Signification
Expressing sorrow or apology.
Contexte culturel
In Turkey, if a guest breaks something, the host will often say 'Cana geleceğine mala gelsin' (Better to the property than to the life). The guest should still say 'Üzgünüm' repeatedly to show they value the host's home. On Turkish Twitter or Instagram, 'Üzgünüm' is often used with a '😔' emoji to comment on tragic news or social issues, showing a collective sense of mourning. Turkish business culture is relationship-oriented. Saying 'Üzgünüm' for a delay is often more effective than providing a logical excuse, as it repairs the emotional bond between partners. In big cities like Istanbul, 'Üzgünüm' is the standard. In some rural areas, people might use more religious or traditional phrases like 'Hakkını helal et' (Grant me your blessing/forgiveness) for serious matters.
Add 'Çok' for Sincerity
Adding 'Çok' (Very) before 'üzgünüm' makes your apology sound much more heartfelt and less like a robotic response.
Don't say 'Ben üzgün'
Always include the '-üm' suffix. Turkish is a pro-drop language, so the suffix is what tells people WHO is sorry.
Signification
Expressing sorrow or apology.
Add 'Çok' for Sincerity
Adding 'Çok' (Very) before 'üzgünüm' makes your apology sound much more heartfelt and less like a robotic response.
Don't say 'Ben üzgün'
Always include the '-üm' suffix. Turkish is a pro-drop language, so the suffix is what tells people WHO is sorry.
The 'Empathy' Power
Use 'Üzgünüm' when a friend is venting. Even if you didn't do anything wrong, it shows you are on their side.
Body Language
When saying 'Üzgünüm,' a slight tilt of the head and placing your hand on your heart is a very traditional and respected way to show sincerity in Turkey.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Üzgünüm'.
Geç kaldığım için çok ______.
Since the sentence starts with 'I' (implied by the context of being late), you use the 1st person singular form.
Which phrase is best for hearing that a friend's cat is sick?
Arkadaşının kedisi hasta. Ne dersin?
'Üzgünüm' expresses empathy, which is appropriate for bad news.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: Yarın partime geliyor musun? Can: ______, yarın çok işim var.
Can is declining an invitation, so 'Üzgünüm' is the polite way to start the sentence.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You stepped on someone's foot in the metro.
An apology is required for a physical accident.
Complete the empathy phrase.
Senin ______ çok üzgünüm.
'Senin adına üzgünüm' is the standard way to say 'I'm sorry for you/on your behalf'.
Which is the most formal way to apologize for a professional mistake?
İş yerinde büyük bir hata yaptınız. Ne dersiniz?
'Özür dilerim' is more formal and takes more responsibility than 'Üzgünüm'.
🎉 Score : /6
Aides visuelles
Üzgünüm vs. Özür Dilerim
Banque d exercices
6 exercicesGeç kaldığım için çok ______.
Since the sentence starts with 'I' (implied by the context of being late), you use the 1st person singular form.
Arkadaşının kedisi hasta. Ne dersin?
'Üzgünüm' expresses empathy, which is appropriate for bad news.
Ayşe: Yarın partime geliyor musun? Can: ______, yarın çok işim var.
Can is declining an invitation, so 'Üzgünüm' is the polite way to start the sentence.
You stepped on someone's foot in the metro.
An apology is required for a physical accident.
Senin ______ çok üzgünüm.
'Senin adına üzgünüm' is the standard way to say 'I'm sorry for you/on your behalf'.
İş yerinde büyük bir hata yaptınız. Ne dersiniz?
'Özür dilerim' is more formal and takes more responsibility than 'Üzgünüm'.
🎉 Score : /6
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, use 'Affedersiniz' or 'Pardon' for that.
'Üzgünüm' is 'I am sorry' (a state), while 'Özür dilerim' is 'I apologize' (an action).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even your boss.
Say 'Senin adına üzgünüm.'
Yes, it literally means 'I am sad.' Context tells the listener if it's an apology or a mood.
Yes, 'Üzgünüz' means 'We are sorry.'
Say 'Çok üzgünüm.'
Yes, it is very common to soften a refusal or apologize for a delay.
Use 'Kusura bakma.'
No, Turkish has no grammatical gender.
The '-üm' is the 1st person singular suffix ('I am') following vowel harmony.
No, that just means 'Sad' and sounds like an incomplete thought.
Expressions liées
Özür dilerim
synonymI apologize
Kusura bakma
similarDon't look at the fault
Affedersiniz
similarExcuse me
Maalesef
builds onUnfortunately
Başınız sağ olsun
specialized formMay your head be healthy
Pardon
similarPardon / Sorry
