Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oprostite | /oprǒstite/ | Latin |
| izvinite | Latin, formal | |
| izvini | Latin, informal |
These terms are used to apologize for a minor intrusion, such as passing through a crowd or to politely get someone's attention.
Which one should you use?
The form izvini is the informal version used when addressing friends, family or children. In contrast, izvinite and oprostite are formal ways to say "excuse me" or "forgive me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
oprostite and izvinite are formal, while izvini is informal. When addressing one person you know well, you may also use the informal oprosti.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form izvinite is often used in more formal settings or in certain dialects like Serbian/Bosnian, though it is understood in Croatia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word oprostite is the imperative plural or formal form of the verb oprostiti (to forgive), used here as a polite request for an excuse. The singular/informal form of oprostite is oprosti.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of oprostite is /oprǒstite/.
Did you know?
- Using oprostite for a tiny error, like a waiter forgetting a napkin, can sound unexpectedly dramatic because the word carries the weight of genuine forgiveness.
- While it functions as a polite request, oprostite is grammatically a command telling the other person 'you forgive!', acting as a social lubricant.
- In Croatia, izvinite is often perceived as slightly more 'urban' or influenced by neighboring Serbian and Bosnian standards, whereas oprostite is seen as the traditional Croatian choice.
Examples in context
- Oprostite, znate li gdje je knjižnica odsjeka za ekonomiju?Excuse me, do you know where the economics department library is?This sentence shows how to use oprostite when asking for directions.Tatoeba #4098707 by krofna, translation #4091931 by andymakespasta
- Oprostite, tko je ova žena?Excuse me, who is this woman?This sentence shows how to use oprostite to ask for identification.Tatoeba #487089 by FeuDRenais, translation #393492 by Mouseneb
- Izvinite, možete li mi reći gdje se nalazi pošta?Excuse me, can you tell me where the post office is located?
- Oprostite, jesam li na pravom putu za Muzej suvremene umjetnosti?Excuse me, am I on the right way to the Museum of Contemporary Art?
- Oprosti, jesam li te prekinuo?Excuse me, did I interrupt you?
- Oprostite, zaboravio sam vaš broj telefona.Excuse me, I forgot your phone number.
Example conversation
Ivana accidentally bumps into Marko in a hallway.
- IvanaOprostite, nisam vas vidjela.Excuse me, I didn't see you.
- MarkoNema problema.No problem.
- IvanaJeste li dobro, Marko?Are you okay, Marko?
- MarkoJesam, sve je u redu.I am, everything is fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations and entries oprostite, izvinite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
