Korean · Real conversations
Apologize for inconvenience naturally in Korean
An effective apology identifies the inconvenience. You can acknowledge waiting, explain a changed arrangement, or add a concrete step that addresses the problem.
Three ways to say it
기다리게 해서 죄송해요.gidarige haeseo joesonghaeyo.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Acknowledge that the other person has had to wait.
일정이 바뀌어서 죄송해요.iljeongi bakkwieoseo joesonghaeyo.
I'm sorry about the change of plans.
Recognize the effect of a change of plans.
번거롭게 해서 죄송해요. 지금 맞는 파일을 보낼게요.beongeoropge haeseo joesonghaeyo. jigeum manneun paireul bonaelgeyo.
Sorry for the trouble. I'll send the correct file now.
Acknowledge trouble and immediately explain the corrective action.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'keep you waiting' means cause someone to continue waiting; it does not mean keep or own the person. Learn the target-language construction for making someone wait as a complete phrase.
See the difference in context
Arriving after someone has been waiting
십 분째 기다리고 있어요.sip bunjjae gidarigo isseoyo.
I've been waiting for ten minutes.
기다리게 해서 죄송해요.gidarige haeseo joesonghaeyo.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Acknowledging a changed meeting arrangement
그럼 오늘 못 만나는 거예요?geureom oneul mot mannaneun geoyeyo?
So we won't meet today?
일정이 바뀌어서 죄송해요.iljeongi bakkwieoseo joesonghaeyo.
I'm sorry about the change of plans.
Your turn
You sent the wrong file. Apologize for the trouble and say that you will send the correct file now.
Reveal a sample reply
번거롭게 해서 죄송해요. 지금 맞는 파일을 보낼게요.beongeoropge haeseo joesonghaeyo. jigeum manneun paireul bonaelgeyo.
Sorry for the trouble. I'll send the correct file now.
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
