어휘(Vocabulary) 03.

 To say "don't worry" in Korean, you can use the phrase "걱정하지 마세요" (geokjeonghaji maseyo), which is a polite way to tell someone not to worry.

Regarding expressions of apology in Korean culture, there are several phrases used depending on the situation and the level of formality required:

*미안해요 (mianhaeyo): This is a polite way to say "I'm sorry" and is suitable for most casual situations.

*죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida): This is a more formal apology, expressing a deeper level of remorse. It's often used in more severe situations or when addressing someone in a higher social or professional position.

*실례합니다 (sillyehamnida): Literally translating to "I commit a discourtesy," this phrase is used to excuse oneself before interrupting or in mildly inconvenient situations.

*잘못했습니다 (jalmotaetseumnida): Meaning "I did wrong," this is a formal admission of a mistake and is used when taking responsibility for a fault.

*송구하옵니다 (songguhaopnida): This is a highly formal and almost archaic way of apologizing, often used in formal apologies to the public or in historical K-dramas.

In Korean culture, apologizing is not just about the words but also the delivery.

This often includes body language, such as bowing, to show sincerity. The depth of the bow can correlate with the level of remorse or the seriousness of the situation.

In Korean, like in many languages, young people often use slang or colloquial expressions that may only sometimes be found in formal language education.

Here are some common informal and slang words that Korean youth might use:

• 괜찮아 (gwaenchanha) - This is a casual way to say "It's okay" or "Don't worry" among friends.
• 아니야 (aniya) - Literally means "No," but can be used to dismiss someone's thanks or apology, similar to saying "Don't mention it" or "No problem" in English.
• 미안 (mian) - This is a more casual and abbreviated form of "미안해요 (mianhaeyo)," used among peers and friends.
• 쏘리 (ssori) - Borrowed from the English "sorry," this is a very casual way to apologize and is often used among young people in a light-hearted context.
• 잘못했어 (jalmotaesseo) - A less formal version of "잘못했습니다 (jalmotaetseumnida)," used among friends to admit a mistake or apologize.

When Korean youth speak amongst themselves, they might also use a mixture of Korean and English, a trend known as "Konglish."

It's important to note that slang is context-dependent and can vary greatly depending on the social setting and the individuals' relationship.

As with any language, staying updated with Korean slang requires immersion in contemporary media like music, movies, or social networking, where such expressions are frequently used and evolved.

Understanding these nuances is essential for a deeper cultural comprehension of how apologies function in Korean society.