συγγνώμη;
syngnómi?
To say "pardon" in Greek when you want someone to repeat what they said, say συγγνώμη.
συγγνώμη said with a questioning tone asks the other person to repeat themselves. The same word is used to ask for forgiveness and as a polite way to say "excuse me" to get someone's attention or to pass by them.
Meaning: interjection, request to repeat (intj)
Which one should you use?
When "pardon" means forgiveness for an offence, Greek uses χάρη or αμνηστία. For an official order that releases someone, the words are αμνηστεία and χάρη.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced syngnómi?, with a rising tone as in a question.
Did you know?
- The word συγγνώμη literally means 'knowledge together'. It comes from the roots for 'with' and 'to know', implying that the speaker and listener are reaching a shared understanding of a mistake.
- If you use αμνηστία to ask for a 'pardon' in a casual setting, it will sound like you are a prisoner requesting a formal royal amnesty from a king.
- While συγγνώμη is common, Greeks often use the word παρακαλώ to get someone's attention or ask them to move. Depending on the tone, παρακαλώ can mean 'please', 'you are welcome' or 'pardon'.
Examples in context
- Συγγνώμη;sygnómi;Pardon?
Example conversation
Eleni and Dimitris are talking in a noisy cafe.
- Ελένη EleniΘα θέλεις έναν καφέ;Tha thélis énan kafé?Would you like a coffee?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣυγγνώμη. Δεν το άκουσα.Sygnómi? den to ákousa.Pardon? I didn't hear it.
- Ελένη EleniΡώτησα αν θέλεις καφέ, Δημήτρη.Rótisa an thélis kafé, Dimítri.I asked if you want coffee, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, παρακαλώ.Nai, parakaló.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pardon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
