Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ви́бачте | výbačte |
| ви́бач | výbač |
| проба́чте | probáčte |
| проба́ч | probáč |
| перепро́шую | perepróšuju |
These words are used to say "sorry" as an apology. The form перепро́шую is specifically useful as a polite way to interrupt someone or to ask someone to repeat what they have said.
Which one should you use?
The forms ви́бачте and проба́чте are the polite or plural versions used when speaking to a group, elders or strangers. In contrast, ви́бач and проба́ч are the singular and informal forms used with friends, family or children. The form перепро́шую serves as a polite way to say "excuse me" or "I beg your pardon."
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms ending in –те, such as ви́бачте and проба́чте, are imperative forms used for polite requests or commands.
How do you pronounce it?
výbačte
When do people say it?
Перепро́шую is a very common, polite way to get someone's attention or to apologize for a minor social slip.
Did you know?
- The root of ви́бачте implies a sense of 'untying' or 'releasing' someone from a mistake or a burden.
- In very formal or old-fashioned contexts, you might hear прошу́ used on its own to mean 'please' or 'pardon me' when someone didn't hear a statement.
- Using the informal ви́бач with a stranger is not just seen as casual, but can be interpreted as a deliberate sign of disrespect or condescension.
Examples in context
- Вибачте, чи ви можете допомогти мені з цим?Excuse me, can you help me with this?
- Пробачте, що я вам заважаю.Excuse me for bothering you.
- Вибач, що зупиняю тебе, але хочу спитати дорогу.Excuse me for stopping you, but I want to ask for directions.
- Пробач, я випадково наступив на твою ногу.Sorry, I accidentally stepped on your foot.
- Ви́бачте, я не хоті́в вас обра́жати.Vybachte, ya ne khotiv vas obrazhat'.Excuse me, I did not want to offend you.
- Ви́бачте, я розли́в ка́ву.Vybachte, ya rozlyv kavu.Excuse me, I spilled the coffee.
Example conversation
Andrii accidentally bumps into Olena in a hallway.
- Андрій AndriiОй, ви́бачте, Олено!Oi, vybachte, Oleno!Oh, excuse me, Olena!
- Олена OlenaНічого страшного, Андрі́ю.Nichogo strashnogo, Andriyu.It's nothing terrible, Andrii.
- Андрій AndriiЯ не запі́мтив вас тут.Ya ne zapomitiv vas tut.I didn't notice you here.
- Олена OlenaВсе га́разд, не перейма́йтеся.Vse harazd, ne pereymayte sya.Everything is fine, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
