Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| özür dilerim | /øzyɾ dileɾim/ (from spelling rules) | |
| pardon | /ˈpaɾ.don/ | |
| afedersin | /afedeɾsin/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, informal, singular, alternative form |
| affedersin | /affedeɾsin/ (from spelling rules) | informal, literary, singular |
| afedersiniz | /afedeɾsiniz/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, formal, plural |
| affedersiniz üzgünüm | /affedeɾsiniz yzɟynym/ (from spelling rules) | informal, literary, singular |
Turkish uses different phrases depending on whether you are expressing an emotional state of sadness or performing the act of apologizing for a mistake. Use özür dilerim to apologize for an action you have taken. If you want to express that you feel sorry or saddened by a situation (your emotional state), use the related adjective üzgün.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase özür dilerim literally means "I wish/ask for an apology" or "I offer an apology."
Which one should you use?
Özür dilerim is the standard way to apologize for a mistake. In contrast, pardon is used for minor social interruptions, such as bumping into someone or passing through a crowd. While özür dilerim is the act of apologizing, üzgünüm is used to express that you are feeling sorry or sad about a situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal apologies, use the standard özür dilerim. If you want to say "excuse me" to politely interrupt someone or seek their pardon in a formal setting, use afedersiniz. In informal or friendly settings, you can use affedersin or the alternative spelling afedersin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form afedersin and its spelling afedersin are singular, whereas afedersiniz is the plural or formal version. The phrase affedersiniz üzgünüm is a singular, informal and literary way to combine an apology with an expression of regret.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /øzyɾ dileɾim/. The sounds are similar to: [z] in the English word zone, the [ɾ] in the American English pronunciation of atom, [i] in the English word creek and [m] in the English word much.
When do people say it?
When you want to express regret for any inconvenience you may have caused, the phrase kusura bakmayın is a suitable formal option.
Did you know?
- The phrase kusura bakmayın literally means 'do not look at the flaw'. It is used as a polite way to say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' when asking someone to overlook a small mistake.
- In Turkish culture, a sincere apology like özür dilerim is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a hand placed over the heart to show genuine regret.
- While pardon is used in Turkish, it was borrowed from French during the Ottoman era. This reflects a historical period where French was the primary language of diplomacy and high society in Turkey.
Examples in context
- Her şey için özür dilerim.I'm sorry for everything.This sentence is useful for apologizing for everything using özür dilerim.Tatoeba #3573238 by vvv123, translation #2545298 by CK
- Gecikme için özür dilerim.Sorry for the delay.This sentence is useful for apologizing for a delay using özür dilerim.Tatoeba #4286875 by duran, translation #2419348 by erikspen
- Özür dilerim, çok aptalım.I'm sorry I'm so stupid.This sentence is useful for apologizing for a personal mistake using özür dilerim.Tatoeba #4547736 by tnnglue, translation #4533471 by CK
- 136 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin is apologizing to Burak for forgetting their appointment.
- SelinRandevuyu unuttuğum için özür dilerim, Burak.I am sorry for forgetting the appointment, Burak.
- BurakSorun değil Selin, canın sağ olsun.It is no problem Selin, don't worry about it.
- SelinGerçekten çok üzgünüm.I am truly very sorry.
- BurakÖnemli değil, bir dahaki sefere görüşürüz.It is not important, we will meet next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries pardon, afedersin, affedersin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries affedersin, pardon, özür, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
