Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Apologize'

English Word: apologize

Key Russian Translations:

• извиниться [izvʲɪˈnʲit͡sə] - [Informal, Perfective]
• извиняться [izvʲɪˈnʲat͡sə] - [Informal, Imperfective]
• принести извинения [prʲɪnʲɪˈsʲtʲi ɪzvʲɪˈnʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily conversations and formal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "извиниться" and "извиняться"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "принести извинения" due to formal tone and structure

Pronunciation (Russian):

извиниться: [izvʲɪˈnʲit͡sə]

Note on извиниться: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft "н" sound can be challenging for non-native speakers.

извиняться: [izvʲɪˈnʲat͡sə]

Note on извиняться: Similar to "извиниться," but used for ongoing or repeated apologies.

принести извинения: [prʲɪnʲɪˈsʲtʲi ɪzvʲɪˈnʲenʲɪjə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To express regret or say sorry for a mistake or offense

Translation(s) & Context:

• извиниться - Used in informal or semi-formal settings when apologizing once for a specific action.
• извиняться - Used for ongoing apologies or in situations requiring repeated expressions of regret.
• принести извинения - Formal, often used in writing or official contexts to offer apologies.

Usage Examples:

• Я хочу извиниться за опоздание.

  I want to apologize for being late.

• Он извинялся перед всеми за своё поведение.

  He was apologizing to everyone for his behavior.

• Мы приносим извинения за доставленные неудобства.

  We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

• Извини, я не хотел тебя обидеть.

  Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.

• Она извинилась и ушла.

  She apologized and left.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

извиниться (Perfective Verb) - Conjugates as a reflexive verb in the past, present, and future tenses. Below is the conjugation table for past and future:

извиняться (Imperfective Verb) - Used for ongoing actions; follows similar reflexive conjugation patterns but in imperfective aspect.

принести извинения - The verb "принести" (to bring) follows regular perfective conjugation, while "извинения" (apologies) is a neuter plural noun declining by case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• попросить прощения (to ask for forgiveness - more emotional or sincere)
• просить извинения (to request forgiveness - formal or dated)

Antonyms:

• обвинить (to blame)
• упрекать (to reproach)

Related Phrases:

• извините за беспокойство - "Sorry for the inconvenience" (polite, often used in formal or customer service contexts)
• прошу прощения - "I beg your pardon" (formal or emphatic apology)
• извини за грубость - "Sorry for being rude" (informal, personal apology)

Usage Notes:

• "Извиниться" is perfective and used for a one-time apology, while "извиняться" is imperfective and implies a process or repetition.
• "Принести извинения" is strictly formal and often appears in written apologies or official statements.
• In casual speech, Russians often use the shorter "извини" (singular, informal) or "извините" (plural or polite) as standalone apologies.
• Be mindful of tone and context; using a formal apology in an informal setting can sound overly stiff or insincere.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "извиняться" when a one-time apology is needed. Incorrect: "Я извиняюсь за ошибку" (sounds unnatural). Correct: "Я извиняюсь" (as a standalone) or "Я извинился за ошибку."
• Error: Overusing "принести извинения" in casual speech. Incorrect: "Приношу извинения, что опоздал" in a friendly chat. Correct: "Извини, что опоздал."
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive suffix "-ся" in verbs like "извиниться." Incorrect: "Я извинил." Correct: "Я извинился."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, apologizing is often seen as a sign of politeness and respect, especially in formal or hierarchical settings. However, over-apologizing in casual contexts might be perceived as insecurity. Russians may also use apologies as a way to soften requests or interruptions, e.g., "Извините, можно вас спросить?" ("Sorry, may I ask you something?").

Related Concepts:

• прощение (forgiveness)
• сожаление (regret)
• вину (guilt)