Συγγνώμη
syngnómi/siŋˈɣno.mi/
Συγγνώμη (syngnómi) is the Greek way to say 'I am sorry'.
Συγγνώμη is used both to apologize for a mistake and to politely get someone's attention, similar to 'Excuse me' in English. For a more formal way to say 'I am sorry', you can use the phrase Ζητώ συγγνώμη. If you need to apologize specifically for causing inconvenience or trouble, use Συγνώμη για την ταλαιπωρία. To express a heartfelt apology and seek forgiveness in an informal setting, you might say Ελπίζω να με συγχωρέσεις, which means 'I hope you forgive me'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Συγγνώμη literally translates to 'forgiveness' or 'pardon'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the phrase Με συγχωρείς is used to mean 'Forgive me' as an apology.
How do you pronounce it?
syngnómi. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /siŋˈɣno.mi/.
Did you know?
- The word συγγνώμη is actually a 'semantic loan' from the French word 'pardon'. While the word existed in Ancient Greek, its modern use as a standard apology was influenced by French culture.
- While συγγνώμη is used for mistakes, Greeks use a different conceptual approach for deep regret, often mentioning 'remorse' μετάνοια when the apology is spiritual or life-changing.
- The word συγχωρείς used in 'Forgive me' shares a root with the concept of 'granting' or 'giving' something, linking the act of apology to a gesture of generosity.
Examples in context
- Συγγνώμη για το λάθος μου.Sygnómi gia to láthos mou.Sorry for my mistake.
- Συγγνώμη, δεν σε άκουσα καλά.Sygnómi, den se ákousa kalá.Sorry, I didn't hear you well.
Example conversation
Giorgos accidentally bumps into Kyriaki in a crowded street.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΣυγγνώμη, δεν σε είδα!Syggnómi, den se éida!I am sorry, I didn't see you!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔεν πειράζει, Γιώργο.Den pirázei, Giórgo.It doesn't matter, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίσαι καλά, Κυριακή;Eísai kalá, Kyriakí?Are you okay, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είμαι μια χαρά.Nai, eímai mia chará.Yes, I am just fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry συγγνώμη.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries συγγνώμη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
