Korean Public Apology: Saying 'I Want to Apologize to Everyone' with Sincerity
Learn to deliver a sincere public apology in Korean, using the phrase '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' and related patterns. Understand how public apologies differ from private ones in Korean culture.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Apologizing in public requires a different approach than a private apology. In Korean, you need to address the group, express sincere regret, and often use humble language. This lesson focuses on the key phrase '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' (I want to apologize to everyone) and provides you with the tools to make a sincere public apology in various situations, such as at work, in a group, or at a formal event. You will learn the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances to apologize effectively in front of others.
By the end, you can…
- apologize publicly in Korean using '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' and similar expressions.
- adjust the politeness level of my apology based on the audience and situation.
- combine the apology with a reason or promise to show sincerity.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다.
I want to apologize to everyone.
moduege sagwahago sipseumnida
Formal polite style (합니다체). Use in formal settings or when speaking to a group you respect.
여러분께 정말 죄송합니다.
I am truly sorry to you all.
yeoreobunkke jeongmal joesonghamnida
Very sincere and polite. '여러분' means 'everyone' and '께' is a honorific particle. Use when addressing a group directly.
제 잘못을 인정하고 사과드립니다.
I admit my fault and apologize.
je jalmoseul injeonghago sagwadeurimnida
Formal and humble. '사과드립니다' is a humble form of '사과합니다'. Use in serious public apologies.
다시는 이런 일이 없도록 하겠습니다.
I will make sure this never happens again.
dasineun ireon iri eopdorok hagetseumnida
A promise to prevent recurrence. Often added after an apology to show sincerity.
너그러이 용서해 주시기 바랍니다.
I kindly ask for your generous forgiveness.
neogeureoi yongseohae jusigi baramnida
Very formal and humble. Use in written apologies or formal speeches.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 'Noun + 에게/께 + 사과하고 싶습니다' means 'I want to apologize to [someone]'. '에게' is used for general recipients, while '께' is the honorific form for people of higher status. For example: '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' (I want to apologize to everyone), '선생님께 사과하고 싶습니다' (I want to apologize to the teacher). To make it more formal, you can use '사과드리고 싶습니다' (humble). The verb '사과하다' means 'to apologize', and '싶습니다' expresses desire. This pattern is versatile and can be used in various public apology contexts.
When to use it
Use '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' when you need to apologize to a group in a formal or semi-formal setting, such as a team meeting, a public announcement, or a speech. It is appropriate when you want to express your intention to apologize, often as an opening statement. For a more direct and sincere apology, you can say '여러분께 정말 죄송합니다' (I am truly sorry to you all). If the situation is very serious, combine with '제 잘못을 인정하고 사과드립니다' (I admit my fault and apologize). Avoid using casual language like '미안해' in public apologies unless you are among close friends.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
여러분, 제 실수로 인해 큰 불편을 끼쳐 드려서 정말 죄송합니다.
Everyone, I am truly sorry for causing great inconvenience due to my mistake.yeoreobun, je silsuro inhae keun bulpyeoneul kkichyeo deuryeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida괜찮아요. 하지만 다음부터는 조심해 주세요.
It's okay. But please be careful from next time.gwaenchanayo. hajiman daeumbuteoneun josimhae juseyo네, 다시는 이런 일이 없도록 하겠습니다. 모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다.
Yes, I will make sure this never happens again. I want to apologize to everyone.ne, dasineun ireon iri eopdorok hagetseumnida. moduege sagwahago sipseumnida알겠습니다. 앞으로 잘해 주세요.
Understood. Please do well in the future.algesseumnida. apeuro jalhae juseyoA little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, public apologies are often more formal and include a clear admission of fault and a promise to prevent recurrence. The use of humble language and honorifics is important, especially when apologizing to superiors or a large group. Sincerity is shown through tone and body language, such as bowing. Avoid making excuses; instead, focus on your responsibility and how you will improve.
One thing to watch for
Using casual apology '미안해' in a public or formal setting.
Try this instead: Use formal '죄송합니다' or '사과드립니다' instead. For example, '모두에게 미안해' is inappropriate; say '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' or '여러분께 죄송합니다'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I want to apologize to everyone' in formal Korean?
Show a sample answer
모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다.
This is the standard formal polite form. You could also say '모두에게 사과드리고 싶습니다' to be more humble.
2What is a more sincere way to apologize directly to a group?
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여러분께 정말 죄송합니다.
This directly expresses sincere apology to the group. '여러분께' is honorific, and '정말 죄송합니다' emphasizes sincerity.
3Add a promise to prevent recurrence after apologizing.
Show a sample answer
다시는 이런 일이 없도록 하겠습니다.
This phrase means 'I will make sure this never happens again.' It shows responsibility and sincerity.
For a sincere public apology in Korean, use '모두에게 사과하고 싶습니다' as a starting point, adjust politeness with honorifics, and include a promise to do better. Always match the formality to the situation.
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