How to Say Sorry in Russian

Learning to Apologize in Russian

When interacting with Russian speakers, knowing how to say sorry can go a long way in building relationships and showing respect. Russian culture places a high value on politeness and courtesy, and apologizing is an essential part of communication. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to say sorry in Russian, including formal and informal expressions, phrases for different situations, and some important grammar notes.

Basic Apologies

Here are some basic ways to say sorry in Russian:

• Прости (Prosti) - This is an informal way to say “sorry” and is commonly used with friends or people you’re familiar with.
• Простите (Prostite) - This is a more formal way to say “sorry” and is used when speaking to someone you don’t know well or to show more respect.
• Извините (Izvinite) - This is another formal way to say “sorry” and is often used in writing or in formal situations.

Apologies for Different Situations

Here are some phrases to help you apologize in different situations:

• If you’ve made a mistake:
  • Я ошибся (Ya oshibsa) - I made a mistake.
  • Я не прав (Ya ne prav) - I was wrong.
• If you’ve caused inconvenience:
  • Я вас извиняюсь (Ya vas izvinayus’) - I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • Я вам причинил неудобство (Ya vam prichinil neudobstvo) - I caused you inconvenience.
• If you’ve offended someone:
  • Я вам сочувствую (Ya vam sochuvstvuyu) - I sympathize with you.
  • Я вам приношу извинения (Ya vam prinoshu izvineniya) - I apologize to you.

Grammar Notes

When apologizing in Russian, it’s essential to use the correct verb conjugation and pronouns. Here are some grammar notes to keep in mind:

• Verb conjugation: The verb извинить (izvinity’) is used in the present tense to apologize. For example: Я извиняюсь (Ya izvinayus’) - I apologize.
• Pronouns: Use the correct pronouns to address the person you’re apologizing to. For example:
  • Ты (Ty) - you (informal)
  • Вы (Vy) - you (formal)
  • Он/Она/Оно (On/Ona/Ono) - he/she/it

🤝 Note: When apologizing, it's customary to use the formal form of address, even if you're familiar with the person.

Table of Apologies

Here’s a table summarizing some common apologies in Russian:

Conclusion

Learning to apologize in Russian can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By mastering different phrases and expressions, you can show respect and courtesy to Russian speakers and build stronger relationships. Remember to use the correct verb conjugation and pronouns, and don’t be afraid to practice your apologies in different situations.

What is the difference between “Прости” and “Простите”?

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“Прости” is an informal way to say “sorry,” while “Простите” is a more formal way to apologize. Use “Прости” with friends or people you’re familiar with, and “Простите” when speaking to someone you don’t know well or to show more respect.

How do I apologize for making a mistake in Russian?

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To apologize for making a mistake, you can say “Я ошибся” (I made a mistake) or “Я не прав” (I was wrong). You can also use more formal expressions like “Я вас извиняюсь” (I apologize to you) or “Я вам причинил неудобство” (I caused you inconvenience).

Can I use “Извините” in informal situations?

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No, “Извините” is a formal way to apologize and is not typically used in informal situations. Instead, use “Прости” or “Я тебя извиняюсь” when speaking to friends or people you’re familiar with.

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