Signification
Used to get attention or apologize politely.
Contexte culturel
In crowded cities like Istanbul, 'Afedersiniz' is often shortened in pronunciation to 'Afdersiniz' or even 'Pardon' to keep up with the fast pace. When visiting a Turkish home, if you need to leave the room briefly, saying 'Afedersiniz' or 'Müsaadenizle' (with your permission) is expected. In Turkish offices, hierarchy is respected. Always use 'Afedersiniz' when entering a superior's room, even if the door is open. On buses, 'Afedersiniz' is the polite way to ask people to move so you can reach the exit. It's often said loudly so the driver hears you too.
The 'Bakar mısınız' Combo
For maximum politeness with waiters, say 'Afedersiniz, bakar mısınız?'
Avoid 'Afedersin' with Elders
Even if you are at an A1 level, using the informal version with an older person can seem rude.
Signification
Used to get attention or apologize politely.
The 'Bakar mısınız' Combo
For maximum politeness with waiters, say 'Afedersiniz, bakar mısınız?'
Avoid 'Afedersin' with Elders
Even if you are at an A1 level, using the informal version with an older person can seem rude.
Body Language
A small nod of the head while saying 'Afedersiniz' adds a layer of sincerity and respect.
Teste-toi
You want to ask a stranger for the time. What do you say?
________, saat kaç?
'Afedersiniz' is the correct way to politely get a stranger's attention.
Complete the sentence with the correct formal ending.
Afeder______, Taksim Meydanı nerede?
The '-siniz' ending makes the word formal and appropriate for strangers.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You accidentally bump into someone in a shop.
'Afedersiniz' is used for minor physical accidents.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: ________, bakar mısınız? B: Buyurun, ne istemiştiniz?
In a restaurant or shop, 'Afedersiniz' is the standard opener.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Afedersiniz
Getting Attention
- • Waiters
- • Strangers
- • Clerks
Minor Accidents
- • Bumping
- • Stepping on toes
- • Wrong seat
Moving
- • Crowded bus
- • Narrow street
- • Elevators
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________, saat kaç?
'Afedersiniz' is the correct way to politely get a stranger's attention.
Afeder______, Taksim Meydanı nerede?
The '-siniz' ending makes the word formal and appropriate for strangers.
Situation: You accidentally bump into someone in a shop.
'Afedersiniz' is used for minor physical accidents.
A: ________, bakar mısınız? B: Buyurun, ne istemiştiniz?
In a restaurant or shop, 'Afedersiniz' is the standard opener.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'Affedersiniz' is the formal dictionary spelling, but 'Afedersiniz' is more common in daily life.
Yes, 'Pardon' is very common in cities, but 'Afedersiniz' sounds more polite and 'Turkish'.
Use 'Çok özür dilerim'. 'Afedersiniz' is not enough for serious mistakes.
You can say 'Buyurun' (Yes/Go ahead) or 'Rica ederim' (You're welcome/No problem).
Yes, to politely introduce a question or a small request.
No! Use 'Başınız sağ olsun' for that.
Literally yes, but in 99% of cases, it just means 'Excuse me'.
Yes, it's a great word for children to learn to show they are well-behaved.
Yes, it's the most appropriate way to do so.
Not exactly, but 'Baksana' (Look here) is the very casual/rude equivalent.
Expressions liées
Pardon
synonymExcuse me / Sorry
Kusura bakmayın
similarDon't look at the fault
Özür dilerim
builds onI apologize
Müsaadenizle
specialized formWith your permission
Bakar mısınız?
similarWill you look?
