Which one should you use?
While Sorry is the most common colloquial way to apologize, more formal and sincere expressions of regret include Het spijt me (I am sorry / I regret it) and Het spijt me zeer (I am very sorry). For even more formal situations, you can use Mijn oprechte excuses (my sincere apologies).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sorry is used in casual, everyday and informal situations. For formal contexts, prefer Het spijt me or Mijn oprechte excuses. The word Excuses also serves as a straightforward and concise way to apologize informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to provide a reason for your apology using "that", use Sorry dat… followed by a subordinate clause. To apologize for a specific object or noun, use Sorry voor…
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈsɔ.ri/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The phrase Het spijt me comes from the verb spijten, which originally meant to pierce or stab, suggesting a feeling of being pierced by regret.
- While Sorry is used for mistakes, Dutch speakers often use Pardon specifically when trying to get someone's attention or physically passing through a crowded space.
- Using Sorry dat… requires you to flip your word order, making the verb go to the very end of the sentence, which can feel counterintuitive for English speakers.
Examples in context
- Sorry dat ik je lastigval.I am sorry to trouble you.This sentence shows how to use Sorry when explaining that you are troubling someone.Tatoeba #8498576 by Elsofie, translation #54311 by CC
- Sorry daarvoor.I am sorry about this.This sentence shows how to use Sorry to apologize for a specific situation.Tatoeba #9332706 by Micsmithel, translation #7961350 by Amastan
- Sorry dat ik te laat ben, het spijt me echt.Sorry I'm late, I'm really sorry.
- Sorry, ik ben te laat.Sorry, I am late.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan accidentally bumps into Emma in a hallway.
- DaanOeps, sorry Emma!Oops, sorry Emma!
- EmmaGeen probleem, Daan.No problem, Daan.
- DaanIk zag je niet goed.I didn't see you well.
- EmmaMaakt niet uit.It doesn't matter.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry sorry.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
