What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I ask for forgiveness", where прошу means "I ask/request" and прощения is the genitive form of "forgiveness".
Which one should you use?
While прошу прощения is a very polite way to say pardon me, you might also use Извините to say "excuse me" or Простите to say "forgive me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
прошу прощения is more formal and polite than the common извините. For more informal situations, you can use Извини (the informal version of извините for friends or people of the same age) or Прости (the informal version of простите used among friends and acquaintances).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb просить (to ask) in the first-person singular present tense, paired with the noun прощение in the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
proshu proshcheniya
Did you know?
- To express an even higher level of apology than прошу прощения, a speaker might use приношу свои извинения, which literally means 'I bring my apologies'.
- The word прощение comes from the same root as 'to pass by' or 'to leave alone'. To ask for 'прощение' is effectively asking the other person to let your mistake pass without consequence.
- Because прошу прощения is so formal, using it with close friends or family might actually sound sarcastic or cold, as if you are intentionally creating distance between you.
Examples in context
- Прошу прощения, что перебиваю.Pardon me for interrupting you.This sentence uses прошу прощения to apologize for interrupting.Tatoeba #10810159 by marafon, translation #2267637 by _undertoad
- Прошу прощения, но у вас ширинка расстёгнута.Pardon me but your fly is undone.This sentence uses прошу прощения to politely point out a wardrobe malfunction.Tatoeba #5118855 by Wezel, translation #2688579 by catcher
- Прошу прощения?Pardon me?This sentence uses прошу прощения as a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves.Tatoeba #2737755 by marafon, translation #31477 by CK
- Извините, я хотел бы спросить, где находится библиотека?Excuse me, I would like to ask where the library is located?
- Простите, но вы не могли бы повторить последнюю фразу?Pardon me, but could you please repeat the last sentence?
- Извини, что я опоздал.Pardon me for being late.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergei accidentally bumps into Olga in a crowded hallway.
- Сергей SergeyОльга, прошу прощения, я вас случайно толкнул.Ol'ga, proshu proshcheniya, ya vas sluchayno tolknul.Olga, pardon me, I accidentally bumped into you.
- Ольга OlgaНичего страшного, Сергей, всё в порядке.Nichego strashnogo, Sergey, vsyo v poryadke.It is nothing, Sergei, everything is fine.
- Сергей SergeyВы не ушиблись?Vy ne ushiblis'?Did you hurt yourself?
- Ольга OlgaНет, я в порядке, спасибо.Net, ya v poryadke, spasibo.No, I am fine, thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
