Ways to say it
| Serbian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| извините | Cyrillic, formal | ||
| извини | izvini | /izʋini/ | Cyrillic, informal |
| опростите | Cyrillic | ||
| izvinite | Latin, formal | ||
| izvini | Latin, informal | ||
| oprostite | /oprǒstite/ | Latin |
These terms are used to express regret or sorrow. The formal form извините (or its Latin script version izvinite) can also function like "Excuse me" to get someone's attention. For a more formal way to say "I apologize", you can use Izvinjavam se or Unapred se izvinjavam to say "I apologize in advance".
Which one should you use?
The word извини (izvini) is used when speaking to friends, family or children. In contrast, извините (izvinite) is used when speaking to strangers, elders or in professional settings. While both can express regret, опростите (oprostite) is a more formal and weightier way to ask for forgiveness than извините.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal forms are извини and Oprosti (which means "Forgive me"). The formal forms include извините and oprostite. For a direct statement of apology, the formal Izvinjavam se is appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal form извини is the singular imperative form of the verb. The formal form извините is the plural or polite imperative form of the verb.
Did you know?
- The verb izviniti se is built upon the root vin which refers to 'guilt' or 'fault'. To 'excuse oneself' literally means to 'un-guilt' oneself from a situation.
- In many Balkan contexts, a small gesture of placing one's hand over one's heart while saying izvinite can add a layer of sincere, heartfelt regret that words alone might lack.
- While извините is used for minor slips, a Serbian speaker might say жао ми је to express genuine empathy or sorrow, which cannot be used to ask for a seat on a bus.
Examples in context
- Извини што сам викао.I'm sorry for shouting.This sentence uses извини to express regret for an action.Tatoeba #8834746 by Lebad, translation #8827830 by CK
- Извините, шта сте рекли?Sorry? Pardon?This sentence uses извините to show how the word can be used to ask for clarification.Tatoeba #8852062 by Lebad, translation #51473 by shekitten
- Извини. Тренутно сам заузет.Sorry. I'm busy right now.This sentence uses извини to express a regretful response when busy.Tatoeba #12394392 by Lebad, translation #12378572 by CK
- Izvinjavam se što se ovo desilo. To nije bila moja namera.I apologize for this happening. It was not my intention.
- Izvini što sam kasnio na sastanak. Zaglavio sam se u saobraćaju.Sorry for being late to the meeting. I got stuck in traffic.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikola bumps into Milica in a crowded hallway.
- NikolaИзвините, нисам вас видео.Sorry, I didn't see you.
- MilicaНије проблем, све је у реду.No problem, everything is fine.
- NikolaЈош једном, извините.Once again, sorry.
- MilicaНе брините о томе, Никола.Don't worry about it, Nikola.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries извини, izvinite, oprostite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
