Meaning
A casual and common way to apologize to someone.
Cultural Background
Bowing is essential. A 15-30 degree bow while saying '죄송해요' shows you are sincere. Forgetting to bow can make the apology seem fake. In offices, '죄송합니다' is preferred over '죄송해요'. Using '해요' style with a CEO might be seen as too casual. Younger people often use '미안해요' among themselves even if they aren't close, as it feels slightly friendlier than '죄송해요'. In KakaoTalk, using emojis like 🙇♂️ (bowing man) alongside '죄송해요' is a common way to show sincerity in a digital format.
The Bowing Rule
Always tilt your head or upper body. A verbal apology without a physical gesture can feel cold in Korea.
Avoid 'Mian' with Elders
Never say '미안' or '미안해' to someone older than you unless you are very close family.
Meaning
A casual and common way to apologize to someone.
The Bowing Rule
Always tilt your head or upper body. A verbal apology without a physical gesture can feel cold in Korea.
Avoid 'Mian' with Elders
Never say '미안' or '미안해' to someone older than you unless you are very close family.
Add '정말' for Sincerity
Saying '정말 죄송해요' (Jeongmal joesonghaeyo) adds a layer of 'really' that makes you sound much more sincere.
The 'No Problem' Response
When someone says '죄송해요' to you, the most natural response is '아니에요, 괜찮아요' (No, it's okay).
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct apology.
You accidentally bump into an elderly person at the market.
You must use the polite '죄송해요' with elders and strangers.
Complete the sentence to say 'I'm sorry for being late.'
____ 죄송해요.
늦다 (to be late) + 아서/어서 = 늦어서.
Which of these is the MOST formal?
Choose the most formal apology.
The '-합니다' ending is the highest level of formal politeness.
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
A: 제 발을 밟으셨어요. (You stepped on my foot.) B: 앗, ____!
When you step on someone's foot, you must apologize.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Apology Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou accidentally bump into an elderly person at the market.
You must use the polite '죄송해요' with elders and strangers.
____ 죄송해요.
늦다 (to be late) + 아서/어서 = 늦어서.
Choose the most formal apology.
The '-합니다' ending is the highest level of formal politeness.
A: 제 발을 밟으셨어요. (You stepped on my foot.) B: 앗, ____!
When you step on someone's foot, you must apologize.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but it sounds very formal. It might make your friend think you are mad or being sarcastic. Stick to '미안해'.
죄송합니다 is more formal (hapsho-che). Use it in business or with people much higher in rank. 죄송해요 is for daily polite life.
Many young Koreans say '쏘리' (ssori) casually, but it's not appropriate for formal situations or with elders.
You can say '제 친구가 죄송해요' (My friend is sorry) or '대신 사과드려요' (I apologize on their behalf).
For minor things like bumping into someone, a small head nod is enough. For bigger mistakes, a deeper waist bow is better.
Yes, if you are interrupting someone or trying to get through a crowd, '죄송해요' works well.
Always default to '죄송해요'. It is the safest choice for any stranger.
Yes, 'ㅈㅅ' is common among friends, but never use it with a boss!
Add '정말' (jeongmal) or '진심으로' (jinsimeuro) before '죄송해요'.
It's part of maintaining social harmony and showing respect for others' feelings (Kibun).
Related Phrases
미안해요
similarI'm sorry (polite)
실례합니다
specialized formExcuse me
사과하다
builds onTo apologize
용서하세요
builds onPlease forgive me
괜찮아요
contrastIt's okay
