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How to Say “I’m sorry” in Korean: 미안해 (mianhae)
미안해
mianhae
Meaning
I’m sorry.
Usage note
Casual speech among friends. The polite form is 미안해요, and in formal situations use 죄송합니다.
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
Practical guide
When to use it
Apologize to close friends, partners and younger siblings. 진짜 미안해 sounds more sincere.
Watch out
It’s impolite to elders and bosses. For them use 죄송합니다, or at least 미안해요 for small things.
How to pronounce it
It is pronounced just as it is written.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 미 | ㅁ+ㅣ | mi |
| 안 | ㅇ+ㅏ+ㄴ | an |
| 해 | ㅎ+ㅐ | hae |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Speech style
No -요 at the end. Used with close friends, younger people and family; avoid it with strangers and elders.
Phrases that use the same word
Phrases with “미안해”
- 답장이 늦어서 미안해Sorry for the late reply
- 눈치 없이 굴었다면 미안해, 악의는 없었어Sorry if I was being tactless. I didn’t mean any harm
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “미안해” mean?
Show the answer
Answer: I’m sorry
Reinforce what you learn with typing drills and quizzes.
Practice nowMore phrases for this situation
- 고마워!Thanks!
- 나중에 봐See you later
- 잘 지내?How have you been?
- 보고 싶어I miss you
- 뭐 해?What are you up to? (casual)
- 지금 어디야?Where are you now?
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