Korean Apology for Deeper Regret: Expressing 'I regret not telling you' and Making Amends
Learn intermediate Korean phrases to apologize for serious mistakes, express regret like 'I regret not telling you,' and make amends with sincerity.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Apologizing for a minor mistake like being late is one thing, but expressing deep regret for a serious action—such as not telling someone something important—requires more nuanced language. In Korean, you can use expressions like "말하지 않은 게 후회돼요" (malhaji aneun ge huhoedoeyo) to convey sincere regret. This lesson teaches you how to apologize for bigger things, make amends, and distinguish between a simple apology and a heartfelt one. You'll learn key phrases, grammar patterns, and cultural nuances to navigate these sensitive situations.
By the end, you can…
- express deep regret for a past action using 후회하다 and related patterns.
- apologize sincerely for a serious mistake and propose making amends.
- distinguish between a casual apology and a heartfelt one in Korean.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
말하지 않은 게 후회돼요.
I regret not telling you.
mal-ha-ji an-eun ge hu-hoe-doe-yo
Use this to express regret for not having told someone something important. It's sincere and direct.
정말 미안해요. 제가 잘못했어요.
I'm really sorry. I was wrong.
jeong-mal mi-an-hae-yo. je-ga jal-mo-tae-sseo-yo
A straightforward apology admitting fault. Suitable for serious mistakes.
용서해 주실 수 있나요?
Can you forgive me?
yong-seo-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo
A polite way to ask for forgiveness. Use with someone you respect or in formal situations.
제가 만회할게요.
I will make it up to you.
je-ga man-hoe-hal-ge-yo
Expresses your intention to make amends. Use when you want to show you'll take action to fix things.
다시는 그러지 않을게요.
I won't do it again.
da-si-neun geu-reo-ji a-neul-ge-yo
A promise not to repeat the mistake. Adds sincerity to your apology.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To express regret for not doing something, use the pattern 'Verb stem + 지 않은 게 후회돼요'. For example, '말하지 않은 게 후회돼요' means 'I regret not telling you.' You can replace the verb: '가지 않은 게 후회돼요' (I regret not going). For a more formal tone, use '후회됩니다'. To apologize for a mistake, use '미안해요' or '죄송해요' (more formal). To make amends, say '만회할게요' (I'll make up for it). These patterns help convey deeper regret.
When to use it
Use these expressions when you've made a significant mistake that hurt someone, such as hiding the truth, breaking a promise, or causing emotional pain. They are not for minor slip-ups like bumping into someone. For instance, if you didn't tell a friend about a serious issue, you might say '말하지 않은 게 후회돼요. 정말 미안해요.' Then offer to make amends: '제가 만회할게요.' The level of politeness depends on your relationship; use '죄송합니다' in formal settings and '미안해' with close friends.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
지난번에 네게 해야 할 말을 하지 않았어. 정말 후회돼.
I didn't tell you what I should have last time. I really regret it.ji-nan-beon-e ne-ge hae-ya hal mal-eul ha-ji an-a-sseo. jeong-mal hu-hoe-dwae왜 그랬어? 나는 네가 믿음직스러웠는데.
Why did you do that? I trusted you.wae geu-rae-sseo? na-neun ne-ga mi-deum-jik-seu-reo-won-neun-de미안해. 내가 잘못했어. 용서해 줄 수 있어?
I'm sorry. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?mi-an-hae. nae-ga jal-mo-tae-sseo. yong-seo-hae jul su i-sseo?이번 한 번만 봐줄게. 다음부터는 그러지 마.
I'll let it slide just this once. Don't do it again.i-beon han beon-man bwa-jul-ge. da-eum-bu-teo-neun geu-reo-ji maA little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, sincere apologies often involve acknowledging fault directly and promising not to repeat the mistake. Using formal language (e.g., '죄송합니다') shows respect, especially to elders or superiors. Making amends through actions, not just words, is highly valued. Avoid overly casual apologies in serious situations, as it may seem insincere.
One thing to watch for
Using '미안해' in a formal or professional setting.
Try this instead: Use '죄송합니다' instead. For example, '정말 죄송합니다. 제가 잘못했습니다.' This shows proper respect.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I regret not telling you' in Korean?
Show a sample answer
말하지 않은 게 후회돼요.
This uses the pattern 'Verb stem + 지 않은 게 후회돼요' to express regret. Alternatively, '말하지 않은 것을 후회해요' is also correct but less common.
2What is a polite way to ask for forgiveness?
Show a sample answer
용서해 주실 수 있나요?
This is a polite request for forgiveness. In casual situations, you could say '용서해 줄 수 있어?'
3How do you say 'I will make it up to you'?
Show a sample answer
제가 만회할게요.
This expresses your intention to make amends. You can also say '제가 만회하겠습니다' in formal contexts.
For deeper apologies, use 후회돼요 to express regret, admit fault with 잘못했어요, ask for forgiveness with 용서해 주세요, and promise to make amends with 만회할게요. Always match politeness to the relationship.
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