Perdoni
In Catalan, "excuse me" is translated as Perdoni.
The phrase is used as an apology.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use Perdona for friends, family or people younger than you. Use Perdoni for formal situations or people you do not know.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal form of the apology is Perdona. The form Perdoni is the formal version used with strangers or superiors.
Did you know?
- In Catalonia, the word perdó is often used as a standalone noun to describe a formal act of clemency or a legal pardon granted by a government.
- Because Perdoni is the imperative form of the verb 'perdonar', when you say it, you are literally commanding the person to 'forgive me'.
- If you address a small child using the formal Perdoni, it can sound ironically grand, as if you are treating the child like a high-ranking official.
Examples in context
- Disculpi, puc seure aquí?Excuse me, may I sit here?
- Perdona'm, tens un minut per mi?Excuse me, do you have a minute for me?
- Disculpa'm, he deixat el meu llibre a casa teva.Excuse me, I left my book at your place.
- Pardó, m'he deixat les claus a casa.Excuse me, I left my keys at home.
- Perdoni per la tardança.Excuse me for the delay.
Example conversation
Pol accidentally bumps into Montserrat in a crowded hallway.
- PolPerdoni, Montserrat, no l'he vist.Excuse me, Montserrat, I didn't see you.
- MontserratNo passa res, Pol.It's nothing, Pol.
- PolEstà tot bé?Is everything okay?
- MontserratSí, no és important.Yes, it is not important.
