Meaning
An apology for not arriving on time.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is tied to 'Insa' (greeting culture). Even if you are late, a proper greeting and apology can mitigate the social damage. Being late is often seen as a lack of 'Geunmyeon' (diligence). New employees are expected to arrive 15-30 minutes early. On apps like KakaoTalk, people use 'ㅈㅅ' as a shorthand for '죄송' when being casual, but never with elders. Students who are late often have to perform a 'penalty' or simply stand at the back of the room after their apology.
The 15-Degree Bow
When saying this phrase, a small bow makes the apology 10x more sincere in Korean culture.
Don't Over-Explain
Say the apology first, then a brief reason. Too many excuses can seem like you are avoiding responsibility.
Meaning
An apology for not arriving on time.
The 15-Degree Bow
When saying this phrase, a small bow makes the apology 10x more sincere in Korean culture.
Don't Over-Explain
Say the apology first, then a brief reason. Too many excuses can seem like you are avoiding responsibility.
Texting Etiquette
If you're going to be late, text '늦어서 죄송합니다' *before* the appointment time, then say it again in person.
Use '정말' for Impact
Adding '정말' (really) or '진심으로' (sincerely) helps if you are more than 10 minutes late.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct connector to say 'I am sorry because I am late.'
늦____ 죄송합니다.
'-어서' is the standard connector for apologies to indicate the reason.
Which phrase is most appropriate when apologizing to your boss?
Choose the correct one:
'죄송합니다' is the formal version required for superiors.
Complete the dialogue for a student arriving late to class.
Student: ( ), 들어가도 될까요? Professor: 네, 앉으세요.
The student needs to apologize for being late before asking to enter.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are 30 minutes late and want to emphasize your apology.
'많이' (much) and '정말' (really) add necessary weight to a long delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises늦____ 죄송합니다.
'-어서' is the standard connector for apologies to indicate the reason.
Choose the correct one:
'죄송합니다' is the formal version required for superiors.
Student: ( ), 들어가도 될까요? Professor: 네, 앉으세요.
The student needs to apologize for being late before asking to enter.
Situation: You are 30 minutes late and want to emphasize your apology.
'많이' (much) and '정말' (really) add necessary weight to a long delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's too formal. Use '늦어서 미안해' instead.
In a professional setting, still say it. It shows you value their time.
'죄송' is humble/formal (to superiors); '미안' is friendly/polite (to equals/juniors).
Yes, but it's specifically for school or work start times.
'답장이 늦어서 죄송합니다' (Sorry for the late reply) is the most common form.
Yes, a small nod or bow is expected with this formal phrase.
'-기 때문에' sounds like a scientific cause; '-어서' sounds like a personal reason.
Still apologize first if you arrive after them. It's about your own manners.
In very fast/casual settings, '늦어서 죄송함다' but it's not standard.
Yes, '제출이 늦어서 죄송합니다' (I'm sorry the submission is late).
Related Phrases
미안합니다
similarI am sorry (polite)
지각했습니다
specialized formI am late (for school/work)
실례합니다
similarExcuse me
용서해 주세요
builds onPlease forgive me
늦어서 미안해
informalSorry I'm late (informal)
