atsiprašau
[ɐt̪͡s̪ʲɪprɐˈʃɐʊ̯]
In Lithuanian, the English phrase 'sorry' is most commonly expressed as atsiprašau. Wiktionary also lists atleiskite and dovanokite.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Ways to say it
| Lithuanian | IPA |
|---|---|
| atsiprašau | [ɐt̪͡s̪ʲɪprɐˈʃɐʊ̯] (narrow) |
| atleiskite | |
| dovanokite |
The word atsiprašau is used to express a personal apology or to say sorry for a mistake.
Which one should you use?
The most common way to say sorry in Lithuanian is by using the word atsiprašau. You may also encounter atleiskite and dovanokite.
How does it change in a sentence?
atsiprašau is the first-person singular form of the verb, meaning 'I apologize'.
Did you know?
- The word dovanokite is actually a way to ask for forgiveness that literally translates to 'give a gift'.
- While atsiprašau is the standard apology, atleiskite literally means 'let me go' or 'release me'.
- Lithuanian is one of the oldest Indo-European languages, meaning the roots of words like atsiprašau have preserved structures that disappeared in other languages centuries ago.
Examples in context
- Atleiskite, bet Tomas jau išėjęs yra.I'm sorry, but Tom is out now.This example shows how to use atleiskite when providing an explanation.Tatoeba #12567564 by Wobbelle, translation #7870901 by CK
- Atsiprašau…Sorry…This example shows the use of atsiprašau as a standalone apology.Tatoeba #6405214 by Edorin, translation #39996 by pierrephi
- Gerai. Atsiprašau.Okay. Sorry.This example shows atsiprašau used as a short response.Tatoeba #3451006 by asveja, translation #28610 by engberg
- Atsiprašau, kad užtrukau vakar vakare. Būsiu laiku kitą kartą!Sorry for being late last night. I'll be on time next time!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrius accidentally bumps into Austėja in a crowded hallway.
- AndriusAtsiprašau, aš nepastebiau tavęs.Sorry, I didn't notice you.
- AustėjaNieko kable, viskas gerai.No problem, everything is fine.
- AndriusAtsiprašau dar kartą už šį nuotikį.Sorry again for this bump.
- AustėjaNieko baisaus, Andriui.It's nothing terrible, Andrius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries atsiprašau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
