What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun özür (apology or excuse) and the verb dilerim (I wish, desire or ask for), literally meaning "I wish/ask for an apology".
Which one should you use?
Kusura bakma can be translated as "Don't look at my fault" or "Don't mind me", serving as a more casual way to say sorry compared to the more formal Özür dilerim. The version Kusura bakmayın is the polite or plural version of that informal phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb dilerim is in the first-person singular present tense, which makes the phrase a direct statement of "I apologize".
How do you pronounce it?
/øzyɾ dileɾim/. The [z] sound is like the [z] in [z]one, the [ɾ] sound is like the American English [t] in a[t]om, the [i] sound is like the [ee] in cr[ee]k and the [m] sound is like the [m] in [m]uch.
Did you know?
- The word özür is also used to describe a physical or mental disability in Turkish.
- In Turkey, a heartfelt apology is often accompanied by placing the right hand over the heart.
- The word özür traces its roots back to Arabic, entering the Turkish language through Ottoman Turkish influence.
Examples in context
- Sizi bu kadar rahatsız ettiğim için özür dilerim.I am sorry to trouble you so much.This sentence shows how to use Özür dilerim when apologizing for troubling someone.Tatoeba #4582196 by maydoo, translation #275967 by CC
- "Mary, kahve benim için fazla koyu." "Ah, özür dilerim. Belki biraz süt ilave et.""Mary, the coffee is too strong for me." "Oh, I am sorry. Perhaps add a little milk."This sentence shows how to use Özür dilerim as a response to a comment about coffee.Tatoeba #6728309 by deyta, translation #6724886 by Eccles17
- Seni korkuttuysam özür dilerim.I am sorry if I scared you.This sentence shows how to use Özür dilerim when apologizing for scaring someone.Tatoeba #9208273 by Ali1234, translation #9208270 by Ali1234
- Özür dilerim, size yanlışlıkla zarar verdim.I am sorry, I accidentally caused you harm.
- Kusura bakma, telefonunu ödünç alabilir miyim?Excuse me, can I borrow your phone?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve accidentally bumps into Emre in a hallway.
- MerveÖzür dilerim, seni görmedim.I am sorry, I didn't see you.
- EmreÖnemli değil, sorun yok.It's not important, no problem.
- MerveYine de çok özür dilerim.I am still very sorry.
- EmreGerçekten sorun değil Merve.It really is not a problem, Merve.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries özür, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
