미안해
mianhae
Sorry (casual)
죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
Sorry (formal/polite)
미안해 (Mianhae) vs 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida): Sorry in Korean
미안해 (mianhae) is the casual way to say sorry in Korean, used with close friends and younger people. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is the formal and deeply respectful apology, used with elders, strangers, and in professional settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 미안해 (mianhae) | 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) | |
|---|---|---|
| Politeness Level | Casual / Informal | Formal / Highly polite |
| Used With | Close friends, younger people, peers | Elders, strangers, bosses, customers |
| Weight of Apology | Light apology, everyday mistakes | Serious apology, shows deep regret |
| Polite Middle Form | 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) | 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo) |
| Written Usage | Texts to friends | Formal emails, business letters |
Examples in Context
Accidentally bumping into a friend — using 미안해
아, 미안해!
Oh, sorry!
Apologizing to your boss for being late — using 죄송합니다
늦어서 죄송합니다.
I'm sorry for being late.
Canceling plans with a close friend — using 미안해
오늘 못 가서 미안해.
Sorry I can't go today.
Apologizing to a customer at work — using 죄송합니다
불편을 드려서 죄송합니다.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 미안해 with your boss or a stranger — this sounds disrespectful; use 죄송합니다 instead
- ✗Saying 죄송합니다 to your close friend for a small thing — it can sound overly distant or sarcastic
- ✗Forgetting the middle-ground form 미안해요 — this works well for semi-formal situations like apologizing to a coworker you're friendly with
- ✗Using 미안 (without 해) in speech — 미안 alone is extremely casual and can sound blunt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 미안해 and 죄송합니다?
미안해 (mianhae) is an informal, casual apology used among friends. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is a formal, respectful apology used with elders, superiors, or strangers. The root word 죄송 carries a heavier sense of remorse than 미안.
Can I say 미안합니다 instead of 죄송합니다?
Yes, 미안합니다 is grammatically correct and polite, but 죄송합니다 is considered more respectful and is the preferred formal apology in Korean. In professional settings, always choose 죄송합니다.
How do I say 'I'm really sorry' in Korean?
Casually: 정말 미안해 (jeongmal mianhae). Formally: 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida). Adding 정말 (really) intensifies the apology in both cases.
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