Signification
Apologizing for being late.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is often flexible in social settings. Being 15 minutes late is rarely seen as an insult, but the phrase is still used to show good manners. Cypriot Greek may use slightly different intonation, but the phrase remains identical. Punctuality in business is highly valued in Nicosia and Limassol. Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians often adopt the stricter punctuality of their host countries but keep the Greek phrase for cultural connection. In modern Greek startups and tech companies, 'Western' punctuality is the norm. Arriving late without this apology is seen as unprofessional.
The 'Traffic' Excuse
In Athens, 'είχε κίνηση' (there was traffic) is the universal excuse. Even if you just woke up late, people will usually accept it!
Don't forget the 'N'
Make sure to say 'την' (teen) and not just 'τη'. The 'n' is often kept before 'k' sounds like in 'kathysterisi'.
Signification
Apologizing for being late.
The 'Traffic' Excuse
In Athens, 'είχε κίνηση' (there was traffic) is the universal excuse. Even if you just woke up late, people will usually accept it!
Don't forget the 'N'
Make sure to say 'την' (teen) and not just 'τη'. The 'n' is often kept before 'k' sounds like in 'kathysterisi'.
Smile while saying it
In Greek culture, a warm smile and eye contact while apologizing go much further than the words alone.
Filotimo
Apologizing for lateness is a sign of 'filotimo'—showing you respect the other person's time.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing article.
Συγγνώμη για ___ καθυστέρηση.
The noun 'καθυστέρηση' is feminine accusative, so it needs 'την'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal business email?
How do you apologize for a delay to a client?
Adding 'Ζητώ' (I ask/request) makes the apology formal and professional.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 30 minutes late to a wedding.
For a significant delay at a major event, 'Χίλια συγγνώμη' (a thousand apologies) is best.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Γεια σου! Γιατί άργησες; B: __________, είχε πολλή κίνηση.
The speaker is explaining why they are late, so an apology is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση'
Social
- • Coffee dates
- • Dinners
- • Parties
Work
- • Meetings
- • Emails
- • Deadlines
Service
- • Doctor visits
- • Deliveries
- • Appointments
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΣυγγνώμη για ___ καθυστέρηση.
The noun 'καθυστέρηση' is feminine accusative, so it needs 'την'.
How do you apologize for a delay to a client?
Adding 'Ζητώ' (I ask/request) makes the apology formal and professional.
You are 30 minutes late to a wedding.
For a significant delay at a major event, 'Χίλια συγγνώμη' (a thousand apologies) is best.
A: Γεια σου! Γιατί άργησες; B: __________, είχε πολλή κίνηση.
The speaker is explaining why they are late, so an apology is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are used, but 'Συγγνώμη' (with two gammas) is the correct formal spelling. 'Συγνώμη' is a common simplified version.
Yes, it's very polite to use it even for short delays, especially in professional contexts.
The most common response is 'Δεν πειράζει' (It doesn't matter) or 'Κανένα πρόβλημα' (No problem).
Yes, 'Σόρι' is very common among young people and in casual settings, but 'Συγγνώμη' is better for learners.
You can say 'Συγγνώμη για τη μεγάλη καθυστέρηση'.
No, the phrase remains exactly the same regardless of the speaker's gender.
Socially, yes (15-20 mins). Professionally, no. Always apologize regardless.
Say: 'Συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση, το λεωφορείο άργησε.'
It's better to say 'Χρόνια πολλά και συγγνώμη που άργησα'.
It's perfect for teachers, bosses, or people you don't know well.
Expressions liées
Συγγνώμη που άργησα
similarSorry I'm late
Με συγχωρείτε
specialized formForgive me (formal)
Δεν πειράζει
contrastIt doesn't matter / No problem
Χίλια συγγνώμη
builds onA thousand apologies
Καθυστέρηση πτήσης
specialized formFlight delay
