How to Politely Say Sorry in Korean: Apologizing for Minor Mistakes
Learn to apologize in Korean for small slip-ups like bumping into someone or being late. Master 죄송합니다 and other polite patterns, with register guidance and a natural dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
If you bump into someone on a busy street or arrive a few minutes late, the right Korean apology depends on who you are speaking to. The safest polite default is 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida). This lesson teaches that phrase plus closely related patterns for everyday minor mistakes, shows how formality changes with the listener, and gives you a short dialogue and practice so you can respond naturally. It does not cover apologies for serious offenses, which need different language and often a different tone.
By the end, you can…
- apologize politely for a minor mistake using 죄송합니다 and related patterns.
- choose an appropriate apology register for a stranger, a coworker, or a close friend.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
죄송합니다
I am sorry (polite, formal)
joesonghamnida
The default safe apology for strangers, staff, elders, or anyone you do not know well. Use it after bumping into someone or making a small error.
미안합니다
I am sorry (polite, slightly less formal than 죄송합니다)
mianhamnida
Still polite and usable with acquaintances or coworkers, but 죄송합니다 is usually safer with strangers and in service situations.
미안해요
I'm sorry (polite casual)
mianhaeyo
Friendly polite speech. Good with people you know a little, such as a classmate or a neighbor, when the mistake is small.
괜찮아요
It's okay / That's all right
gwaenchanayo
A common response when someone apologizes to you. It accepts the apology without making a big deal of it.
늦어서 죄송합니다
I'm sorry for being late
neujeoseo joesonghamnida
Use this when you arrive late to a meeting, class, or appointment. The -어서 links the reason (being late) to the apology.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is a reason plus an apology. 늦어서 죄송합니다 means 'I am sorry because I am late.' You can swap the reason: 늦어서 미안해요 (neujeoseo mianhaeyo) is a softer, friendly-polite version. For bumping into someone, a simple 죄송합니다 works, or you can say 부딪혀서 죄송합니다 (budichyeoseo joesonghamnida), 'I'm sorry for bumping into you.' The verb ending -어서/아서 connects the cause to the apology, so the listener understands exactly what you are sorry for. If you want to be extra clear, add a short noun phrase: 늦어서 죄송합니다. The apology word itself does not change with the reason; only the reason clause changes.
When to use it
Korean has several apology levels. 죄송합니다 is the most formal and polite, so use it with strangers, older people, teachers, and in shops or offices. 미안합니다 is also polite but can sound a little less formal; it is fine with coworkers you know. 미안해요 is polite casual, appropriate for friends, classmates, or people you see regularly, especially for small mistakes. With very close friends, 미안해 (mianhae) is common, but it can sound too casual in public or with strangers. When someone apologizes to you, a simple 괜찮아요 accepts it. If you want to be more formal, 괜찮습니다 (gwaenchanseumnida) works. Do not use casual speech with someone you have just met, even if they are younger; polite speech is the safe default until you know each other well.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
늦어서 죄송합니다.
I'm sorry for being late.neujeoseo joesonghamnida괜찮아요. 자리에 앉으세요.
It's okay. Please take your seat.gwaenchanayo. jarie anjeuseyo감사합니다. 다음에는 일찍 오겠습니다.
Thank you. I will come early next time.gamsahamnida. daeumeneun iljjik ogesseumnida네, 알겠습니다.
Yes, understood.ne, algesseumnidaA little context goes a long way
In Korean, the choice between 죄송합니다 and 미안해요 is mainly about social distance and formality, not just the size of the mistake. Using a casual apology with a stranger can seem careless, while using a very formal apology with a close friend can feel stiff. When in doubt, start with 죄송합니다 and adjust as the relationship develops. Also, a short bow or a nod often accompanies the apology, especially in formal settings.
One thing to watch for
Using 미안해 with a stranger or someone older because it is shorter and easier to remember.
Try this instead: 미안해 is casual and can sound rude to a stranger or elder. Use 죄송합니다 or 미안합니다 instead. For example, after bumping into someone on the street, say 죄송합니다, not 미안해.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You arrive five minutes late to a job interview. Which apology is most appropriate?
Show a sample answer
늦어서 죄송합니다.
This uses the formal polite apology 죄송합니다 with the reason 늦어서 (being late). It fits a formal situation with someone you do not know well. 미안해요 would be too casual here.
2A close friend apologizes to you for a small mistake. What can you say to accept the apology?
Show a sample answer
괜찮아요.
괜찮아요 is a natural, friendly-polite way to say 'It's okay.' With a close friend, 괜찮아 is also fine. Both accept the apology without sounding overly formal.
3You accidentally bump into a stranger in a crowded subway. What is the safest apology?
Show a sample answer
죄송합니다.
죄송합니다 is the safest polite apology for strangers. You could also say 부딪혀서 죄송합니다 to specify the reason, but the simple form is enough. 미안해 would be too casual.
For minor mistakes, start with 죄송합니다 when you are unsure. Use 미안해요 with people you know well, and accept apologies with 괜찮아요. Match the register to the relationship, not just the size of the mistake.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Korean into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr