συγγνώμη
syngnómi/siŋˈɣno.mi/
The English word "sorry" is translated into Greek as συγγνώμη (syngnómi).
συγγνώμη is a polite term used to express regret for a mistake or to politely get someone's attention, much like saying "excuse me" in English. It can also function as a noun meaning "forgiveness". You can use the phrase Ζητώ συγνώμη to mean "I ask for forgiveness".
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Which one should you use?
While συγγνώμη is used to apologize or ask for attention, if you wish to say "I am sorry" in the sense of expressing a personal feeling of sorrow, you should use the adjective Λυπημένος (lypiménos) if you are male or Λυπημένη (lypiméni) if you are female.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Although συγγνώμη is technically a noun meaning "forgiveness", it is commonly used as an interjection to mean "sorry".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as syngnómi (/siŋˈɣno.mi/). It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word συγγνώμη is built from two parts meaning 'together' and 'knowledge', literally implying the act of 'knowing together' or sharing understanding.
- When expressing deep sorrow for a death, Greeks do not use συγγνώμη but instead use the phrase συλλυγούμαι, which means 'I grieve with you'.
- The Greek word γνώμη inside συγγνώμη is a distant relative of the English word 'gnostic', which relates to knowledge and insight.
Examples in context
- Ωχ, συγγνώμη.Oh, sorry.This sentence shows how to use συγγνώμη as an interjection.Tatoeba #4707973 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #3384687 by Ricardo14
- Συγγνώμη, ξέχασα.Sorry, I forgot.This sentence shows how to use συγγνώμη to apologize for a mistake.Tatoeba #5451628 by Zeus, translation #1110451 by Scott
- Συγγνώμη. Σε ξύπνησα;I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?This sentence shows how to use συγγνώμη when checking if an action caused an inconvenience.Tatoeba #5371503 by Zeus, translation #3182876 by WestofEden
- Συγγνώμη που ακύρωσα το ραντεβού σήμερα.Sorry I canceled our meeting today.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni accidentally bumps into Dimitris at a cafe.
- Ελένη EleniΣυγγνώμη, Δημήτρη! Δεν σε είδα.Sygnómi, Dimítri! Den se eída.Sorry, Dimitris! I didn't see you.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν πειράζει, Ελένη. Όλα καλά.Den pirázei, Eléni. Óla kalá.It doesn't matter, Eleni. Everything is fine.
- Ελένη EleniΠάλι συγγνώμη για την ταραχή.Páli sygnómi gia tin tarachí.Sorry again for the disturbance.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜην ανησυχείς, είναι όλα εντάξει.Min anisychéis, eínai óla entáxei.Don't worry, it's all okay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries συγγνώμη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries συγγνώμη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
