με συγχωρείτε
me synchoreite
In Greek, 'pardon me' is expressed as με συγχωρείτε (me synchoreite).
με συγχωρείτε is used both to apologize for a mistake and to politely ask someone to repeat something or to get their attention. Another common and versatile way to say 'Pardon me' is Συγγνώμη.
Meaning: sorry, as an apology (phrase)
Which one should you use?
με συγχωρείτε is the polite or formal version, suitable for strangers or elders, whereas με συγχωρείς is used for friends or children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Cretan dialect, locals might say Συγνούμε instead of Συγνώμη.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version με συγχωρείς uses the singular verb form instead of the polite/plural με συγχωρείτε. When explaining why you are asking for pardon, you can use the conjunction που followed by the reason, such as in με συγχωρείτε που…
How do you pronounce it?
me synchoreite
Did you know?
- The root of συγχωρείτε is linked to the concept of space, as the verb χωρώ means 'to have room' or 'to fit'. To ask for pardon is literally to ask for enough space or tolerance to accommodate a mistake.
- While συγγνώμη is the most common way to say 'sorry', it shares a root with the word for 'knowledge'. It historically implies a request for the other person to 'know' or 'understand' the speaker's perspective.
- The word συγχωρείτε is also used in legal contexts to describe a formal pardon or amnesty granted by a state authority.
Examples in context
- Με συγχωρείτε που διακόπτω.Pardon me for interrupting.This sentence shows how to use με συγχωρείτε when interrupting.Tatoeba #9172640 by Nylez, translation #2738999 by sharptoothed
- Με συγχωρείτε που σας διακόπτω.Pardon me for interrupting you.Tatoeba #12823747 by glossboss, translation #2267637 by _undertoad
- Συγγνώμη, μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;Pardon me, can you help me?
- Με συγχωρείτε, θα ήθελα να σας ρωτήσω κάτι.Pardon me, I would like to ask you something.
- Με συγχωρείς, διέκοψα την συζήτησή σας.Pardon me, I interrupted your conversation.
- Με συγχωρείτε για την καθυστέρηση.Me syngchoreite gia tin kathysterisi.Pardon me for the delay.
Example conversation
Kyriaki accidentally bumps into Georgios in a hallway.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜε συγχωρείτε, Γιώργο!Me synchoreite, Giorgo!Pardon me, Georgios!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν έγινε τίποτα, Κυριακή.Den egine tipota, Kyriaki.It's nothing, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΉταν δικό μου λάθος.Itan diko mou lathos.It was my fault.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΌλα εντάξει, μην ανησυχείτε.Ola entaxei, min anisychite.Everything is fine, don't worry.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
