Vocabulary4 min read52 views
I'm Late in Korean: 늦었어요
늦었어요 = I'm late. Combo: 죄송해요, 늦었어요.
Published on September 14, 2026
I'm late = 늦었어요 (neujeosseoyo). With apology: 죄송해요, 늦었어요.
늦다 = to be late. 빨리빨리 culture makes lateness sensitive: a short apology always helps.
Politeness levels
| Phrase | Romanization | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 늦었어 | neujeosseo | I'm late | Informal |
| 늦었어요 | neujeosseoyo | I'm late | Polite |
| 조금 늦을 것 같아요 | jogeum neujeul geot gatayo | I think I'll be a bit late | Heads-up |
| Tol 막혀서요 | gyotong maghyeoseoyo | Because of traffic | Excuse |
Related phrases
- 지금 가요 (jigeum gayo): I'm on my way
- 5분만 기다려 주세요 (obunman gidaryeo juseyo): Please wait 5 minutes
- 먼저 시작하세요 (meonjeo sijakaseyo): Please start without me
Field tip
Warning on Kakao before you’re late beats explaining afterward.
Common mistake
늦어요 (present) ≠ 늦었어요 (past). When you arrive, use 늦었어요.
Go further
Practice these phrases in Seonsaengnim lessons and dictionary, with native audio and flashcards.
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