Signification
Polite way to apologize or get attention.
Contexte culturel
Poles may seem reserved, but they use 'Przepraszam' frequently to maintain social distance and respect. It is common to hear it multiple times in a single interaction. In Polish offices, starting an email with 'Przepraszam, że zawracam głowę' (Sorry for bothering you) is a common way to show respect for a superior's time. On public transport, saying 'Przepraszam' is mandatory if you need to reach the door. Doing so without speaking is considered aggressive.
The Magic Opener
Always start any interaction with a stranger with 'Przepraszam'. It instantly makes you more likable to Poles.
Don't over-apologize
While polite, saying it 10 times in a row for a tiny mistake can make you seem unsure of yourself.
Signification
Polite way to apologize or get attention.
The Magic Opener
Always start any interaction with a stranger with 'Przepraszam'. It instantly makes you more likable to Poles.
Don't over-apologize
While polite, saying it 10 times in a row for a tiny mistake can make you seem unsure of yourself.
Add 'Bardzo'
If you really messed up, 'Przepraszam BARDZO' with emphasis on the second word shows genuine remorse.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask for the toilet.
________, gdzie jest toaleta?
You use 'Przepraszam' to get someone's attention before asking a question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You bumped into someone on the street.
A polite apology is required for physical contact.
Which is the correct way to say 'Sorry for the delay'?
Choose the correct grammar:
The preposition 'za' is used with 'przepraszam' to indicate the reason.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Customer: ________, czy mogę prosić o rachunek?
It is the standard way to call a waiter for the bill.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Przepraszam
Situations
- • Bumping into someone
- • Asking for directions
- • Calling a waiter
- • Interrupting a meeting
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________, gdzie jest toaleta?
You use 'Przepraszam' to get someone's attention before asking a question.
You bumped into someone on the street.
A polite apology is required for physical contact.
Choose the correct grammar:
The preposition 'za' is used with 'przepraszam' to indicate the reason.
Customer: ________, czy mogę prosić o rachunek?
It is the standard way to call a waiter for the bill.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or a stranger on the street.
Yes, but only with friends. In a shop or with older people, it sounds lazy or disrespectful.
Say 'Przepraszam bardzo' or 'Bardzo przepraszam'.
'Przepraszam' is for daily life; 'Wybacz' is for deep, personal forgiveness.
No, 'Przepraszam' is the same regardless of the speaker's gender.
Yes, with a rising intonation, it means 'Excuse me? I didn't hear you.'
Expressions liées
Przykro mi
contrastI'm sorry (sympathy)
Wybacz mi
similarForgive me
Pardon
synonymPardon
Sorki
informalSorry (slang)
