💬 Phrases A1

죄송합니다

joesonghamnida

I'm sorry (formal)

What it means

A formal apology meaning I am sorry or I apologize. Used in serious situations or when speaking to someone of higher status.

Nuance & when to use

More formal and heavier than 미안합니다. Use 죄송합니다 in professional settings, with strangers, or for significant mistakes. Use 미안해 (mianhae) with close friends.

⚠ Common mistake

Using 미안해 with a boss or elder seems too casual. Match the formality level: 죄송합니다 for formal, 미안해 for friends.

Example sentences

늦어서 죄송합니다. Neujeoseo joesonghamnida. I'm sorry for being late.

실수를 해서 죄송합니다. Silsureul haeseo joesonghamnida. I'm sorry for making a mistake.

많이 기다리셨죠? 죄송합니다. Mani gidarisyeotjyo? Joesonghamnida. You waited a long time, didn't you? I'm sorry.

불편하셨다면 죄송합니다. Bulpyeonhasyeotdamyeon joesonghamnida. I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable.

FAQ

When is this used?

More formal and heavier than 미안합니다. Use 죄송합니다 in professional settings, with strangers, or for significant mistakes. Use 미안해 (mianhae) with close friends.

What's a common mistake?

Using 미안해 with a boss or elder seems too casual. Match the formality level: 죄송합니다 for formal, 미안해 for friends.

Ready to learn more Korean?

Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.

Get Daily Korean Free →

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime