xin lỗi
[sin˧˧ loj˦ˀ˥]
The Vietnamese phrase xin lỗi means "I am sorry" or "Excuse me".
xin lỗi is used for a variety of situations, ranging from minor inconveniences like bumping into someone to more significant apologies. It can also function as a polite way to say "excuse me" when you want to get someone's attention.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb xin meaning "to ask" or "to request" and the noun lỗi meaning "mistake" or "fault".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal circumstances, you can use Thành thật xin lỗi to say "I sincerely apologize" or use Xin lỗi vì sự bất tiện này when apologizing for inconveniences caused by your actions. For a more gentle and friendly tone among friends or close acquaintances, you can use Xin lỗi nha. To make xin lỗi itself more polite or respectful when speaking to elders or superiors, you should add a personal pronoun before the phrase, such as Con xin lỗi or Em xin lỗi.
How does it change in a sentence?
xin lỗi can function as both a sincere apology for a mistake and a polite way to say "excuse me" to get someone's attention.
Did you know?
- The literal translation of the phrase is 'to beg for a mistake', which sounds counterintuitive to an English speaker's logic of 'taking responsibility' for an error.
- In Vietnamese culture, a sincere apology is often accompanied by a slight bow of the head and eyes cast downward to show humility.
- Depending on the relationship, the person being apologized to might respond with không sao meaning 'no matter' or 'it is nothing' to maintain social harmony.
Examples in context
- Tôi xin lỗi vì đã đến muộn.I apologize for being late.
- Xin lỗi, tôi không cố ý.I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
- Bạn có thể xin lỗi cô ấy không?Can you apologize to her?
Example conversation
Nam accidentally bumped into Hương at a cafe.
- HươngNam làm đổ nước của tôi rồi!Nam, you spilled my water!
- NamÔi, xin lỗi Hương, tôi không cố ý.Oh, I'm sorry Hương, I didn't mean to.
- HươngKhông sao, nhưng hãy cẩn thận hơn nhé.It's okay, but please be more careful.
- NamCảm ơn cô, tôi sẽ chú ý hơn.Thank you, I will pay more attention.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
