Signification
Expressing deep regret.
Contexte culturel
In Slovenia, eye contact is crucial when saying 'Zelo mi je žal.' If you look away, it may be perceived as insincere. In a Slovenian business context, an apology should be followed by a solution. Just saying 'Zelo mi je žal' isn't enough; you must explain how you will fix it. In rural Slovenia, people are often more stoic. A deep apology like 'Zelo mi je žal' might be reserved for truly tragic events, while urbanites use it more freely. On Slovenian social media, 'Zelo mi je žal' is often used in the comments of sad news posts, frequently accompanied by a candle emoji (🕯️).
The 'Res' Trick
If 'Zelo' feels too formal, use 'Res'. 'Res mi je žal' sounds very natural in daily life.
No 'Jaz'!
Never start the sentence with 'Jaz'. It's grammatically incorrect and sounds very foreign.
Signification
Expressing deep regret.
The 'Res' Trick
If 'Zelo' feels too formal, use 'Res'. 'Res mi je žal' sounds very natural in daily life.
No 'Jaz'!
Never start the sentence with 'Jaz'. It's grammatically incorrect and sounds very foreign.
Condolences
When someone dies, 'Zelo mi je žal' is always followed by 'Moje sožalje'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct way to say 'I am very sorry' in Slovenian.
How do you say 'I am very sorry'?
Slovenian uses the dative 'mi' and the impersonal 'je žal'.
Fill in the missing word to express sympathy.
Zelo mi je žal ___ tvojo izgubo.
The preposition 'za' is used with 'žal' to indicate the reason for the regret.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Zamudil si sestanek! B: ________, promet je bil grozen.
'Zelo mi je žal' is more appropriate for a significant mistake like missing a meeting.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You accidentally broke a friend's phone.
You are expressing deep regret for damage caused.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHow do you say 'I am very sorry'?
Slovenian uses the dative 'mi' and the impersonal 'je žal'.
Zelo mi je žal ___ tvojo izgubo.
The preposition 'za' is used with 'žal' to indicate the reason for the regret.
A: Zamudil si sestanek! B: ________, promet je bil grozen.
'Zelo mi je žal' is more appropriate for a significant mistake like missing a meeting.
Situation: You accidentally broke a friend's phone.
You are expressing deep regret for damage caused.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, 'Žal mi je' is the standard version. Adding 'Zelo' just makes it more intense.
Yes, because it is an impersonal construction, it never changes based on the speaker's gender.
'Oprosti' is like 'Excuse me' or a light 'Sorry'. 'Žal mi je' is for when you actually feel bad.
Use 'Zelo mi je žal zate'.
Absolutely. It is the most common way to apologize professionally.
Expressions liées
Oprostite
similarExcuse me / Sorry
Obžalujem
specialized formI regret
Moje sožalje
specialized formMy condolences
Sori
informalSorry
Ni problema
contrastNo problem
