Korean word

죄송하지만

Pronunciation

Romanizationchoesonghajiman

Meaning

  • adjectiveI'm sorry but

Example

죄송하지만 도와주실 수 있나요?choe song ha ji man to wa ju sil ssu in na yo

I'm sorry, but could you help me?

Illustration for 죄송하지만 (I'm sorry but)

More examples

죄송하지만 조금 늦겠습니다.choe song ha ji man cho geum neut kket sseum ni da

I'm sorry, but I'll be a little late.

Core concept

A polite apology placed before a request or question to make the approach softer.

Common phrases

  • 죄송하지만 양해 부탁드립니다choe song ha ji man yang hae pu tak tteu rim ni da

    Sorry, but asking for understanding

  • 죄송하지만 조금 늦겠습니다choe song ha ji man cho geum neut kket sseum ni da

    Sorry, but will be late

Similar words

죄송합니다만choesonghamnidaman: A highly respectful apology used before bringing up a matter in formal speech.
미안하지만mianhajiman: A familiar, conversational way to soften a request or difficult message.
실례합니다만sillyehamnidaman: A respectful phrase used before speaking to someone or interrupting them.

Definition in Korean

상대에게 정중히 사과의 뜻을 전하고 이어질 부탁이나 질문을 완곡하게 여는 표현sang dae e ge cheong jung hi sa gwa ui tteu seul cheon ha go i eo jil ppu ta gi na chil mu neul wan go ka ge yeo neun pyo hyeon

Word origin

The expression combines 죄송 (joesong, "apologetic regret") with 지만 (jiman, "but"), placing an apology before what follows.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may expect but to show a strong contrast, but here it often simply opens a polite request or question.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word