Meaning
A more formal and earnest apology than '미안합니다'.
Cultural Background
The '90-degree bow' is reserved for extreme apologies (like a company CEO apologizing for a data breach). For daily use of '죄송합니다', a 15 to 30-degree bow is standard. In offices, '죄송합니다' is often the first word spoken when a mistake is discovered, even before an explanation is given. This shows you prioritize the relationship over your ego. In KakaoTalk, people often use emojis like 🙇 (bowing person) alongside '죄송합니다' to soften the tone and show sincerity through text. On crowded subways, a quick '죄송합니다' while moving through a crowd is considered very polite, though many younger people now use '잠시만요' (Just a moment).
The Bow Matters
Always lower your gaze and nod your head slightly. Eye contact during an apology can sometimes be seen as defiant in Korea.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your Korean best friend, they might think you are being cold or trying to end the friendship.
Meaning
A more formal and earnest apology than '미안합니다'.
The Bow Matters
Always lower your gaze and nod your head slightly. Eye contact during an apology can sometimes be seen as defiant in Korea.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your Korean best friend, they might think you are being cold or trying to end the friendship.
Add '정말'
If you really messed up, say '정말 정말 죄송합니다' (I am really, really sorry) to show extra sincerity.
Sympathy vs. Apology
Remember: if someone's grandmother passed away, do NOT say '죄송합니다'. Say '삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다' or just '어떡해요'.
Test Yourself
You are late for a job interview. What do you say to the interviewer?
늦어서 ________.
In a job interview, you must use the highest formal level of apology.
Complete the sentence to say 'I am sorry for making a mistake' using the '-어서' pattern.
실수____ 죄송합니다.
The '-어서/아서' ending is used to provide the reason for the apology.
Match the apology to the person.
1. Best Friend, 2. CEO, 3. Younger Brother
Use '죄송합니다' for the CEO and '미안해' for friends and younger siblings.
Complete the dialogue in a polite way.
A: 제 발을 밟으셨어요! (You stepped on my foot!) B: 아! ________.
When you cause physical discomfort to a stranger, '죄송합니다' is the standard response.
Match the Korean to the English meaning.
1. 정말 죄송합니다, 2. 죄송하지만, 3. 늦어서 죄송합니다
These are common variations of the phrase.
Which of the following is NOT a correct use of 죄송합니다?
Select the incorrect context:
죄송합니다 is for when you are at fault, not for expressing sympathy for something you didn't cause.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Korean Apology Ladder
Practice Bank
6 exercises늦어서 ________.
In a job interview, you must use the highest formal level of apology.
실수____ 죄송합니다.
The '-어서/아서' ending is used to provide the reason for the apology.
1. Best Friend, 2. CEO, 3. Younger Brother
Use '죄송합니다' for the CEO and '미안해' for friends and younger siblings.
A: 제 발을 밟으셨어요! (You stepped on my foot!) B: 아! ________.
When you cause physical discomfort to a stranger, '죄송합니다' is the standard response.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the phrase.
Select the incorrect context:
죄송합니다 is for when you are at fault, not for expressing sympathy for something you didn't cause.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes. '죄송' uses more formal Hanja roots and is the standard for addressing superiors or strangers.
It's grammatically correct but socially very strange. It sounds like you are making fun of them or being extremely sarcastic.
Use '미안해' (Mian-hae).
'죄송합니다' is very formal (Hasipsio-che), while '죄송해요' is polite but slightly less formal (Haeyo-che).
Yes, especially when you are about to bother someone, like '죄송합니다만...' (I'm sorry, but...).
Keep them at your sides or folded in front of you. Do not put them in your pockets.
Mostly, but only for apologies. It cannot be used to express sympathy for something that isn't your fault.
Young people might text 'ㅈㅅ' (the consonants of 죄송), but this is extremely casual and should never be used with elders.
Use '진심으로 사죄드립니다' (I sincerely offer a deep apology).
You can say '괜찮습니다' (It's okay) or '아니에요' (No, it's nothing).
Bowing is a physical manifestation of the humility expressed in the word.
Yes, it is the standard way to apologize in professional emails.
Yes, but they also use '미안합니다' frequently in formal settings. '죄송' is understood but '미안' is very common there.
It is {罪|죄} (sin) and {悚|송} (fear).
Related Phrases
미안합니다
similarI am sorry (Polite)
사과드립니다
specialized formI offer an apology
실례합니다
similarExcuse me
송구합니다
synonymI am sorry/ashamed
잘못했습니다
builds onI did wrong
용서해 주세요
builds onPlease forgive me
