How to Apologize in Korean

Last Updated: October 31, 2019

Apologizing is an important skill in life, more so in a language you don't know very well. It's likely you'll make cultural or language mistakes if you're a tourist or new to the language. So follow the steps below to apologize in Korean!

Steps

1
Learn a little about the language first. The grammar is very different than English's grammar, and the subject of the sentence is often implied, rather than stated.
- You may not need to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet, if you are only visiting the country for a short while, but if you want to speak the language fluently it is a must. Learning to read Hangul can actually be a quick and easy process, some say it only takes a few hours!
2
Understand the difference between formal and informal speech. Informal speech is for family, friends, and people your age or younger.
- If in doubt, just use the formal way of speaking with someone. It will bother people more to be referred to informally when the situation warrants politeness.
- This kind of way to speaking to people isn't limited to Korean, is also used in French, Italian, and German to name just a few.
3
Speak informally. Say "미안해". It is pronounced "Mi-ahn-hae" and means "I'm sorry." It is informal, and can be used with close friends or with people younger than you.
4
Speak formally or with an elder. Say the phrase "미안해요". It means "I am sorry" and is pronounced "Mi-ahn-hae-yo". It is formal, and can be used with someone you don't know well, someone who is older, and someone in a higher position than you.
5
Say the phrase "미안합니다", which means, "I am sorry". This very formal and polite way of apologizing is pronounced "Mi-ahn-ham-ni-da". It can be used with someone you don't know well, someone who is older, someone in a higher position than you.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I say "Good evening" in Korean?

Community Answer

"Annyeonghaseyo" works for most greetings ("Good morning/afternoon/evening/etc.).
Question

How do I say please in Korean?

Community Answer

죄송합니다 (joesonghabnida) is a formal way. You can also say 미안합니다 (mianhabnida).
Question

How do I say "You are the best" in Korean?

Community Answer

네가 최고야 (ne ga choi go ya) is an informal way, and 당신이 최고예요 (dang shin ee choi go ye yo) is formal.
Question

How do I say "Please forgive me" in Korean?

Community Answer

'Yong-seo-hae ju-se-yo' means 'Forgive me'.
Question

Can joesonghabnida also be used as a way of saying sorry?

Audrey Lee

Community Answer

Of course, it is more formal-sounding than mi-an-hab-ni-da, so it may be awkward to use it to your friends but you can use it to elders or people in a higher position.
Question

How do I say goodnight in Korea?

Community Answer

In Korean, 'goodnight' is 잘 자 (jal ja), which is informal. And the formal way of saying 'goodnight' is 잘 자요 (jal jayo) you only attach the 요 in the end.
Question

What gifts are okay when apologizing to Korean staff for being a difficult customer?

Community Answer

You don't need to give gifts to staff when apologizing. If you really wish to, then a small candy, jelly, or a pen would be a good gift for staff.