Latest / Learn Korean with Fexingo / Korean Apologies and Responses
Transcript
- Lucas: Hey everyone, welcome back to Learn Korean with Fexingo. I'm Lucas. Luna: And I'm Luna! Episode 139 already — can you believe it? Lucas: I know, right? Today we're diving into something super useful: apologizing in Korean. You know, those moments when you accidentally bump into someone or make a small mistake. Luna: Oh, that's good. I've definitely needed that before. So what's the first phrase? Lucas: Before we jump in — and this is totally off the cuff — if Fexingo has helped you make real progress with Korean, there's a small group of listeners who chip in monthly at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. And honestly, that's what keeps this show ad-free and running. Luna: Yeah, it really does. We're grateful for every bit of support. Now, back to apologies! Lucas: Alright. The most common way to say 'sorry' is 죄송합니다. Let's say that together: 죄송합니다. Luna: 죄송합니다. That's a mouthful! How do you break it down? Lucas: 죄송합니다 is formal and polite. You'd use it with strangers, elders, or in any situation where you want to show respect. Try it again: 죄송합니다. Luna: 죄송합니다. Okay, I think I've got it. Lucas: Perfect. Now, there's a slightly less formal version: 미안합니다. It's still polite but a bit more casual. Say it with me: 미안합니다. Luna: 미안합니다. That feels easier. So when would I use that? Lucas: You'd use 미안합니다 with friends, coworkers, or people you're close to. It's still respectful but less stiff. Now, what do you say when someone apologizes to you? Luna: Is it 괜찮아요? Lucas: Exactly! 괜찮아요 means 'It's okay' or 'no problem.' It's the perfect response. Say it: 괜찮아요. Luna: 괜찮아요. That's a classic. And is there a formal version? Lucas: Yes — 괜찮습니다. That's the formal polite form. Use it in more official situations. Let's hear both: 괜찮아요 and 괜찮습니다. Luna: 괜찮아요... 괜찮습니다. Got it. Lucas: Let's imagine a quick scene. You accidentally step on someone's foot on the subway. You say: 죄송합니다. They reply: 괜찮아요. Simple, right? Luna: 죄송합니다... 괜찮아요. I can do that. Or if it's a friend, 미안합니다 and 괜찮아요? Lucas: Exactly. That's the beauty of it. Now let's practice all four phrases one more time. Repeat after me: 죄송합니다. Luna: 죄송합니다. Lucas: 미안합니다. Luna: 미안합니다. Lucas: 괜찮아요. Luna: 괜찮아요. Lucas: 괜찮습니다. Luna: 괜찮습니다. Lucas: Awesome. Remember, practice these until they feel natural. And if you ever mess up, just say 죄송합니다 and you'll be forgiven. Luna: And we'll be back next time with more Korean. Thanks for listening! Lucas: See you then. 안녕!