How to Say Sorry in Korean: Casual and Formal
Korean sorry changes with how close you are and how formal the moment is. The same apology can be casual, polite, or deeply formal depending on the ending. Here is how to pick the right one and not offend anyone.
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The main ways to say sorry
Korean builds politeness into the verb ending, so one idea of sorry appears at several levels. Here are the key forms, from most casual to most formal.
- 미안 (mian) sorry, very casual
- 미안해 (mianhae) sorry, casual
- 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) sorry, polite
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) I am sorry, formal
The level you choose signals your relationship with the listener. Using casual mianhae with an elder or stranger can sound rude, while a stiff joesonghamnida with a close friend feels distant. Matching the level to the person is the whole skill, and the sections below walk through it.
Mian and mianhae for close friends
The most casual apologies come from the root mian. Use these only with people you are close to and roughly your age or younger.
- 미안 (mian) a quick, very casual sorry
- 미안해 (mianhae) sorry, casual and common among friends
These fit friends, siblings, and people you have a close, informal relationship with. They are warm and natural in that setting, like a quick sorry between friends in English. The important rule is not to use them with elders, strangers, teachers, or anyone above you in status, where they come across as too familiar or even disrespectful. Save the casual forms for people you would speak informally with anyway.
Mianhaeyo, the polite middle ground
Adding the polite ending yo gives you mianhaeyo, a friendly but respectful sorry that works in many everyday situations.
This is a comfortable middle ground for people you are on polite terms with but not deeply formal with, such as acquaintances, coworkers you are friendly with, or slightly older peers. There is also joesonghaeyo (죄송해요), which is a touch more formal and respectful than mianhaeyo while still using the softer yo ending. When you are unsure whether casual is appropriate, stepping up to mianhaeyo is a safe, warm choice that rarely offends.
Joesonghamnida for formal apologies
For formal situations, or when you genuinely need to show respect and sincerity, Korean uses the most polished ending.
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) I am sorry, formal and respectful
- 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) sorry, formal, slightly less deferential than joesong
Joesonghamnida is the standard for apologizing to strangers, elders, customers, or in any professional setting. It sounds sincere and proper. Mianhamnida is also formal but built on the mian root, and many speakers feel joesong carries a touch more deference. When in doubt with someone you should respect, joesonghamnida is the reliable, safe choice.
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Pronunciation notes that matter
Korean is written in Hangul, an alphabet that is quick to learn, and these words are approachable.
- 미안해 is mi-an-hae, three syllables, ending in a sound like the English word hay.
- 미안해요 adds yo, so mi-an-hae-yo.
- 죄송합니다 is joe-song-ham-ni-da, said smoothly, where the final ni-da is the formal ending.
Korean syllables are fairly even in length. The joe in joesonghamnida starts with a j and a rounded vowel, close to jweh. Keep an even pace and clear syllables, and you will be understood well. Do not worry about perfect intonation at first.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few slips are common, and each is easy to fix.
- Using casual mianhae with an elder, stranger, or superior, where it sounds disrespectful. Use joesonghamnida instead.
- Using very formal joesonghamnida with a close friend, which feels oddly distant.
- Forgetting that the yo ending is what makes mianhaeyo polite rather than casual.
Because Korean politeness levels are tied so closely to relationships, the real skill is reading the situation and choosing the right ending. Practicing short exchanges, even with an AI speaking partner, helps you move smoothly between casual, polite, and formal so the right level comes out without hesitation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to say sorry in Korean?
Among friends, 미안해 (mianhae) is common and casual. In polite or formal settings, 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is the standard. The right one depends on your relationship with the listener.
What is the difference between mianhae and joesonghamnida?
미안해 (mianhae) is casual, for close friends and people younger or your age. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is formal and respectful, for strangers, elders, and professional settings.
When should I use mianhaeyo?
미안해요 (mianhaeyo) is a polite middle ground for acquaintances, friendly coworkers, or slightly older peers. The yo ending makes it respectful without being deeply formal.
Is it rude to use mianhae with an elder?
Yes, it can be. Casual forms like mianhae are for close, informal relationships. With elders, strangers, or superiors, use the formal joesonghamnida to show proper respect.