Signification
Apologizing.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value efficiency. A quick 'Jag är ledsen' is often enough to move on. Similar to Sweden, Finns appreciate directness, but 'Jag är ledsen' is used slightly less frequently than in Sweden. Very similar to Swedish usage. 'Jeg er lei meg' is the Norwegian equivalent. Danes also use a similar phrase, but often prefer 'Undskyld' for minor things.
Keep it simple
Don't over-explain your apology. 'Jag är ledsen' is enough.
Don't over-apologize
Swedes value sincerity. Don't say it if you don't mean it.
Signification
Apologizing.
Keep it simple
Don't over-explain your apology. 'Jag är ledsen' is enough.
Don't over-apologize
Swedes value sincerity. Don't say it if you don't mean it.
Use tone
Your tone of voice is more important than the words themselves.
Body language
A slight nod or a sad expression helps convey the sincerity.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Jag ___ ledsen att jag är sen.
The verb 'att vara' (to be) is required here.
Which is the most natural way to apologize to a friend?
Which phrase is best?
The other options are too formal for a friend.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You bumped into someone.
This is the correct phrase for a social mistake.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Du glömde köpa mjölk.' B: '___, jag glömde det.'
The context requires an apology.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJag ___ ledsen att jag är sen.
The verb 'att vara' (to be) is required here.
Which phrase is best?
The other options are too formal for a friend.
You bumped into someone.
This is the correct phrase for a social mistake.
A: 'Du glömde köpa mjölk.' B: '___, jag glömde det.'
The context requires an apology.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is the most versatile apology in Swedish.
It is neutral. Not too formal, not too casual.
Add 'verkligen': 'Jag är verkligen ledsen'.
'Ledsen' is a state of being, 'förlåt' is a command to forgive.
No, it is an invariant adjective in this phrase.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in most work environments.
'Oj, jag är ledsen' is perfect.
Yes, in Swedish culture, not apologizing for a mistake is seen as rude.
Yes, 'Jag är ledsen att höra det' is very common.
It reflects the historical link between sadness and regret.
Yes, it is very common in texts.
Use 'Jag är hemskt ledsen'.
Expressions liées
Förlåt
synonymSorry
Jag ber om ursäkt
contrastI apologize
Det var inte meningen
builds onI didn't mean to
Ingen fara
contrastNo problem
