Korean Pronunciation: A Guide to ‘Sorry‘226

Sorry [미안해]

Expressing regret or apology is a crucial aspect of communication in any language. In Korean, the most common way to say "sorry" is "미안해" (mianhae). This phrase is versatile and can be used in various situations to convey an apology.

Formal vs. Informal "Sorry"

In Korean, the level of formality in language is determined by the context and the relationship between the speakers. There are two main forms of "sorry":
Formal: "죄송합니다" (joesonghamnida)
Informal: "미안해" (mianhae)

The formal form "죄송합니다" is used in more serious situations, particularly when apologizing to someone older or in a position of authority. The informal form "미안해" is more common in everyday conversations among friends and family.

Pronunciation of "미안해"

"미안해" (mianhae) is pronounced as follows:
미 (mi): The vowel sound is similar to the "i" in "sit" but slightly shorter.
안 (an): The vowel sound is a nasalized "ah," pronounced with the back of the mouth slightly open.
해 (hae): The vowel sound is similar to the "ai" in "fair" but slightly longer.

Variations of "Sorry"

In addition to "미안해," there are several other ways to express apology in Korean. These variations often convey different levels of formality or sincerity:* 정말 미안합니다 (jeongmal mianhamnida): Very sorry (formal)
* 큰일 났습니다 (keunilnassdeunida): I'm in big trouble (used when apologizing for a serious mistake)
* 죄송합니다, 제 잘못입니다 (joesonghamnida, je jalmotimnida): I'm sorry, it's my fault
* 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida): Excuse me (can also be used to apologize)

Using "Sorry" in Context

The following examples illustrate how to use "미안해" in different situations:* When apologizing for a minor inconvenience: "미안해요, 조금 늦었어요." (Mianhaeyo, jom jeomeo sseosso.) - Sorry, I'm a little late.
* When apologizing for a mistake: "미안해요, 실수했어요." (Mianhaeyo, silsuhaesseoyo.) - Sorry, I made a mistake.
* When expressing regret: "미안합니다, 그렇게 말해서는 안 됐어요." (Mianhamnida, geureoke malsseoneun an dwaeotseoyo.) - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

Conclusion

Knowing how to express "sorry" in Korean is essential for effective communication. By understanding the different forms and variations of the phrase, you can convey your apologies appropriately in various situations. Remember to pronounce "미안해" correctly and use it with genuine sincerity to show your remorse or regret.

2025-02-08

Previous：Words with “Plum“ in Japanese

Next：How to Write “Bored“ in Japanese