Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Apology'

English Word: apology

Key Russian Translations:

• извинение [ˌizvʲɪˈnʲenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Singular]
• извинения [ˌizvʲɪˈnʲenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Plural, Commonly used in formal apologies]
• прощение [prɐˈɕːenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often implies requesting forgiveness]

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

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Intermediate, due to nuances in usage and plural forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

извинение/извинения: [ˌizvʲɪˈnʲenʲɪjə]

Note on извинение/извинения: Stress falls on the third syllable. The plural form is more common in spoken apologies.

прощение: [prɐˈɕːenʲɪjə]

Note on прощение: The 'щ' sound is a soft 'shch', a distinct sound in Russian. Stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Expression of regret or saying sorry

Translation(s) & Context:

• извинение/извинения - Used in both formal and informal contexts to express regret or apologize.

Usage Examples:

• Примите мои извинения за опоздание.

  Please accept my apologies for being late.

• Я приношу свои извинения за недоразумение.

  I offer my apologies for the misunderstanding.

• Извините, я не хотел вас обидеть.

  Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.

2. Request for forgiveness

Translation(s) & Context:

• прощение - Often used when seeking forgiveness rather than just expressing regret.

Usage Examples:

• Прошу вашего прощения за мою ошибку.

  I ask for your forgiveness for my mistake.

• Могу ли я надеяться на ваше прощение?

  Can I hope for your forgiveness?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

извинение (Singular) / извинения (Plural): This is a neuter noun. The plural form 'извинения' is more common in apologies.

прощение: Also a neuter noun, follows similar declension patterns but is less flexible in plural usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for извинение/извинения:

• сожаление (regret)
• покаяние (repentance, more religious tone)

Note: 'сожаление' often implies regret rather than a direct apology, while 'покаяние' is rarely used in daily speech.

Antonyms for извинение/извинения:

• обвинение (accusation)
• претензия (claim or complaint)

Related Phrases:

• принести извинения - to offer apologies (formal)
• просить прощения - to ask for forgiveness (personal or sincere)
• извиниться за что-то - to apologize for something (casual or formal)

Usage Notes:

• The plural form 'извинения' is more idiomatic when apologizing in Russian, especially in formal contexts.
• 'Прощение' often carries a deeper, more emotional connotation and is used when seeking forgiveness rather than just expressing regret.
• In casual speech, Russians often use the verb 'извинить' or 'извиниться' (to apologize) instead of the noun form.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using singular 'извинение' when apologizing. Wrong: "Примите мое извинение." Correct: "Примите мои извинения." Explanation: The plural form is standard in apologies.
• Error: Confusing 'прощение' with 'извинение'. Wrong: "Примите мое прощение." Correct: "Примите мои извинения." Explanation: 'Прощение' means forgiveness, not apology.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, apologizing is often seen as a sign of respect and sincerity. Formal apologies (using 'извинения') are common in professional settings, while personal apologies might involve 'прощение' to express deeper remorse. Russians may also accompany verbal apologies with gestures like a slight bow or direct eye contact to show sincerity.

Related Concepts:

• сожаление (regret)
• вина (guilt)
• примирение (reconciliation)