unnskyld
/ˈʉnːˌʃʏl(d)/
In Norwegian, 'excuse me' can be expressed as unnskyld or beklager. Wiktionary also lists beklagar.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | IPA |
|---|---|
| unnskyld | /ˈʉnːˌʃʏl(d)/ |
| beklager | /bəˈklɑːɡəɾ/ |
| beklagar |
Unnskyld is used to get someone's attention or to apologize for minor social slips. It can also be used as a standalone interjection, much like 'Excuse me' in English. Beklager is used when expressing sincere regret or a more formal apology.
Which one should you use?
Unnskyld functions as 'excuse me' or 'sorry' for small social errors or to initiate contact. In contrast, beklager is used when you want to say 'I apologize' or 'I regret' a situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Beklagar is a regional spelling of beklager.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʉnːˌʃʏl(d)/
Did you know?
- The word unnskyld contains the element skyld, which is the same root used for the word 'guilt' or 'debt' in English, literally suggesting you are 'un-guilting' yourself.
- The verb beklage is closely related to the concept of 'to lament' or 'to mourn' in a formal context, making it feel quite heavy compared to the English 'sorry'.
- In very informal settings, especially among younger people, one might bypass both words and simply use a polite 'hei' (hello) to initiate contact instead of 'unnskyld'.
Examples in context
- Unnskyld meg, kan jeg få en skje?Excuse me, may I have a spoon?This sentence shows how to use unnskyld to ask for an item.Tatoeba #4994781 by Improbably, translation #4987217 by GoFreeOgden
- Unnskyld meg. Hvor er biblioteket?Excuse me. Where's the library?This sentence shows how to use unnskyld to ask for a location.Tatoeba #10943681 by Mayk, translation #10927772 by CK
- Unnskyld meg, hvor er postkontoret?Excuse me, which way is the post office?This sentence shows how to use unnskyld to ask for directions.Tatoeba #2864116 by eirik174, translation #2585525 by CK
- Unnskyld, kan jeg spørre deg om veien?Excuse me, can I ask you for directions?
- Beklager for at jeg forstyrret deg.I apologize for disturbing you.
- Unnskyld meg, kan jeg få låne en penn?Excuse me, can I borrow a pen?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofie and Kristoffer are walking in a crowded park.
- SofieUnnskyld, Kristoffer, du gikk rett på meg.Excuse me, Kristoffer, you walked right into me.
- KristofferÅ, unnskyld, Sofie! Jeg så deg ikke.Oh, excuse me, Sofie! I didn't see you.
- SofieDet går bra, det er ingen sak.It's fine, no problem.
- KristofferTakk for at du er så snill.Thank you for being so kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations and entries unnskyld, beklager, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beklager, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
