Formal Apology: -ㄴ/은/는 바 대단히 죄송합니다 (Formal Sorry)

This pattern combines a background fact with a deep apology. The word 바 is a bound noun. In this context, it translates roughly to "the fact that" or "as." When you attach it to a verb, you are stating a fact. You are saying, "Based on the fact that [X] happened, I am deeply sorry." The word 대단히 means "greatly" or "enormously." It amplifies your regret. Finally, 죄송합니다 is the highest formal version of "I'm sorry." When you put them together, you aren't just saying sorry. You are acknowledging exactly what went wrong. This clarity is what makes it so professional. It removes the vagueness from your apology.

1. 1Identify the verb describing the mistake or the situation.
2. 2For past actions (most common), use Verb Stem + -ㄴ/은 바.
3. 3If the stem ends in a vowel, use -ㄴ 바 (e.g., 드린 바).
4. 4If the stem ends in a consonant, use -은 바 (e.g., 적은 바).
5. 5For ongoing situations, use Verb Stem + -는 바.
6. 6Add the apology: 대단히 죄송합니다.
7. 7Example: 실망을 시켜 드린 (gave disappointment) + 바 + 대단히 죄송합니다.
8. 8Result: 실망을 시켜 드린 바 대단히 죄송합니다. (I am deeply sorry for disappointing you.)

Use this when the stakes are high. Imagine you are in a job interview and realize you gave the wrong information. This is the perfect time to use it. It shows maturity. Use it in business emails when a deadline is missed. It works perfectly for customer service representatives. If a flight is delayed, the airline will use this over the intercom. It’s also common in public statements by celebrities or politicians. Basically, use it whenever you need to sound like a responsible adult in a formal setting. It’s about maintaining face while admitting a mistake.

Do not use this with your friends. If you use this because you ate your roommate's leftovers, they will think you are joking. Or they might think you've joined a law firm. It is way too heavy for casual settings. Also, avoid using it for tiny, insignificant things. If you bumped into someone on the street, a simple 죄송합니다 is enough. Using -ㄴ 바 makes the situation feel like a national crisis. Don't use it with people younger than you in a casual way. It creates a massive wall of formality. Think of it like a grammar traffic light; only turn it on when the situation is "Red" (serious).

One big mistake is forgetting the space after 바. It is a noun, so it needs its own space. Writing 드린바 is incorrect; it must be 드린 바. Another mistake is using the wrong tense. Usually, we apologize for things that already happened. So, -ㄴ/은 바 is much more common than -는 바. Some people also try to use 미안합니다 at the end. That is a huge mismatch! 미안합니다 is polite but not formal enough for this pattern. It’s like wearing flip-flops with a tuxedo. Always stick with 죄송합니다 or even 사과드립니다 (I offer my apologies).

How is this different from -아/어서 죄송합니다? You probably learned that one first. -아/어서 is the "everyday" apology. It’s for being late to lunch or stepping on a toe. It’s personal and direct. -ㄴ 바, however, is documentary. It feels like you are reading from a formal statement. It’s less about your feelings and more about the formal acknowledgement of a fact. Another similar one is -게 되어 죄송합니다. This focuses on the process of "how things turned out." -ㄴ 바 is more focused on the "fact" of the occurrence. If -아/어서 is a handshake, -ㄴ 바 is a 90-degree bow.