Signification
Admitting to having made an error.
Contexte culturel
In Korean corporate culture, admitting a mistake quickly is often seen as a sign of 'work-readiness' (일머리). However, it is usually followed by a bow or a slight head tilt to show sincerity. The concept of 'Chemyon' (Face) means that if you point out someone else's mistake, they might feel deeply embarrassed. Using '실수' for yourself is humble, but calling someone else's action a '실수' can sometimes be a polite way to let them save face. In Kakaotalk, the phrase is often accompanied by 'ㅠㅠ' or 'ㅜㅜ' to represent crying eyes, which softens the apology and makes it feel more sincere and less robotic. In dramas, you'll often see characters say '제가 {실수|失手}했습니다' in a very loud, stiff voice when being scolded by a superior. This is a trope showing military-style discipline in the workplace.
Add '앗' (At!)
In casual settings, starting with '앗' (Oops!) makes the apology sound more natural and immediate.
Don't over-apologize
Saying '제가 실수했어요' once is enough. Repeating it too many times can make you seem incompetent rather than humble.
Signification
Admitting to having made an error.
Add '앗' (At!)
In casual settings, starting with '앗' (Oops!) makes the apology sound more natural and immediate.
Don't over-apologize
Saying '제가 실수했어요' once is enough. Repeating it too many times can make you seem incompetent rather than humble.
The 'Fix-it' Follow-up
Always follow '제가 실수했어요' with '다음부터 조심하겠습니다' (I will be careful from now on) in professional settings.
Eye Contact
When saying this to a superior, look slightly down or at their chest, not directly in their eyes, to show humility.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate phrase to say to your boss after sending the wrong file.
부장님, 죄송합니다. 제가 파일을 잘못 보내는 _______.
The polite '-어요' ending is required for a boss, and '실수했어요' is the standard verb form.
Fill in the humble pronoun and the verb to complete the apology.
(____) (________)했어요. (I made a mistake - polite)
'제가' is the humble subject marker, and '실수' is the noun for mistake.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits a situation where you accidentally said something rude to a friend?
'말실수' specifically refers to a slip of the tongue, and the informal ending is appropriate for a friend.
Complete the dialogue in a professional manner.
A: 이 보고서에 오타가 있네요. B: 아, 정말요? 죄송합니다. ________________.
In a professional setting, '제가 실수했어요' is the most balanced and polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sil-su vs. Jal-mot
Banque d exercices
4 exercices부장님, 죄송합니다. 제가 파일을 잘못 보내는 _______.
The polite '-어요' ending is required for a boss, and '실수했어요' is the standard verb form.
(____) (________)했어요. (I made a mistake - polite)
'제가' is the humble subject marker, and '실수' is the noun for mistake.
Which phrase fits a situation where you accidentally said something rude to a friend?
'말실수' specifically refers to a slip of the tongue, and the informal ending is appropriate for a friend.
A: 이 보고서에 오타가 있네요. B: 아, 정말요? 죄송합니다. ________________.
In a professional setting, '제가 실수했어요' is the most balanced and polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but change it to '내가 실수했어' (Nae-ga sil-su-hae-sseo) to match the casual level.
No, it can be for mental errors, typos, or social slips as well.
'실수' is an unintentional slip; '잘못' is a more general 'wrong' or 'fault'.
You can say '큰 {실수|失手}를 했어요' (Keun sil-su-reul hae-sseo-yo).
Yes, '제가 실수했어요' is perfectly polite for strangers.
That means 'It was a mistake.' It's slightly more objective and less personal.
Yes, but follow it immediately with '괜찮으세요?' (Are you okay?).
It's a specific noun meaning 'slip of the tongue'.
Yes, from the characters 失 (lose) and 手 (hand).
Yes, though the tone and accompanying honorifics might differ slightly.
Then don't use '제가' (I). You could say '실수가 있었어요' (There was a mistake).
You can say '실수해도 괜찮아요' (It's okay even if you make a mistake).
Expressions liées
잘못했어요
similarI did wrong / It's my fault
착오가 있었습니다
specialized formThere was an error/miscalculation
말실수
specialized formSlip of the tongue
실례했습니다
similarI have committed a discourtesy
반성하고 있습니다
builds onI am reflecting on my actions
