jammer
/ˈja.mər/
The English word 'sorry' is translated into Afrikaans as jammer.
jammer is used to express an expression of regret or sorrow. To express personal regret, a common phrase is Ek is jammer (I am sorry).
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Which one should you use?
While jammer describes the feeling of regret, it is not used as a direct interjection to mean 'Excuse me' as English often does. If you want to say 'Sorry' to get someone's attention or to apologize for a minor social slip, such as bumping into someone, Ekskuus is more natural.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word jammer functions as an adjective in Afrikaans.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈja.mər/ (2 syllables, stress on the 1st syllable)
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use jammer as a quick interjection to mean 'Excuse me' or to apologize for a small social accident. Use Ekskuus instead.
Did you know?
- The word jammer shares the same Proto-Germanic root as the English word 'weary', both originating from the idea of being distressed or suffering.
- In some Afrikaans dialects, the word jammer is used in the expression jammer vir jou, which translates to 'I feel sorry for you' but can often sound condescending or sarcastic.
- If you want to apologize for a small mistake, the word Ekskuus is actually a loanword from the English 'excuse'.
Examples in context
- Tom sal jammer wees.Tom will be sorry.This sentence shows how to use jammer to express that someone will feel regret.Tatoeba #6459228 by Dewald, translation #6440551 by CK
- Ek is jammer oor laat wees.I'm sorry about being late.This sentence demonstrates using jammer to apologize for being late.Tatoeba #2786682 by Diablofire, translation #2544099 by CK
- Ek was jammer om van hom te hoor.I was sorry to hear about him.This sentence shows how to use jammer to express regret upon hearing news.Tatoeba #6456446 by Dewald, translation #3920935 by CH
- Beste Meneer/Mevrou, ek is jammer vir enige ongerief wat ek veroorsaak het. Ek waardeer u geduld in hierdie saak.Dear Sir/Madam, I am sorry for any inconvenience I have caused. I appreciate your patience in this matter.
- Ek is baie jammer dat ek jou verjaarsdag vergeet het. Dit was onverskoonbaar van my kant af.I am very sorry that I forgot your birthday. It was inexcusable from my side.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andries and Marelize are talking on the phone after a misunderstanding.
- AndriesEk is jammer dat ek jou kwaad gemaak het.I am sorry that I made you angry.
- MarelizeDit is reg, Andries, dit is okay.It is alright, Andries, it is okay.
- AndriesEk sal probeer om dit nie weer te doen nie.I will try not to do it again.
- MarelizeDankie dat jy dit sê.Thank you for saying that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries jammer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jammer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
