Responding to Sorry in Korean: Accept Apologies Politely with 괜찮아요 and More
Learn how to respond when someone says sorry in Korean. Master 괜찮아요, 괜찮습니다, and other polite replies for everyday situations.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When someone apologizes in Korean, the most common and versatile response is 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo), meaning 'It's okay' or 'No problem.' This lesson teaches you how to accept an apology gracefully in different politeness levels, from casual to formal. You'll learn key phrases, when to use each, and practice with a realistic dialogue. By the end, you'll confidently respond to 'Sorry I'm late' or 'Sorry for the mistake' in Korean.
By the end, you can…
- respond to an apology in Korean using 괜찮아요 and other appropriate phrases.
- choose the right politeness level when accepting an apology in Korean.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
괜찮아요.
It's okay. / No problem.
gwaenchanayo
Standard polite response, suitable for most everyday situations with strangers, acquaintances, or coworkers.
괜찮습니다.
It's okay. / No problem. (formal)
gwaenchansseumnida
Formal polite form, used in professional settings, with elders, or in announcements.
전혀 문제 없어요.
No problem at all.
jeonhyeo munje eopseoyo
Emphasizes that there is no issue; polite and reassuring.
신경 쓰지 마세요.
Don't worry about it.
singyeong sseuji maseyo
Polite way to tell someone not to worry; softer than direct dismissal.
아니에요, 괜찮아요.
No, it's okay.
anieyo, gwaenchanayo
Combines a gentle denial with reassurance; common when someone apologizes unnecessarily.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern for accepting an apology is 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo). It literally means 'It is okay' and functions as 'No problem' or 'It's fine.' You can use it alone or add a polite opener like 아니에요 (anieyo, 'No') to soften it: 아니에요, 괜찮아요. For formal situations, replace -아요 with -습니다: 괜찮습니다 (gwaenchansseumnida). To say 'Don't worry,' use 신경 쓰지 마세요 (singyeong sseuji maseyo). These patterns work regardless of the apology's content.
When to use it
Use 괜찮아요 with friends, acquaintances, or strangers in everyday situations—when someone bumps into you, is late, or makes a small mistake. Use 괜찮습니다 in formal contexts: with your boss, a professor, or in customer service. If the apology is for something minor, 신경 쓰지 마세요 is warm and reassuring. If someone apologizes for something that truly doesn't bother you, 전혀 문제 없어요 emphasizes that. Avoid using casual 반말 (banmal) like 괜찮아 with strangers or superiors unless you know them well.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
늦어서 미안해요.
Sorry I'm late.neujeoseo mianhaeyo괜찮아요. 별일 아니에요.
It's okay. It's no big deal.gwaenchanayo. byeolil anieyo기다리게 해서 죄송해요.
I'm sorry to make you wait.gidarige haeseo joesonghaeyo신경 쓰지 마세요. 괜찮습니다.
Don't worry about it. It's fine.singyeong sseuji maseyo. gwaenchansseumnidaA little context goes a long way
Korean politeness levels are important. Using 괜찮아요 is safe in most situations, but with someone older or in a formal setting, 괜찮습니다 shows more respect. Also, a slight bow or nod often accompanies the phrase to convey sincerity. Koreans may also say 아니에요 (anieyo) to mean 'It's nothing' when accepting an apology.
One thing to watch for
Using casual 괜찮아 with a stranger or superior.
Try this instead: Use 괜찮아요 or 괜찮습니다 instead. For example, say 괜찮아요 to a coworker you don't know well.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your friend apologizes for being late. What polite phrase can you use to say 'It's okay'?
Show a sample answer
괜찮아요.
괜찮아요 is the standard polite response. You could also say 아니에요, 괜찮아요 for extra reassurance.
2Your boss apologizes for a mistake. How do you respond formally?
Show a sample answer
괜찮습니다.
괜찮습니다 is the formal polite form. Using 괜찮아요 would be too casual in this context.
3Someone apologizes for something trivial. What phrase means 'Don't worry about it'?
Show a sample answer
신경 쓰지 마세요.
신경 쓰지 마세요 is a polite way to tell someone not to worry. It's appropriate for minor issues.
Remember: 괜찮아요 is your go-to for accepting apologies in most situations. For formal settings, use 괜찮습니다. Always match the politeness level to the relationship and context.
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