Promiňte
[ˈpromɪɲtɛ]
Promiňte is the Czech way to say I am sorry.
Promiňte is an expression used to apologize for a mistake or to ask for forgiveness. It also functions similarly to the English phrase 'Excuse me' when you need to get someone's attention.
Which one should you use?
While Promiňte serves as both an apology and a way to say 'Excuse me', the phrase Promiňte mi specifically translates to 'Forgive me'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the apology changes depending on who you are addressing. Use the informal singular form Promiň mi to say 'Forgive me'. For a formal situation or when addressing multiple people, use the formal or plural form Promiňte mi.
Did you know?
- In Czech, the word prominout used in Promiňte also means 'to omit' or 'to overlook'. An apology is literally a request for the other person to omit your mistake from their memory.
- Czech has a specific word for the feeling of being sorry that is not an apology: litost. It describes a complex mix of pity, regret and sadness that has no single equivalent in English.
- The verb in Promiňte is a command, meaning you are literally telling the other person to 'forgive'.
Examples in context
- Je mi to líto, že jsem se opozdil/la na schůzku.I am sorry for being late to the meeting.
- Je mi líto, že jsem zapomněl/a na tvé narozeniny.I am sorry I forgot your birthday.
- Je mi líto, že jsem ti omylem polil/a nápoj.I am sorry I accidentally spilled the drink on you.
- Promiňte, ale už je zavřeno.I am sorry, but we are already closed.
- Promiňte, nestihla jsem to udělat.I am sorry, I didn't manage to do it.
Example conversation
Lukáš accidentally bumps into Jana in a crowded hallway.
- LukášPromiňte, já to opravdu nepozoroval.I am sorry, I really wasn't paying attention.
- JanaTo nic není, Lukáši.It's nothing, Lukáš.
- LukášJste v pořádku, Jano?Are you okay, Jana?
- JanaAno, všechno je v pořádku.Yes, everything is fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry promiňte.
