How to say "Xin lỗi" in Korean

When expressing sorry in Korean, the most important cultural point for beginners to understand is the significance of hierarchy and formality. The choice of apology phrase heavily depends on the speaker's relationship with the listener, their age difference, and the formality of the situation.

Key Apology Phrases by Situation

1. Informal Apologies (with friends or younger individuals)

   • 미안해 (Mianhae)
     • "Sorry" (used with close friends or significantly younger individuals)*
     • 미안해, 오늘이나 같이 밥 먹고 싶었어
       • "Sorry, I wanted to grab dinner with you tonight"* (after canceling plans with a friend)

2. Formal Apologies (with elders, in professional settings, or with someone you don’t know well)

   • 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida)
     • "Sorry" (polite form, used with elders or in formal situations)*
     • 미안합니다, 문서를 늦게 제출했습니다
       • "Sorry, I submitted the document late"* (in a workplace setting)

3. Deep Regret or for Serious Offenses

   • 진심으로 미안합니다 (Jinshim-euro Mianhamnida)
     • "I'm deeply sorry" (for more serious offenses or to express profound regret)*
     • 진심으로 미안합니다, 그 일로 인해 많은 불편을 겪으셨습니다
       • "I'm deeply sorry for the inconvenience that incident caused"* (after a significant mistake)

Quick Cheat Sheet

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start with 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida) for its versatility in both formal and slightly informal situations, ensuring you're respectful across various encounters.