Ways to say it
| Slovak | Note |
|---|---|
| prepáč | informal |
| prepáčte | formal |
This phrase is used as an expression of regret or sorrow. While English speakers often use the single word 'sorry' in all contexts, Slovak speakers choose a specific form based on whom they are addressing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is an imperative form of the verb prepáčiť, which literally means 'to forgive'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses 'sorry' for both formal and informal situations, Slovak requires you to choose between prepáčte and prepáč depending on your social relationship with the listener.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
prepáčte is the standard word to use in formal situations. prepáč is the informal equivalent used for friends, children or people you know well.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form prepáčte is used when addressing someone formally or when addressing more than one person. The form prepáč is used when addressing a friend, a child or someone you know well.
Did you know?
- The root of prepáč is related to the word for 'crossing' or 'overstepping'. Historically, the act of forgiving was conceptualized as helping someone get across a divide or moving past a mistake.
- While prepáč is used for mistakes, Slovak speakers often use pardon for minor social bumps or to ask someone to repeat themselves. This loanword is common in daily life and functions as a lighter version of an apology.
- Slovak has a specific nuance where prepáč can be used sarcastically to indicate that the speaker is actually annoyed. The tone of voice completely flips the meaning from an apology to a confrontation.
Examples in context
- Prepáč, nespoznal som ťa.I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you.This is useful for apologizing for not recognizing someone using prepáč.Tatoeba #10372667 by Dominika7, translation #2361913 by CK
- Prepáč. Naozaj musím ísť.I'm sorry. I really have to go.This is useful for apologizing when you must leave using prepáč.Tatoeba #12599106 by Dominika7, translation #7010373 by Hybrid
- Prepáč, že som ťa zobudil.I'm sorry that I woke you up.This is useful for apologizing for waking someone up using prepáč.Tatoeba #9854375 by Dominika7, translation #7186073 by CK
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marek accidentally bumps into Zuzana in a hallway.
- MarekPrepáč, nevidel som ťa.Sorry, I didn't see you.
- ZuzanaV pohode, nič sa nestalo.It's okay, nothing happened.
- MarekUž sa to neopakuje.It won't happen again.
- ZuzanaV poriadku, nevadí to.All right, it doesn't matter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
