πŸ˜“

Apologizing for a Professional Mistake

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πŸ˜”
IS #155 β€” Apologizing for a Professional Mistake
How to own an error, express genuine regret, and restore trust β€” the Korean way.
πŸ”Š
Iru Helper Note
In Korean professional culture, a good apology isn't just "λ―Έμ•ˆν•΄μš”." It names the mistake, shows you understand the impact, and offers a path forward β€” all with appropriate humility.
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
(It was my mistake. I'm truly sorry. I'll make sure this doesn't happen again.)
Β 

πŸ˜” What You'll Learn Today

Apologizing well in a Korean professional setting requires more than an expression of regret. The most respected apologies take clear ownership, acknowledge the impact on the other person, and close with a commitment to improvement. This lesson gives you the full vocabulary to apologize with dignity β€” sincerely, specifically, and in a way that actually repairs the relationship.

πŸ“Œ Professional Apology Expressions

Expression
Meaning
Notes
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”
It was my mistake
Clear ownership
정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'm truly sorry (formal)
죄솑 = deepest apology word
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해
Due to my carelessness
Names the cause
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
I'm sorry for the inconvenience
Acknowledges impact
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'll make sure this doesn't happen again
Commitment to change
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
I didn't check thoroughly enough
Specific ownership
λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'll correct it quickly
Action-oriented
μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”
I missed it / I overlooked it
Casual-formal
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'm reflecting deeply on this
Formal, serious
μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'll be more careful from now on
Commitment to growth
ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'm very sorry for causing harm/trouble
Stronger impact acknowledgment
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
There's no excuse
Takes full responsibility
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
I'll handle it as quickly as possible
Proactive resolution
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
I'm sorry for betraying your trust
For trust-level mistakes
πŸ’‘ Key pattern: 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš” β†’ λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ β†’ λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. Own β†’ Acknowledge impact β†’ Commit.

πŸ’¬ Conversations in Action

Owning a missed deadline:
직원: λ³΄κ³ μ„œκ°€ λŠ¦μ–΄μ Έμ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
(Employee: I'm very sorry the report is late. Due to my carelessness, I caused you inconvenience. I'll handle it as quickly as possible.)
For a more serious mistake:
직원: λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
(Employee: There's no excuse. I didn't check thoroughly enough. I'm reflecting deeply on this. I'll be more careful from now on.)

🌏 Cultural Note β€” Apology and 체면 in the Workplace

In Korean professional culture, how you apologize matters as much as whether you apologize. A vague λ―Έμ•ˆν•΄μš” can signal carelessness. A structured apology β€” ownership + impact + commitment β€” signals maturity and professionalism. Phrases like λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ and 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ are particularly powerful because they show you're not making excuses. They protect 체면 by giving the senior or colleague a clean, dignified resolution.
<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise
For each scenario, apologize professionally using appropriate expressions.
A. You sent the wrong file to a client. Take clear ownership.
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 잘λͺ»λœ νŒŒμΌμ„ λ³΄λ‚΄λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
B. You missed a meeting without notice. Acknowledge the impact.
<summary>Answer
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λ―ΈνŒ…μ„ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”.
</summary>
C. A report had an error. Name the cause specifically.
<summary>Answer
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
D. You caused a significant problem. Take full responsibility with no excuses.
<summary>Answer
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
E. You're apologizing to a senior for a trust issue.
<summary>Answer
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
F. You overlooked something important. Commit to improvement.
<summary>Answer
μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
G. You caused someone inconvenience. Acknowledge it specifically.
<summary>Answer
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
H. Offer a proactive resolution after your apology.
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
I. Express that you are genuinely reflecting on what happened.
<summary>Answer
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
J. Deliver a full professional apology: own β†’ acknowledge β†’ cause β†’ commit β†’ resolution.
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
</summary>
πŸ“š
Expression Reference
Expression
Nuance/Key
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”
clear ownership
정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
formal sincere apology
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해
names the cause
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
acknowledges impact
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
specific failure
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
no excuses
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
genuine reflection
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝
commitment to change
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
proactive resolution
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
trust-level apology
πŸ’‘
Tip: λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
This phrase β€” "there is no room for excuses" β€” is the most powerful ownership statement in Korean professional culture. Use it only for real mistakes, not minor slip-ups. It signals total accountability and cuts off any temptation to explain away what happened.
</summary>
πŸ”
Want more reps?
Think of a real situation where you made a mistake β€” at work, in a class, or with a friend. Reconstruct your apology in Korean using the full own β†’ acknowledge β†’ commit sequence. Say it out loud. Does it feel genuine? That's the goal.
Β 

πŸ“¦ Practice Hub β€” Professional Apologies

Exercise 1 β€” Choose the Right Expression

Choose the most appropriate apology expression for each situation.
A. You want to take clear ownership with two words.
a) 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ b) 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš” c) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ d) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
<summary>Answer
b) 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš” β€” "it was my mistake," clear ownership.
B. You want to name carelessness as the cause.
a) 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 b) λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ c) μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš” d) μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
<summary>Answer
a) 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 β€” "due to my carelessness."
C. You want to acknowledge the inconvenience you caused.
a) μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ b) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ c) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš” d) λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
<summary>Answer
c) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš” β€” "I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
D. You made a serious mistake and want to take full responsibility with zero excuses.
a) μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš” b) μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ c) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ d) 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
<summary>Answer
c) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ β€” "there is no excuse," total accountability.
E. You want to commit to not repeating the mistake.
a) λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ b) 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ c) λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ d) μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
<summary>Answer
a) λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ β€” commitment to change.
F. You want to offer a proactive resolution.
a) 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 b) μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ c) 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ d) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
<summary>Answer
b) μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ β€” "I'll handle it as quickly as possible."
G. You overlooked something important and want to name that specifically.
a) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ b) 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš” c) μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš” d) λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ
<summary>Answer
c) μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš” β€” "I didn't check thoroughly enough."
H. You want to show you're genuinely processing what went wrong.
a) 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ b) μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ c) 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 d) λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
<summary>Answer
a) 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ β€” "I'm reflecting deeply on this."
I. You broke a senior's trust and want to address that directly.
a) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ b) λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš” c) λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ d) μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”
<summary>Answer
b) λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš” β€” "I'm sorry for betraying your trust."
J. You want to commit to being more careful going forward.
a) λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ b) μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš” c) μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ d) λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ
<summary>Answer
c) μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ β€” "I'll be more careful from now on."
πŸ“š
Quick Reference
Expression
Use Case
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”
clear ownership
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해
names cause
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
acknowledges impact
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
no excuses
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
specific failure
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
genuine reflection
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝
commitment
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
proactive resolution
μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ
careful going forward
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
trust apology
🚨
Pitfall: Over-explaining
In Korean professional culture, a long justification after an apology weakens it. λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ works precisely because it cuts off the urge to explain. Own the mistake first β€” explanation (if needed) comes much later, and only if asked.

Exercise 2 β€” Korean β†’ English Translation

Translate each sentence naturally.
A. 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
It was my mistake. I'm truly sorry.
B. 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”.
<summary>Answer
I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused by my carelessness.
C. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I didn't check thoroughly enough. I'll correct it quickly.
D. λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
There is no excuse. I'm reflecting deeply on this.
E. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I'll make sure this doesn't happen again. I'll be more careful from now on.
F. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I'm very sorry for causing harm/trouble. I'll handle it as quickly as possible.
G. λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I'm sorry for betraying your trust. I'll be more careful from now on.
H. μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I missed it / I overlooked it. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience.
I. 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 이런 일이 μƒκ²Όμ–΄μš”. λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
This happened due to my carelessness. There is no excuse.
J. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
<summary>Answer
I'm truly sorry. It was my mistake. I'll do my best to make sure this never happens again.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Word
Meaning
μ‹€μˆ˜
mistake
λΆ€μ£Όμ˜
carelessness / negligence
뢈편
inconvenience
ν”Όν•΄
harm / damage
λ°˜μ„±ν•˜λ‹€
to reflect / repent
μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜λ‹€
to be careful / prudent
μˆ˜μ •ν•˜λ‹€
to correct / fix
μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜λ‹€
to handle / process
μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν•˜λ‹€
to do one's best
πŸ’‘
Grammar Tip: -κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ uses -κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ to signal a future commitment or intention. In apology contexts, it's the formal "I will..." β€” stronger and more professional than -ν• κ²Œμš”. Use -κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ when apologizing to seniors or in formal situations.

Exercise 3 β€” Complete the Sentence

Fill in the blank with a natural apology expression.
A. _ μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Clear ownership)
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
B. 제 _ 둜 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”. (Name the cause)
<summary>Answer
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”.
C. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ _ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Specific failure)
<summary>Answer
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
D. _ 의 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (No excuses)
<summary>Answer
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
E. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 _ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Commitment to change)
<summary>Answer
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
F. _ 을 λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Acknowledge impact β€” inconvenience)
<summary>Answer
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
G. _ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Proactive resolution)
<summary>Answer
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
H. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 _ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Commit to caution)
<summary>Answer
μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
I. λ―ΏμŒμ„ _ μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. (Trust-level apology)
<summary>Answer
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”.
J. 제 __ μ˜€μ–΄μš”. __ λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. _ 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (Full sequence)
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
πŸ“š
Sentence Starters
Starter
Function
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”
ownership
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해
names cause
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
specific failure
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
no excuses
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
impact acknowledgment
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
genuine reflection
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝
commitment
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
proactive resolution
μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ
caution going forward
πŸ’‘
Production Tip
In a real apology, lead with the ownership statement (제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”), then pause briefly. This pause shows you're not rushing past the apology. It gives the other person space to receive it. Then follow with the impact and the commitment.

Exercise 4 β€” Dialogue Completion

Complete each dialogue with a natural professional apology.
A. 상사: λ³΄κ³ μ„œμ— 였λ₯˜κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
B. λ™λ£Œ: μ–΄μ œ λ―ΈνŒ…μ— μ™œ μ•ˆ μ™”μ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
C. 상사: 이 μ‹€μˆ˜ λ•Œλ¬Έμ— νŒ€ 전체가 ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ΄€μ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
D. ν΄λΌμ΄μ–ΈνŠΈ: 잘λͺ»λœ 파일이 μ™”μ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ˜¬λ°”λ₯Έ νŒŒμΌμ„ λ³΄λ‚΄λ“œλ¦¬κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
E. 상사: 이번 ν”„λ‘œμ νŠΈμ—μ„œ μ‹€λ§ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
F. λ™λ£Œ: λ‚΄κ°€ λΆ€νƒν•œ κ±° μžŠμ–΄λ²„λ Έμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆ λ°”λ‘œ μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
G. 상사: μ™œ μ΄λ ‡κ²Œ λλŠ”μ§€ μ„€λͺ…ν•΄ λ΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. 제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 생긴 μΌμ΄μ—μš”. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
H. νŒ€μ›: μ΄λ²ˆμ—” 정말 νž˜λ“€μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
I. 상사: λ‹€μŒμ—” 이런 일이 μ—†μ–΄μ•Ό ν•΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λ„€, λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
J. ν΄λΌμ΄μ–ΈνŠΈ: μ‹ λ’°κ°€ ν”λ“€λ Έμ–΄μš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν•΄ μ‹ λ’°λ₯Ό νšŒλ³΅ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
πŸ“š
Useful Phrases
Phrase
Meaning
였λ₯˜
error
ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό 보닀
to suffer harm/damage
μ˜¬λ°”λ₯Έ
correct / right
μ§€κΈˆ λ°”λ‘œ
right now
μ‹ λ’°λ₯Ό νšŒλ³΅ν•˜λ‹€
to restore trust
μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν•˜λ‹€
to do one's best
μ„€λͺ…ν•˜λ‹€
to explain
πŸ’‘
Conversation Tip
After your apology, don't immediately pivot to excuses or solutions. Let a beat pass. If the other person responds with silence or acknowledgment, then offer μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. Rushing into solutions too fast can feel like you're trying to skip past the apology.

Exercise 5 β€” Free Speaking Practice

Speak your answer aloud in Korean. Use at least one apology expression per prompt.
A. You forgot to reply to an important message. Apologize to a colleague.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ œκ°€ λ†“μ³€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. λ°”λ‘œ μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
B. You submitted work with an error. Apologize to your manager.
<summary>Suggested Approach
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μˆ˜μ •ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
C. You caused a teammate extra work by making a mistake. Apologize sincerely.
<summary>Suggested Approach
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”. 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—” 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
D. A serious mistake affected the whole team. Give a formal apology.
<summary>Suggested Approach
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
E. You missed a deadline. Apologize and offer a solution.
<summary>Suggested Approach
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
F. You broke a senior's trust. Apologize at the deepest level.
<summary>Suggested Approach
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
G. Deliver a full apology in under 4 sentences: own β†’ acknowledge β†’ commit β†’ resolve.
<summary>Suggested Approach
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”. λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝 ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
H. Think of a real past mistake. Reconstruct the apology you wish you'd given in Korean.
<summary>Suggested Approach
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해 λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ Έμ–΄μš”. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 더 μ‹ μ€‘ν•˜κ²Œ ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
I. A client is disappointed. Restore trust with your apology.
<summary>Suggested Approach
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν•΄ μ‹ λ’°λ₯Ό νšŒλ³΅ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
J. Practice saying λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ three times with different scenarios in mind. Notice how it feels different from λ―Έμ•ˆν•΄μš”.
<summary>Suggested Approach
[Scenario 1]: λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. ν”Όν•΄λ₯Ό λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
[Scenario 2]: λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
[Scenario 3]: λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ 정말 μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
πŸ“š
Sentence Starters
Starter
Use
제 μ‹€μˆ˜μ˜€μ–΄μš”
ownership
제 λΆ€μ£Όμ˜λ‘œ 인해
names cause
λΆˆνŽΈμ„ λ“œλ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
impact acknowledgment
λ³€λͺ…μ˜ 여지가 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
no excuses
μΆ©λΆ„νžˆ ν™•μΈν•˜μ§€ λͺ»ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
specific failure
깊이 λ°˜μ„±ν•˜κ³  μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
genuine reflection
λ‹€μ‹œλŠ” 이런 일이 없도둝
commitment
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€
resolution
λ―ΏμŒμ„ μ €λ²„λ €μ„œ μ£„μ†‘ν•΄μš”
trust apology
πŸ†
Speaking Challenge
Role-play this scenario aloud: Your manager tells you the report you sent had a critical error and the client saw it. Give a complete Korean apology β€” no more than 5 sentences β€” using: ownership, cause, impact acknowledgment, reflection, and resolution commitment. Then repeat it until it sounds natural and unhurried.
μ‹€μˆ˜ ν›„μ˜ 진심 μ–΄λ¦° μ‚¬κ³ΌλŠ” μ‹ λ’°λ₯Ό μžƒκ²Œ ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ•„μš” β€” 였히렀 더 κΉŠμ€ μ‹ λ’°λ₯Ό λ§Œλ“€μ–΄μš”. ✨
Β