미안하다 vs 송구스럽다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 미안하다
Listen to 송구스럽다
| 미안하다 | 송구스럽다 |
|---|---|
mi-AN-ha-da adjective (descriptive verb) | songguseureopda adjective (descriptive verb) |
| to be sorry; to feel apologetic | to feel deeply sorry or ashamed (humble, very formal) |
How they differ
송구스럽다 expresses a deep, humble sense of regret or embarrassment and is more self-effacing than 미안하다; it implies the speaker feels ashamed or burdened by the situation, not just apologetic.
When to use each
When to use 미안하다: Use 미안하다 for straightforward apologies among peers or when you simply want to say 'sorry' without heavy humility.
When to use 송구스럽다: Use 송구스럽다 in very formal, humble apologies (e.g., public apologies, letters to superiors) when you want to express deep contrition and embarrassment.
Side-by-side examples
- 미안해, 내가 실수를 했어.
(I'm sorry; I made a mistake.) - 이번 일로 인해 많은 분들께 송구스럽습니다.
(I feel deeply sorry (humbly) to many people because of this matter.)
Register & nuance: 송구스럽다 is highly formal and humble; it's uncommon in casual speech and often appears in formal statements or written apologies.