미안해
"Sorry" in informal Korean — the casual way to apologize to friends, family, or close peers.
- Meaning: "Sorry" in informal Korean — the casual way to apologize to friends, family, or close peers.
- Pronunciation: /mi.an.ɦɛ/ (mianhae)
- Part of speech: verb (informal speech level)
- Formality: Casual — for friends, family, and close peers.
- Literal: I am sorry / I feel apologetic
What does 미안해 mean?
미안해 (mianhae) is the informal "sorry" for everyday small mistakes among close people. It comes from 미안하다 (mianhada, "to be sorry / to feel apologetic"), with the -해 informal ending. The polite-informal version 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) adds 요. The formal version 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is what you say to strangers, customers, bosses, or anyone you address respectfully. Korean apology grammar reflects social distance: minor mistakes between friends → 미안해, anything more serious or with someone above you → 죄송합니다. K-dramas use the choice between 미안 vs 죄송합니다 as a relationship signal — the moment a couple drops from formal to 미안해 marks intimacy.
Examples in context
When to use 미안해
- Apologizing to friends, family, romantic partners
- Small everyday mistakes — being late, forgetting something
- Texting close people
- When tone is informal but you genuinely regret
When NOT to use 미안해
- With strangers, customers, or anyone older / higher-ranked (use 죄송합니다)
- Serious mistakes that require formal apology
- Workplace contexts
- Public/published apologies
Related terms
More in Politeness
Greetings, thanks, apologies, support — the social-glue vocabulary.
"I love you" in informal Korean — used between close friends, family, and romantic partners.
A cheering exclamation meaning "let's go!", "you can do it!", or "good luck!" — Korean's universal encouragement word.
"Hi" or "bye" in informal Korean — the casual version of the polite 안녕하세요.
"Thank you" in formal Korean — the safest, most universally appropriate way to express gratitude.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "sorry" in Korean?
The casual "sorry" is 미안해 (mianhae) — for friends and close people. The polite version is 미안해요 (mianhaeyo). The formal "I apologize" is 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) — for strangers, work, or serious situations. Use 죄송합니다 when in doubt.
What is the difference between 미안해 and 죄송합니다?
미안해 (mianhae) is informal — for friends, family, peers, small mistakes. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is formal — for strangers, customers, elders, bosses, or serious mistakes. They use different verb roots and signal completely different relationships.
Can I say 미안해 to a stranger?
No. 미안해 sounds rude or overly familiar to a stranger. Use 죄송합니다 instead. Saving 미안해 for people you address casually is one of the first politeness rules learners practice.
How is 미안해 pronounced?
미안해 is pronounced [mi.an.ɦɛ] — "mee-ahn-heh." Three syllables, all light. The final 해 rhymes with the English word "head" minus the D. Note: 미안 is sometimes shortened on its own as a quick informal "sorry."
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.