What does 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) mean?
- 죄송합니다joesonghamnida
I'm sorry (formal)
Formal: strangers, work, customers
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) means "I'm sorry" in Korean. It is the formal, respectful apology you use with customers, bosses, teachers, elders and strangers. It is stronger and more polite than 미안합니다.
Where it comes from
죄송 is a Sino-Korean word for feeling at fault and ashamed, and 합니다 is the formal ending of 하다. So it means "I feel at fault" or "I am sorry."
How to use 죄송합니다
Use it whenever you apologize to someone above you or to someone you do not know. Staff say it to customers, and students say it to teachers.
죄송해요 is the polite but softer version, common in everyday speech. 미안해 is only for friends, family and younger people.
Adding 정말 (really) or 진심으로 (sincerely) makes the apology deeper. A small bow usually goes with it.
Examples
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Arriving late to a meeting
A store clerk to a customer
Bumping into an older stranger
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송해요 | I'm sorry | Polite, a bit softer. |
| 정말 죄송합니다 | I'm really sorry | Stronger apology. |
| 죄송하지만 | Sorry, but | Used before a request. |
| 미안합니다 | I'm sorry | Formal but less humble; often to equals or juniors. |
| 미안해 | Sorry | Casual. |
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between joesonghamnida and mianhamnida?
Both mean "I'm sorry." 죄송합니다 is humbler and is the right choice for elders, bosses and customers. 미안합니다 is used more with equals or people younger than you.
How do you reply to joesonghamnida?
Say 괜찮아요 (it's okay) or 괜찮습니다 (formal).