미안하다 vs 죄송하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 미안하다
Listen to 죄송하다
| 미안하다 | 죄송하다 |
|---|---|
/mi-AN-ha-da/ adjective (descriptive verb) | /joesonghada/ adjective (descriptive verb) |
| to be sorry; to feel apologetic | to be sorry; to feel apologetic (polite/formal) |
How they differ
죄송하다 is a more polite and respectful way to apologize than 미안하다 and carries stronger deference toward the listener; it emphasizes etiquette and humility rather than the speaker's casual regret.
When to use each
When to use 미안하다: Prefer 미안하다 in casual, personal situations among friends or equals when a simple, direct apology is enough.
When to use 죄송하다: Prefer 죄송하다 when addressing elders, customers, superiors, or in any formal context where politeness and respect matter.
Side-by-side examples
- 미안해, 약속을 잊어버렸어.
(I'm sorry; I forgot our appointment.) - 약속을 잊어서 죄송합니다.
(I apologize for forgetting the appointment.)
Register & nuance: 죄송하다 is higher-register/polite (used in formal speech and polite forms), whereas 미안하다 is neutral-to-informal.