Meaning
"I'm sorry, but can"은 주로 상대방에게 정중하게 요청하거나 질문을 시작할 때 사용하는 표현입니다. 이 문구는 상대방에게 무언가를 부탁하거나 요청해야 하지만, 그 전에 약간의 사과를 통해 상대방의 기분을 배려하고자 할 때 유용합니다.
예를 들어, 다른 사람의 업무를 방해할 수 있는 요청을 할 때 "I'm sorry, but can you help me with this?"와 같은 형태로 사용할 수 있습니다. 이때 "I'm sorry" 부분은 상대방의 시간을 방해하게 되어 미안하다는 의미로 사용되고, "but can" 부분은 이어지는 요청을 부드럽게 연결해 줍니다.
이 표현은 주로 격식을 차리는 상황이나 상대방과의 관계를 고려해야 할 때 적합합니다. 상대방에게 예의를 지키면서도 원하는 바를 전달할 수 있어, 비즈니스 환경이나 공적인 자리에서 특히 유용합니다.
Today's Sentences
- I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
- I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
- I’m sorry, but can you help me?
- I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
- I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
- Writer's Note
01
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Situation 1
Hello, the company would like to confirm your appointment for today?
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Of course.
When would you like to book another meeting?
다음 회의를 언제 예약하고 싶으신가요?
Perhaps this Thursday at 2pm?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Sure.
Is everything ok?
모든 것이 괜찮나요?
Things are great.
I just double booked today, I apologize.
제가 오늘 약속을 두 번 잡아서 죄송합니다.
No problem.
Let me know when you have time.
시간 될 때 알려주세요.
02
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Situation 1
Where should we go for lunch?
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Is everything ok?
I’m just not feeling so well today.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Of course. Is something wrong?
I got called into work today.
That’s too bad. Let’s reschedule!
03
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Situation 1
Are you ok?
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Do you want me to call emergency?
Yes, please. I can’t seem to move at all.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Gladly! How can I help?
I just need someone to help me across the street.
I can get you across, no problem.
04
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Situation 1
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Sure.
Did something happen?
무슨 일이 있었나요?
Yes actually,
I have a family emergency.
가족에게 긴급한 일이 생겼습니다.
Don’t worry about work,
be with your family.
가족과 함께 하세요.
Situation 2
Do you think I can get that report from you?
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Oh, is everything alright?
I’ve been sick since lunch and I think I need to go home.
05
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 1
How are your classes coming along?
Good. But..
Do you have something to ask?
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
May I ask why?
The teacher I have now speaks a little too quickly for me.
Ok, let me see who else is available and I’ll get back to you.
Writer's Note
We can also use "sorry" to politely interrupt somebody or to politely get somebody's attention. We often use this before we make a request similarly to "excuse me" (if you don’t want to use "sorry").
- I’m sorry, but could I borrow your pen?
- We’re sorry, but is this seat taken?
- I’m sorry, but can you please speak more slowly?
- I’m sorry, but can you move your bag? It’s blocking the seat.
- I’m sorry, but can I get a different size? This one’s too small.
- I’m sorry, but can you explain that again? I didn’t quite catch it.
- I’m sorry, but can you wait just a few more minutes?
- I’m sorry, but can we talk later? I’m in a meeting right now.
Practice using the example sentences, then write new ones that match your situation. Creating sentences based on your own context helps you learn faster.