xin lỗi
[sin˧˧ loj˦ˀ˥]
In Vietnamese, "sorry" is expressed as xin lỗi.
The most common and general way to express regret or sorrow is to use xin lỗi. It is used for apologies, whereas cảm ơn or xin cảm ơn is used for expressing gratitude. Be careful not to confuse the two when being polite.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase xin lỗi literally means "to ask for fault", where xin means "to ask" or "to request" and lỗi means "fault" or "error".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase xin lỗi is a complete phrase that can stand alone as an apology without needing a subject like "I" or "me". To make an apology more polite or natural, Vietnamese speakers often add a personal pronoun after the phrase, such as Xin lỗi anh (Sorry, older brother/sir) or Xin lỗi em (Sorry, younger sibling/junior).
Did you know?
- While xin lỗi is used for apologies, Vietnamese culture historically emphasizes making a corrective action or a gesture of respect over the verbal act of saying 'sorry'.
- While it sounds like you are asking for the error itself, the phrase xin lỗi is actually a shortened version of the much more formal literary expression xin thứ lỗi, which means 'to ask for forgiveness'.
- In certain social contexts, using xin lỗi can actually be seen as too formal or distancing, and a softer, more indirect approach is preferred to save 'face'.
Examples in context
- ồ tôi xin lỗiOh, I'm sorry.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use xin lỗi in a simple apology.Tatoeba #12550051 by thanhcona40, translation #1579 by CM
- Đừng nói xin lỗi.Don't say sorry.This sentence is useful for seeing a command regarding the use of xin lỗi.Tatoeba #13232188 by leucammieuvu, translation #13022675 by rul
- Tôi đến để xin lỗi.I came to say I'm sorry.This sentence is useful for seeing xin lỗi used with a subject.Tatoeba #3680935 by tucm, translation #2300259 by CK
- Xin lỗi vì đã làm phiền bạn.I'm sorry for bothering you.
- Rất tiếc vì đã không thể đưa bạn đến sân bay.I'm sorry I couldn't take you to the airport.
- Xin lỗi bạn vì đã đến muộn.Sorry for being late.
- Làm ơn tha thứ cho tôi vì tôi đã nói lời lẽ không hay.Please forgive me for saying hurtful words.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nam accidentally broke Chi's favorite vase.
- NamChi ơi, anh xin lỗi vì làm vỡ bình hoa.Chi, I am sorry for breaking the vase.
- ChiThật sao? Anh làm em buồn lắm đấy.Really? You made me very sad.
- NamAnh thật sự xin lỗi, anh sẽ mua cái mới.I am truly sorry, I will buy a new one.
- ChiThôi được rồi, em tha lỗi cho anh.Alright, I forgive you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries xin lỗi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lỗi, xin, xin lỗi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
