Meaning
죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
I am sorry
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This is a standard, polite, and universally understood apology that can be used in most situations where a formal tone is appropriate, such as to strangers, elders, or in business settings. It conveys a strong sense of respect and responsibility. While polite, it might feel a bit stiff if used to very close friends for minor issues where a more casual '미안해 (mianhae)' would suffice.
💬 Used in real life
• Said by an employee to a customer after making a mistake with their order.
• Used when accidentally bumping into someone in a crowded place.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
죄송joesongnoun
noun
Meaning 'apology' or 'being sorry'.
-합니다-hamnidaverb ending (formal, declarative)
verb ending (formal, declarative)
A very formal and polite declarative ending, often used with '하다' (to do) verbs to express an action or state.
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
Heard another Korean expression?
Decode it instantly — or tell us what you want to say.