Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bocsánat | [ˈbot͡ʃaːnɒt] (narrow) | |
| elnézést | [ˈɛlneːzeːʃt] (narrow) | |
| elnézést kérek | ||
| bocs | [ˈbot͡ʃ] (narrow) | informal |
You can use elnézést as "excuse me" to get someone's attention or to apologize for minor social mistakes. For more significant apologies, you might say bocsánat or use the phrase igazán elnézést kérek to mean "I really apologize." If you need to express deep regret, the formal phrase mélységesen bocsánatot kérek translates to "I deeply apologize."
What does it mean word for word?
The word elnézést is the accusative form of elnézés, which literally means "an excuse" or "a pardon". In the phrase elnézést kérek, the word kérek means "I ask" or "I request", making the literal meaning "I ask for an excuse."
Which one should you use?
While bocsánat is a standard way to express sorrow or regret, bocs is a highly colloquial and shortened version. The word bocsánat itself is versatile, functioning as both a noun meaning "forgiveness" or "pardon" and as an interjection meaning "sorry".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, elnézést kérek is a polite way to say "I beg your pardon," and is more formal than the single word elnézést. You can also use the specific formal phrase bocsánat kérek to mean "I apologize." In very casual settings, such as among friends, you should use the informal bocs, which can mean "sorry" or "my bad."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase elnézést kérek is a complete sentence where kérek serves as the verb meaning "I ask/request".
Did you know?
- The word elnézést is built from the root néz, meaning 'to look'. Its literal sense is asking someone to 'look past' or 'overlook' your mistake.
- The word bocsánat traces its roots back to a Turkic language used before the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin around the 9th or 10th century.
- While English speakers often say 'sorry' to mean 'I feel bad' or 'my condolences', Hungarian uses different words for grief, meaning bocsánat is strictly for seeking forgiveness or excuse.
Examples in context
- Elnézést, mi a neved?Sorry, what's your name?This example uses elnézést to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #11547810 by kiseva33, translation #1211522 by alec
- Bocsi, de nem érdekel!Sorry, but I don't care.This example uses the informal bocs to express a casual "sorry."Tatoeba #8904398 by maaster, translation #11526204 by maaster
- Elnézést, az én hibám!Sorry, my mistake.This example uses elnézést to apologize for a mistake.Tatoeba #11354128 by kiseva33, translation #2774082 by sharptoothed
- Szuper hülyén viselkedtem, bocsánatot kérek.I acted really stupid, I apologize.
- Tudom, hogy bosszantottalak.I know I upset you.
- Ez az én hibám.It's my fault.
- Nem kellett volna ezt tennem.I shouldn't have done that.
- 180 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László accidentally bumps into Éva in a crowded hallway.
- LászlóBocsánat, nem láttalak!Sorry, I didn't see you!
- ÉvaSemmi baj, rendben van.No problem, it's okay.
- LászlóTényleg bocsánat a zavarért.Really, sorry for the disturbance.
- ÉvaMindegy, ne aggódj!It doesn't matter, don't worry!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries bocsánat, elnézést, bocs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bocs, bocsánat, elnézést, kérek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
