Esgusodwch fi
Esgusodwch fi is the Welsh way to say excuse me.
This phrase is used as a way to say sorry or to offer an apology.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb esgusod (to excuse) in its imperative form and the pronoun fi (me).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Esgusodwch fi uses the formal/plural imperative, which makes it appropriate for addressing strangers or groups.
Did you know?
- While Esgusodwch fi is the standard formal apology, Welsh speakers often use diolch (thanks) in situations where an English speaker would say 'excuse me' to get someone's attention.
- In many parts of Wales, if you accidentally bump into someone, saying Esgusodwch fi might actually sound slightly too formal, as if you are making a public announcement.
- The pronoun fi in this phrase shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'me', both tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Esgusodwch fi.Excuse me.This is useful for practicing how to say the phrase Esgusodwch fi.Tatoeba #1571091 by vashti, translation #433504 by CK
- Esgusodwch fi, ble mae'r tren i Gaerdydd, os gwelwch yn dda?Excuse me, where is the train to Cardiff, please?
- Esgusodwch chi, fedrwch chi esbonio hyn i mi, os gwelwch yn dda?Excuse me, could you explain this to me, please?
- Sori, oes modd i fi fynd heibio, os gwelwch yn dda?Excuse me, can I pass, please?
Example conversation
Rhiannon accidentally bumps into Gareth in a shop.
- RhiannonO, esgusodwch fi!Oh, excuse me!
- GarethDim problem o gwbl.No problem at all.
- RhiannonYn ddiolch, Gareth.Thank you, Gareth.
- GarethDim problem, Rhiannon.No problem, Rhiannon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
