извине́те
izvinéte
The English phrase "excuse me" can be translated into Bulgarian as извине́те (izvinéte). Wiktionary also lists пардо́н (pardón).
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bulgarian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| извине́те | izvinéte | |
| пардо́н | pardón | colloquial |
Извине́те is used both to get someone's attention and to apologize for a minor social transgression, such as bumping into someone.
What does it mean word for word?
извине́те is the imperative form of the verb извинявам (to excuse/forgive), directed at you (plural or formal).
Which one should you use?
While извине́те is the standard polite form, пардо́н is a colloquial alternative often used when you didn't hear something or to express mild social awkwardness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
извине́те is the formal way to say "excuse me". The colloquial пардо́н is used in informal settings. Извини is the informal way to say "excuse me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form извини (izvíni) is used when addressing one person you know well or a child, whereas the default извине́те (izvinéte) is the polite plural or formal form.
How do you pronounce it?
izvinéte
Did you know?
- Bulgarians may use извине́те even when they are not apologizing, but are instead expressing disbelief or indignation at something someone else has said.
- The word пардо́н entered the Bulgarian language during a period of heavy French cultural influence in the 19th century, reflecting the prestige of French as the language of diplomacy.
- In Bulgarian, the verb извинявам used in извине́те shares a root with the word for 'curve' or 'bend', suggesting the idea of 'straightening out' a mistake.
Examples in context
- Извинете, можете ли да ми кажете как да стигна до центъра?Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the city center?
- Извини, можеш ли да ми помогнеш?Excuse me, can you help me?
- Съжалявам, че те прекъсвам.Excuse me, for interrupting you.
- Извинете ме, моля, мога ли да премина?Excuse me, may I pass through?
- Извинете, че ви прекъсна, но ми трябва помощ.Excuse me for interrupting you, but I need help.
- Извине́те, закъснях с отговора.Izvinete, zakasnyah s otgovora.Excuse me, I was late with my reply.
- Извине́те за шума в стаята.Izvinete za shumat v stayata.Excuse me for the noise in the room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
