제가 틀렸어요.
Dangsini majasseoyo. Jega teullyeosseoyo.
You were right. I was wrong.
당신이 맞다 = you are correct.
Related Phrases
맞아요, 제가 잘못했어요
majayo, jega jalmotaesseoyo
You’re right, I made a mistake
Acknowledging the other person’s correctness.
사과할게요
sagwahalgeyo
I’ll apologize
Offering to make a formal apology.
다시는 그러지 않겠어요
dasineun geureuji ankesseoyo
I won’t do that again
Promising not to repeat a mistake.
Quick Review
오해하지 마세요
Can you recall what this means?
ohaehaji maseyo
Please don’t misunderstand