I'm sorry (formal) - KoreanBlueprint

Day 3 — I’m sorry (formal) | Korean Blueprint

Today’s Phrase

죄송합니다

joe·song·ham·ni·da

joesonghamnida

I’m sorry (formal)

Learning Tip

죄송합니다 is stronger than 미안해요. Use 죄송합니다 with elders, bosses, or in serious situations. Using the wrong level can come across as either too casual or overly dramatic.

Phrase Breakdown

죄송

joesong

sinful, guilty feeling

From Chinese 罪悚, conveying deep remorse

합니다

hamnida

I do (formal)

Formal sentence ending

Literally ‘I feel sinfully sorry’ — a formal and heartfelt apology.

Example Phrases

늦어서 죄송합니다.

Neujeoseo joesonghamnida.

I’m sorry for being late.

늦어서 uses -아/어서 to mean ‘because I was late’.

실수해서 정말 죄송합니다.

Silsuhaeeo jeongmal joesonghamnida.

I’m truly sorry for the mistake.

실수 means mistake or blunder.

불편을 드려서 죄송합니다.

Bulpyeoneul deuryeoseo joesonghamnida.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

불편 means discomfort or inconvenience.

Related Phrases

미안해요

mianhaeyo

I’m sorry (casual)

A casual apology for everyday mistakes.

괜찮아요

gwaenchanayo

It’s okay / No problem

A common response to an apology.

실례합니다

sillyehamnida

Excuse me (formal)

Used when interrupting or passing by someone.

Quick Review

감사합니다

Can you recall what this means?

gamsahamnida

Thank you