“Sorry” in Korean

The English word "sorry" has several Korean translations depending on politeness and semantics. We will first distinguish between the separate uses of English's "sorry:"

• the first is adjectival, meaning "apologetic;"

• the second is an interjection used to get a stranger's attention, or to pass through a crowd;

• the third is to offer condolences, as in "I'm sorry that happened."

These three uses are not interchangeable in Korean!

To be apologetic

미안하다

To feel apologetic.

• Formal, polite.

• Most used apology in everyday conversation.

• Often shortened to 미안 when used as a casual interjection.

미안합니다

"I am sorry."

죄송하다

To feel apologetic.

• Slightly more formal, slightly more polite.

• Reserved for formal settings or for times you really fucked up.[cite:@surinampam2023differences@wiktionarythefreedictionary2025sorry]

죄송합니다

"I am sorry."

“Excuse me!”

처기요

Lit. "over there."

• Often used to call the attention of a waiter in a café.

“My condolences...”

References

• [cite:@talktomeinkorean2015talk]