🚨 Korean Emergency Numbers and What to Do

Ever felt sorry in Korean but didn’t know the right word to use—미안해 vs 죄송합니다?

In Korean, apologizing and expressing regret are deeply tied to social hierarchy and politeness. In this guide, you’ll learn essential expressions, their nuances, and cultural tips to avoid awkward moments—perfect for TOPIK 3–4 learners.

📚 Table of Contents

• Why Apologies Are Important in Korean Culture
• Key Phrases for Regret and Apology
• Practice Dialogue
• Did You Know?
• Final Thoughts

💡 Why Apologies Are Important in Korean Culture

Apologies in Korea are more than simple manners—they reflect humility and respect. Whether you bump into someone on the subway or make a mistake at work, choosing the correct phrase is crucial. Unlike English “sorry,” Korean has multiple expressions depending on formality and situation.

Example: In a business email, “죄송합니다” is used, while among friends, “미안해” is natural.

📖 Key Phrases for Regret and Apology

1. 미안해 / 미안해요
Sorry (casual/polite) – Used with friends, family, or peers.

2. 죄송합니다
I apologize (formal) – For workplace, strangers, or official contexts.

3. 미안하지만…
Sorry, but… – Softens a refusal or bad news.

4. 잘못했어요
I was wrong – Admitting fault directly; often used with kids or informal settings.

5. 후회해요
I regret it – Expresses personal regret about past actions.

6. 실례합니다
Excuse me – Used when passing through a crowd or interrupting politely.

🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 어제 약속을 못 지켜서 미안해.
Eoje yaksogeul mot jikyeoseo mianhae.
I’m sorry I couldn’t keep the promise yesterday.

B: 괜찮아. 다음에 만나면 돼.
Gwaenchanha. Da-eum-e mannamyeon dwae.
It’s okay. We can meet next time.

🧩 Quick Check: How would you apologize to your boss for being late to work? (Hint: Use the formal form.)

🌏 Did You Know?

In Korean culture, apologizing can even occur when you are not at fault. For example, saying “죄송합니다” when someone else bumps into you is common—it shows empathy rather than guilt. This reflects Korea’s collectivist social values.

📦 Final Thoughts

Mastering apology expressions helps you navigate relationships smoothly in Korea, whether at school, work, or with friends. As you progress, try observing how Koreans soften their tone with facial expressions and body language—communication goes beyond words.

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!

🔗 Related Posts

• What Should I Do? How to Give Advice in Korean
  Learn advice-giving expressions commonly used in Korean conversations.
• Making Suggestions with -(으)ㄹ까요?
  Explore how to propose ideas politely with friends or colleagues.
• Formal Debate Expressions in Korean
  Discover expressions to agree or disagree in structured discussions.
• Common Mistakes English Speakers Make in Korean
  Avoid frequent errors and improve your Korean fluency.

🎓 Want to practice apologizing naturally in Korean?
Book a 1:1 lesson on italki and get real-time feedback on pronunciation and usage.

💬 Stay connected for new updates:

📄 Save this post: Bookmark or copy the link for later.

📤 Share with a friend: Spread Korean learning together!

💬 Leave a comment: Which apology phrase will you try using this week?

About the Author

I’m a Korean language teacher with over 20 years of experience in the F&B franchise industry and Korean education. I teach students from 20+ countries on italki and create structured learning materials for TOPIK preparation and real-life Korean usage.

Related Posts