Ways to say it
| Albanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| më fal | [məˈfal] (narrow) | informal |
| më falni | [məˈfalni] (narrow) | formal |
These forms function similarly to the English 'sorry' and can be used both to apologize for a mistake and to get someone's attention, similar to 'excuse me'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase më fal literally translates to 'forgive me', where më means 'me' and fal is the imperative form of 'to forgive'.
Which one should you use?
më fal is the singular and informal version, while më falni is the version used for multiple people or to show respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
më falni is the formal form, whereas më fal is the informal form used with friends or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form më falni is used when addressing more than one person or when using the formal 'you' to show respect.
When do people say it?
While më fal forms are common, Më vjen keq is another common way to say 'I'm sorry' and is more suitable for formal settings.
Did you know?
- The word fal in the phrase më fal might actually come from a Slavic root meaning 'to praise'.
- While më fal is a common apology, the phrase Më vjen keq literally translates to 'it comes to me badly', reflecting a different psychological framing of regret.
- Albanian differentiates between the regret of an action më fal and the empathy for another person's misfortune Më vjen keq.
Examples in context
- Më vjen keq për gabimin që kam bërë.I'm sorry for the mistake I made.
- Më fal, ishte gabimi im.Sorry, it was my mistake.
- Më fal, u vonë shumë.Sorry, I am very late.
Example conversation
Dritan accidentally bumped into Majlinda in a crowded street.
- DritanMë fal, nuk të pashë.Sorry, I didn't see you.
- MajlindaNuk ka problem, Dritan.No problem, Dritan.
- DritanJe mirë?Are you okay?
- MajlindaPo, jam mirë.Yes, I am fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries më fal, më falni, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fal, më, CC BY-SA 4.0.
