Με συγχωρείτε
Me synchoreite
In Greek, 'excuse me' is translated as Με συγχωρείτε (Me synchoreite).
Με συγχωρείτε is used to get someone's attention or to apologize for a minor interruption or mistake.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'Forgive me', where Me means 'me' and συγχωρείτε means '[you] forgive'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Με συγχωρείς is the singular, informal version of the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
Me synchoreite
Did you know?
- The word συγχωρείτε also shares a root with the Greek word for 'space' or 'room'. This creates a linguistic connection between forgiving someone and making space for them.
- In Greek, the verb inside Με συγχωρείτε is the same one used for religious forgiveness or pardoning a crime. This makes the literal meaning 'Forgive me' sound much more profound than the English 'excuse me'.
- While Με συγχωρείτε is the literal translation for 'excuse me', Greeks often use Συγγνώμη for smaller interruptions. The word Συγγνώμη is derived from σύν meaning 'with' and γνώμη meaning 'thought' or 'opinion'.
Examples in context
- Με συγχωρείτε, μιλάτε αγγλικά;Excuse me, do you speak English?This sentence is useful for asking if someone speaks English using Με συγχωρείτε.Tatoeba #4182531 by glavkos, translation #1951244 by Wittich
- Με συγχωρείτε, πού είναι το μετρό;Excuse me, where is the subway?This sentence is useful for asking the location of the subway using Με συγχωρείτε.Tatoeba #5365978 by Zeus, translation #9169998 by Nylez
- Με συγχωρείτε, πού είν' η παραλία.Excuse me, where is the beach?This sentence is useful for asking the location of the beach using Με συγχωρείτε.Tatoeba #5524097 by Zeus, translation #3778395 by senryakun
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia accidentally bumps into Nikos in a crowded store.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜε συγχωρείτε, δεν σας είδα!Me synchoreite, den sas eida!Excuse me, I didn't see you!
- Νίκος NikosΔεν πειράζει, όλα εντάξει.Den peirazei, ola entaxei.It doesn't matter, everything is fine.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίμαι πραγματικά λυπημένη.Eimai pragmatiká lympiméni.I am truly sorry.
- Νίκος NikosΜην ανησυχείτε, Αναστασία.Min anisychite, Anastasia.Don't worry, Anastasia.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
