미안하다 vs 송구하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 미안하다
Listen to 송구하다
| 미안하다 | 송구하다 |
|---|---|
mi-AN-ha-da adjective | song-gu-hada adjective |
| To feel sorry or apologize. | to be deeply apologetic; to feel humbly sorry |
How they differ
송구하다 is more humble and ceremonious than 미안하다. It is often used in formal apologies, public statements, or written notices, and it can sound too stiff for casual everyday conversation.
When to use each
When to use 미안하다: Use 미안하다 for ordinary personal apologies in everyday speech.
When to use 송구하다: Use 송구하다 when you want a very formal and humble apology.
Side-by-side examples
- 약속을 못 지켜서 미안하다.
(I’m sorry I couldn’t keep the promise.) - 약속을 못 지켜 송구합니다.
(I am deeply sorry I could not keep the promise.)
Register & nuance: 송구하다 is high-register and formal, and is commonly seen in official or ceremonial language.