Με συγχωρείτε
Me synchoreite
The English phrase excuse me is translated into Greek as Με συγχωρείτε (Me synchoreite).
Με συγχωρείτε is used to get someone's attention or to serve as a polite apology for a minor social slip. While it functions as 'excuse me', it also carries the meaning of 'sorry'. Other options include Συγνώμη, which means 'sorry' or 'excuse me' and Παρακαλώ, which primarily means 'please' but can also be used to get someone's attention or to excuse yourself.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'Forgive me', where Με means 'me' and συγχωρείτε means '[you] forgive'.
Which one should you use?
Με συγχωρείτε is used to get attention or as a polite apology. For a more informal way to interrupt someone or get their attention, you might use the phrase Μια στιγμή, which means 'one moment'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Με συγχωρείτε uses the polite or plural verb form. If you are speaking to one person you know well or to a child, you should use the informal singular form Με συγχωρείς.
How do you pronounce it?
Me synchoreite
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, a quick click of the tongue accompanied by a slight upward nod of the head often functions as a non-verbal 'no' or a way to dismiss a request, even when using polite words.
- The word Παρακαλώ is used not only for 'please' and 'excuse me' but is also the standard response to 'thank you', similar to 'you are welcome'.
- The word συγχωρείτε comes from a root that implies 'granting' or 'allowing', making the phrase more about asking for a pardon than a simple excuse.
Examples in context
- Με συγχωρείτε, μιλάτε αγγλικά;Excuse me, do you speak English?This sentence shows how to use Με συγχωρείτε when asking if someone speaks English.Tatoeba #4182531 by glavkos, translation #1951244 by Wittich
- Με συγχωρείτε, πού είναι το μετρό;Excuse me, where is the subway?This sentence demonstrates using Με συγχωρείτε to ask for the location of the subway.Tatoeba #5365978 by Zeus, translation #9169998 by Nylez
- Με συγχωρείτε, πού είν' η παραλία.Excuse me, where is the beach?This sentence illustrates using Με συγχωρείτε to inquire about the location of the beach.Tatoeba #5524097 by Zeus, translation #3778395 by senryakun
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas accidentally bumps into Anastasia in a crowded hallway.
- Κώστας KostasΜε συγχωρείτε, δεν σας είδα!Me synchoreite, den sas eida!Excuse me, I didn't see you!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΔεν πειράζει, όλα καλά.Den peirazei, ola kala.It doesn't matter, everything is fine.
- Κώστας KostasΕίστε καλά, Αναστασία;Eiste kala, Anastasia?Are you okay, Anastasia?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, Κώστα, είμαι μια χαρά.Nai, Kosta, eimai mia hara.Yes, Kostas, I am just fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
