What does 미안해 (mianhae) mean?
- 미안해mianhae
I'm sorry
Casual: friends and people younger than you
미안해 (mianhae) means "I'm sorry" in Korean. It is the casual form, used with friends, younger people and family. For strangers or older people, use 미안해요 or 죄송합니다.
Where it comes from
It comes from 미안하다 (mianhada), "to feel sorry." 미안 is a Sino-Korean word meaning roughly "not at ease."
How to use 미안해
Use 미안해 for everyday apologies with people close to you, like being late or forgetting to reply.
With a boss, a teacher or a stranger, 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is the safe choice. It is more formal and respectful than 미안해요.
Just 미안 on its own is even more casual, like "my bad" or "sorry!"
Examples
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Arriving late to meet a friend
Apologizing to an older coworker you're friendly with
Making up after an argument
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 미안해요 | I'm sorry (polite) | Polite form. |
| 미안 | Sorry / my bad | Very casual short version. |
| 정말 미안해 | I'm really sorry | Stronger apology. |
| 죄송합니다 | I apologize | A different, formal word for apologizing. |
Hear it in songs
Real lines from songs broken down on Hanbok. Open a song to see every line explained.
- 미안해하지 마 이게 마지막이 아니잖아 머지않아서 만날 거니까Don't feel sorry, this isn't the end, we'll meet again before long, so...Moon · ASTRO
- 그저 ‘미안해’란 한마디만 해주면 돼요Just tell me 'I'm sorry,' and that's all I need.I Like You · DAY6
- 미안해 그냥 내가 잘못했어I'm sorry, it's my fault, I messed up.Collision · Stray Kids
- 지금이라도 널 안고 싶어 미안해Even now, I want to hold you, I'm sorry.miss you · Stray Kids
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between mianhae and joesonghamnida?
미안해 is casual and 죄송합니다 is formal and respectful. Use 죄송합니다 with elders, customers, teachers and bosses.
How do you reply to mianhae?
A common reply is 괜찮아 (gwaenchana), "It's okay."