Whether you bump into someone on the subway or need to get a waiter’s attention, Korean has specific phrases for sorry and excuse me. English often uses “sorry” for both apology and polite interruption. Korean usually separates these ideas more clearly.
This guide teaches the essential phrases, the right politeness level, and real situations so you can sound polite without over-apologizing — or under-apologizing.
Sorry vs excuse me: the key difference
- Apology (I did something wrong / I feel bad): 죄송합니다, 미안합니다, 미안해
- Getting attention / passing through / “excuse me”: 실례합니다, 잠시만요, 죄송한데…
Knowing which bucket you need saves awkward moments.
1. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) — standard polite apology
- Hangul: 죄송합니다
- Romanization: joesonghamnida
- Meaning: I’m sorry (polite/formal)
This is your public default — stores, streets, restaurants, workplaces.
Use when
- You bump into someone
- You are late
- You make a small mistake with staff
- You need a polite apology with strangers
Example
- You step on someone’s foot on the bus → 죄송합니다.
2. 죄송합니다만 / 죄송한데… — soft “excuse me, but…”
Koreans often start a request with an apology tone.
- 죄송한데… (joesonghande…) — Sorry, but… / Excuse me, but…
- Useful before asking a question
Example
- 죄송한데, 이 버스 시청 가나요?
Excuse me, does this bus go to City Hall?
This pattern feels natural and polite.
3. 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) — polite “sorry”
- Hangul: 미안합니다
- Romanization: mianhamnida
- Meaning: I’m sorry (polite)
Similar to 죄송합니다 in many everyday contexts. Some speakers feel 죄송합니다 is a bit more formal/serious, while 미안합니다 can feel slightly more personal — but both are acceptable polite apologies.
4. 미안해 (mianhae) — casual sorry
- Hangul: 미안해
- Romanization: mianhae
- Meaning: Sorry (informal)
Only with close friends or people who use 반말 with you.
Example
- You’re late to meet a friend → 미안해!
5. 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) — polite soft sorry
- Hangul: 미안해요
- Romanization: mianhaeyo
- Uses the friendly -요 ending
Good with acquaintances, classmates, and friendly service situations where full formal -습니다 feels heavy.
Excuse me: phrases you actually need
실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
Classic “excuse me” for polite interruption or passing through.
Examples
- Moving through a crowded aisle
- Entering a room / interrupting briefly
잠시만요 (jamsimanyo)
“Just a moment” / “Excuse me for a second.”
Extremely common when squeezing past people.
저기요 (jeogiyo)
“Excuse me?” to call staff — café, restaurant, shop.
Literally like “over there,” used to get attention politely.
Café example
- You need water → 저기요, 물 주세요.
잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo)
Similar to 잠시만요 — “one moment / excuse me a second.”
Quick reference
| Phrase | Use | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | Apology | Polite/formal |
| 미안합니다 / 미안해요 | Apology | Polite |
| 미안해 | Apology | Casual |
| 실례합니다 | Excuse me / interruption | Polite |
| 잠시만요 / 잠깐만요 | Passing through | Polite soft |
| 저기요 | Calling staff | Polite everyday |
| 죄송한데… | Soft lead-in to a question | Polite |
Situation guide
On the subway
You brush past someone: 죄송합니다. or 잠시만요.
In a restaurant
Need the server: 저기요.
Wrong order arrives and you mention it politely: 죄송한데, 이건 제가 시킨 게 아닌 것 같아요.
In class
Late entry: 죄송합니다. (and go quietly to your seat)
With friends
Forgot the tickets: 미안해. / 진짜 미안해.
How to accept an apology
If someone apologizes to you:
- 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) — It’s okay
- 아니에요 — It’s nothing
- Smile + nod is often enough for tiny bumps in public
Cultural tips
- Small bumps get small apologies. A quick 죄송합니다 is normal; a long speech is not.
- Voice tone matters. Soft and brief beats loud and dramatic.
- 저기요 is not rude in customer contexts — it’s standard.
- Don’t use 미안해 with older strangers.
- For serious mistakes (breaking something, major inconvenience), 죄송합니다 is safer than casual forms.
Practice dialogues
Crowded café exit
You: 잠시만요.
(person moves)
You: 감사합니다.
Asking a stranger
You: 죄송한데, 홍대입구역이 어디예요?
Stranger: 이쪽이요.
Friend hangout
You: 늦어서 미안해.
Friend: 괜찮아.
Memory plan (10 minutes a day)
- Day 1–2: 죄송합니다 + 잠시만요
- Day 3–4: 저기요 + 죄송한데
- Day 5: 미안해 / 미안해요 contrast
- Day 6–7: Record yourself in 3 roleplays (subway, café, friend)
Common learner mistakes
- Using only English “sorry” intonation on Korean words
- Calling staff with 미안합니다 instead of 저기요
- Overusing ultra-formal language with close friends
- Forgetting a thank you after someone makes space for you
Final thoughts
To handle sorry and excuse me in Korean, memorize this starter kit:
- 죄송합니다 — apology default
- 잠시만요 — passing through
- 저기요 — call staff
- 미안해 — friends only
With these four, you can navigate daily Korean life politely and confidently.
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