Introduction
Hello! This is Daily Hangul (DailyHangul.com), here to upgrade your Korean skills! 🚀
Have you ever made a mistake at work? Maybe you sent an email to the wrong person or forgot an important file? 😱 Don’t worry! Everyone makes mistakes. Even the main characters in K-Dramas make mistakes in the first episode! (That’s how the story begins, right? 😉)
Today, we will learn how to admit a mistake coolly and professionally in a Korean workplace. Knowing how to apologize and offer a solution is sometimes more important than the mistake itself. Let’s turn a crisis into an opportunity! Ready? Si-jak-hae-yo! (Let’s start!)
Key Expressions
Here are 3 essential expressions to handle a mistake like a pro.
1. 제 실수입니다. (It’s my mistake.)
- Pronunciation: [Je silsu-imnida]
- Meaning: It is my mistake.
- Explanation: This is a clean and professional way to admit fault without making excuses. In a Korean office, owning up to your error quickly is often appreciated.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Je sounds like ‘Je’ in ‘Jelly’.
- Silsu means ‘mistake’.
- Imnida is the formal ending. Remember, the ‘p’ (ㅂ) in ‘ip-ni-da’ is pronounced as an ‘m’ sound due to nasalization rules! So say it like
[im-ni-da].
2. 정말 죄송합니다. (I am really sorry.)
- Pronunciation: [Jeongmal joesong-hamnida]
- Meaning: I am truly sorry.
- Explanation: ‘Mianhae’ is for friends. In the office, especially to a boss, you must use ‘Joesong-hamnida’. Adding ‘Jeongmal’ (really/truly) emphasizes your sincerity.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Joe sounds a bit like ‘Jwe’.
- Make sure to bow slightly when saying this for the full effect!
3. 바로 수정하겠습니다. (I will fix it right away.)
- Pronunciation: [Baro sujeong-hagesseumnida]
- Meaning: I will correct/fix it right away.
- Explanation: An apology is good, but a solution is better! ‘Baro’ means ‘immediately’, and ‘Sujeong’ means ‘correction’. This shows you are proactive.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Hagesseumnida shows a strong will or intention. It sounds long, but break it down: Ha-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Real Conversation
Let’s see how Min-su handles a big mistake with his Team Leader (Timjang-nim).
(In the office)
- Min-su: 팀장님, 보고서에 큰 문제가 있습니다. 제 실수입니다.
- (Timjang-nim, bogoseo-e keun munjega isseumnida. Je silsu-imnida.)
- Team Leader, there is a big problem with the report. It’s my mistake.
- Team Leader: 네? 무슨 일이에요?
- (Ne? Museun ir-ieyo?)
- What? What happened?
- Min-su: 제가 숫자를 잘못 썼습니다. 정말 죄송합니다.
- (Jega sutja-reul jalmot sseosseumnida. Jeongmal joesong-hamnida.)
- I wrote the numbers wrong. I am really sorry.
- Team Leader: 아, 이건 중요한데요… 빨리 고치세요.
- (Ah, igeon jungyohandeyo… Ppalli gochiseyo.)
- Ah, this is important… Fix it quickly.
- Min-su: 네! 바로 수정하겠습니다.
- (Ne! Baro sujeong-hagesseumnida.)
- Yes! I will fix it right away.
Culture Tip & Drama Scene 🎬
The Art of the Bow (Insa)
In Korea, your body language is just as important as your words. When you say “Joesong-hamnida” (I’m sorry) to a superior, you shouldn’t just stand stiffly. A polite bow (bending your waist about 30-45 degrees) shows respect and genuine regret. 🙇♂️🙇♀️
Drama Scene:
Have you seen the drama “Misaeng (Incomplete Life)”? The main character, Jang Geu-rae, often faces difficult situations. Whenever he makes a mistake, he admits it immediately and bows deeply. This attitude eventually wins the trust of his strict boss! In K-Dramas, the character who hides a mistake usually gets into bigger trouble later. Honesty is the best policy!
Conclusion & Quiz
Great job today! Making a mistake is scary, but saying “Je silsu-imnida” and “Baro sujeong-hagesseumnida” will make you look responsible and professional. Don’t be afraid to speak up!
📝 Mini Quiz
-
Which word is appropriate for apologizing to your boss?
A) Mianhae (미안해)
B) Joesong-hamnida (죄송합니다) -
Fill in the blank to say
