Verskoon my
The English phrase "excuse me" is translated into Afrikaans as Verskoon my.
Verskoon my is used to politely ask for someone's attention or to apologize for a minor social transgression, such as bumping into someone.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb verskoon (to excuse/pardon) and the pronoun my (me).
Which one should you use?
While Verskoon my is used to 'excuse' oneself or get attention, Jammer is the more common way to express regret or say 'I am sorry' for a mistake.
Did you know?
- The verb verskoon shares its roots with the Dutch word for 'to cleanse' or 'to make pure'. Using it to ask for an excuse is linguistically similar to asking to be 'cleared' of a fault.
- Because of the influence of English in South Africa, the word Ekskuus is often used as a single-word version of 'excuse me'. It is widely accepted in both informal and semi-formal spoken Afrikaans.
- While Verskoon my is the direct translation, many Afrikaans speakers use the phrase Asseblief (please) when trying to get someone's attention in a crowd.
Examples in context
- Verskoon my, mag ek u 'n vraag vra?Excuse me, may I ask you a question?
- Mag ek deurkom, asseblief?Excuse me, may I come through, please?
- Jammer, het u toevallig die tyd?Excuse me, do you happen to have the time?
- Pardon, mag ek verbygaan?Excuse me, may I pass by?
- Goeiemôre, mag ek asseblief verbykom?Good morning, may I please pass by?
- Verskoon my vir die vertraging.Excuse me for the delay.
- Verskoon my vir die fout.Excuse me for the mistake.
- Verskoon my, ek het jou nie gehoor nie.Excuse me, I did not hear you.
Example conversation
Andries accidentally bumps into Nicola in a crowded hallway.
- AndriesVerskoon my, Nicola, ek was nie versigtig nie.Excuse me, Nicola, I was not careful.
- NicolaDis reg, dit is nie 'n probleem nie.It is fine, it is not a problem.
- AndriesDankie dat jy so vriendelik is.Thank you for being so kind.
- NicolaDis 'n plesier, Andries.It is a pleasure, Andries.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries my, CC BY-SA 4.0.
