A1 Expression Formal

죄송합니다

2

I'm sorry

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use '죄송합니다' to offer a formal, sincere apology to strangers, superiors, or in professional settings.

  • Means: A formal way to say 'I am sorry' or 'Excuse me'.
  • Used in: Professional settings, speaking to elders, or addressing strangers.
  • Don't confuse: Do not use with close friends; use '미안해' instead.
Polite bow + Sincere eyes = Respectful apology

Explanation at your level:

This is the most important word for saying 'I'm sorry' in Korea. Use it when you make a mistake or need to talk to a stranger. It is very polite and safe to use with everyone.
Beyond simple apologies, '죄송합니다' acts as a social buffer. You will use it to initiate requests, such as asking for the bill at a restaurant or asking someone to move aside in a crowded subway station. It signals that you are aware of social boundaries.
At this level, you should understand that '죄송합니다' carries a specific weight of formality. It is distinct from '미안합니다' in that it carries a slightly higher level of deference. You should use it in professional environments, such as emails to colleagues or when addressing a client, to maintain a respectful and competent image.
The usage of '죄송합니다' reflects the speaker's grasp of Korean hierarchical social structures. It is not merely a linguistic choice but a strategic one. By choosing this over '죄송해요', you are consciously opting for a formal register that minimizes the risk of appearing rude or overly familiar in high-stakes social interactions.
From a sociolinguistic perspective, '죄송합니다' functions as a phatic expression that maintains social equilibrium. Its etymological roots in 'fear' (悚) underscore the historical importance of face-saving in Korean culture. Advanced learners should recognize that the frequency of its use is often higher than its English equivalent, 'I'm sorry', because it serves as a preemptive apology to mitigate potential social friction.
The mastery of '죄송합니다' involves navigating the nuances of 'honorifics' and 'face'. It is a performative act of humility that reinforces the speaker's alignment with Confucian social values. In C2-level discourse, one must discern when the apology is a genuine admission of error versus a ritualized social gesture intended to preserve the 'chemyon' (face) of both the speaker and the interlocutor, effectively neutralizing potential interpersonal conflict before it escalates.

Significado

A formal and polite apology for a mistake or inconvenience.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Apologizing is a way to maintain social harmony. Formal apologies are mandatory for professional errors. Used to navigate through crowds. Always use formal language regardless of closeness.

🎯

The Bow

When saying '죄송합니다' in a formal setting, a slight nod or bow makes the apology much more sincere.

💬

Don't Over-apologize

While polite, saying it too much can make you seem unconfident.

Significado

A formal and polite apology for a mistake or inconvenience.

🎯

The Bow

When saying '죄송합니다' in a formal setting, a slight nod or bow makes the apology much more sincere.

💬

Don't Over-apologize

While polite, saying it too much can make you seem unconfident.

Ponte a prueba

Which is the most appropriate way to apologize to your professor?

Choose the correct phrase.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 죄송합니다

Always use formal language with professors.

Fill in the blank for a formal apology.

늦어서 __________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 죄송합니다

Use the formal apology for being late.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Preguntas frecuentes

2 preguntas

No, it is too formal. Use '미안해' instead.

Yes, it is often used to get attention in public.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

미안합니다

similar

I am sorry

🔗

죄송해요

builds on

I am sorry

🔗

실례합니다

similar

Excuse me

Dónde usarla

🚶

Bumping into someone

You: 죄송합니다!

Stranger: 아, 괜찮습니다.

formal
🍽️

Asking for the bill

You: 죄송합니다, 계산 좀 부탁드려요.

Waiter: 네, 잠시만 기다려 주세요.

formal
⏰

Being late

You: 늦어서 죄송합니다.

Boss: 다음부터는 일찍 오세요.

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Joe' (죄) 'Song' (송) 'Ham' (함) 'Ni' (니) 'Da' (다). Joe sings a sad song because he made a mistake.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing deeply in a suit. The word '죄송' looks like a person kneeling (죄) and feeling a heavy weight (송) on their shoulders.

Rhyme

When you make a mistake, don't be a drama, just say '죄송합니다'.

Story

Min-su accidentally spilled coffee on his boss's desk. He immediately bowed and said, '죄송합니다!' The boss looked up, saw Min-su's sincere face, and forgave him. Min-su learned that a quick, formal apology saves the day.

Word Web

미안하다사과하다송구하다실수불편용서

Desafío

For one day, whenever you need to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry' in your native language, mentally translate it to '죄송합니다'.

In Other Languages

Japanese high

すみません (Sumimasen)

Sumimasen is slightly more versatile for 'thank you' in some contexts.

French moderate

Je suis désolé

Korean's '죄송합니다' is used more frequently for minor inconveniences.

Spanish moderate

Lo siento

Korean usage is more tied to social hierarchy.

German moderate

Entschuldigung

Korean is more likely to be used for attention-seeking.

Arabic moderate

أنا آسف (Ana asif)

Arabic has more religious-based variations.

Chinese high

对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)

Korean is used more often for minor social interactions.

Portuguese moderate

Desculpe

Portuguese is more flexible with register.

English low

I am sorry

English speakers apologize less frequently for minor inconveniences.

Easily Confused

죄송합니다 vs 실례합니다

Learners often use this for apologies.

Use '실례합니다' for 'excuse me' (interrupting), use '죄송합니다' for 'I'm sorry' (mistake).

Preguntas frecuentes (2)

No, it is too formal. Use '미안해' instead.

Yes, it is often used to get attention in public.

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