Sorry
everyday
In Flemish you can say Sorry for a quick apology and het spijt me for a real one. Excuseer is a polite Belgian way to say "excuse me".
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Sorry | everyday |
| Het spijt me | neutral |
| Excuseer | Flanders, polite |
Sorry is used for bumping into someone or being late. Het spijt me fits a bigger mistake and means "I am sorry" more seriously.
Which one should you use?
Excuseer and its longer form excuseer mij are used when you want to get past someone or get attention. In the Netherlands people more often say pardon or neem me niet kwalijk.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spijten means "to cause regret", so het spijt me is literally "it grieves me".
Did you know?
- Sorry is an English word that has become a normal part of everyday Dutch and Flemish speech.
Examples in context
- Sorry, ik ben te laat.Sorry, I am late.
- Het spijt me echt.I am truly sorry.
- Excuseer, mag ik erlangs?Excuse me, may I get past?
Example conversation
Bart bumps into Eline in a crowded train station in Brussels.
- BartOei, sorry!Oops, sorry!
- ElineGeen probleem.No problem.
- BartHet spijt me, ik keek niet.I am sorry, I was not looking.
