At the A1 level, 'atsiprašau' is one of the most essential survival words you will learn. It is primarily used as a polite way to interrupt someone or to apologize for minor accidents, like bumping into a person on the street. At this stage, you should focus on the word as a fixed phrase. You don't need to worry about the complex verb conjugation of 'atsiprašyti' yet; just remember 'atsiprašau' as a single unit meaning 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry.' You will use it to get a waiter's attention, to ask for directions, or when you don't understand what someone said. It is a 'magic word' that makes your interactions with native speakers much smoother. For example, if you are lost, you can say 'Atsiprašau, kur yra centras?' (Excuse me, where is the center?). If you accidentally take someone's seat, a quick 'Atsiprašau' is enough to diffuse any tension. It is short, effective, and universally understood.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'atsiprašau' in more structured sentences. You will learn to pair it with the conjunction 'kad' (that) to explain why you are apologizing. For instance, 'Atsiprašau, kad vėluoju' (I'm sorry that I'm late). You also start to use it with the preposition 'už' (for), which requires the Accusative case: 'Atsiprašau už klaidą' (I apologize for the mistake). At this level, you should also recognize the plural form 'atsiprašome' (we apologize), which you will hear in shops or from groups. You are moving beyond simple interjections and starting to use the word to build more complex social interactions. You might also use it to politely ask someone to repeat themselves: 'Atsiprašau, galite pakartoti?' (Excuse me, can you repeat?). This shows a growing command of polite conversational fillers that are crucial for maintaining the flow of speech.
By the B1 level, you are expected to understand the reflexive nature of the word and how it fits into the broader verb system of 'atsiprašyti.' You should be comfortable using 'atsiprašau' in professional contexts, such as emails or business meetings. You might use it to hedge a statement or to politely disagree: 'Atsiprašau, bet aš manau kitaip' (Excuse me, but I think differently). At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish between 'atsiprašau' and 'atleiskite' based on the severity of the situation. You will use more descriptive adverbs to modify your apology, such as 'nuoširdžiai atsiprašau' (I sincerely apologize) or 'labai atsiprašau' (I am very sorry). You also understand that the person being apologized to should be in the Genitive case, though this is often omitted in casual speech. Your usage becomes more nuanced, reflecting an understanding of Lithuanian social norms and the importance of humility in communication.
At the B2 level, your use of 'atsiprašau' and its derivatives becomes quite sophisticated. You can use the word to navigate delicate social situations, such as interrupting a superior or handling a customer complaint. You might use the participle forms, like 'atsiprašantis' (apologetic), to describe someone's behavior. You also understand the subtle difference between 'atsiprašau' and 'dovanokite,' using the latter to add a touch of elegance or formal distance to your speech. You are capable of writing formal letters of apology where you might use the full reflexive verb: 'Norėčiau jūsų atsiprašyti už susidariusią situaciją' (I would like to apologize to you for the situation that has arisen). You also recognize when 'atsiprašau' is used sarcastically or as a rhetorical device in debates. Your grasp of the word's cultural connotations allows you to use it not just as a tool for politeness, but as a way to manage social dynamics and show empathy.
At the C1 level, you have a near-native command of the word's nuances. You can analyze the etymological roots and the historical development of reflexive apologies in Baltic languages. You use 'atsiprašau' in high-level academic or literary contexts, understanding its role in prose and poetry to convey character traits or social status. You are comfortable with the most formal constructions, such as 'prašyčiau atleisti' or 'reiškiu nuoširdų atsiprašymą' (I express a sincere apology). You understand the legal implications of an apology in certain contexts and how 'atsiprašau' functions in public discourse and political rhetoric. You can use the word to navigate complex bureaucratic environments where the choice of apology can influence the outcome of a negotiation. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated with your knowledge of Lithuanian history, culture, and psychology.
At the C2 level, you use 'atsiprašau' with the ease and subtlety of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate and use the word in wordplay, puns, and complex metaphors. You understand the philosophical implications of the act of 'atsiprašymas' (apologizing) within Lithuanian culture—the balance between individual pride and communal harmony. You can critique the use of apologies in public life, identifying when they are sincere and when they are merely performative. You are familiar with the use of the word in regional dialects and how its pronunciation or frequency might vary across Lithuania. Your command is such that you can use 'atsiprašau' to convey a wide range of emotions—from deep contrition to biting irony—solely through intonation and context. You have reached a level where the word is no longer a vocabulary item, but a flexible instrument of expression in your linguistic repertoire.

atsiprašau 30초 만에

  • Atsiprašau is the universal Lithuanian term for 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry,' essential for daily polite interactions and social navigation.
  • It is a reflexive verb form (from atsiprašyti) that literally means 'I ask back for myself,' implying a request for forgiveness.
  • The word can be used as a standalone apology, to introduce a question, or to politely move through a crowded space.
  • Correct usage often involves the conjunction 'kad' for reasons or the preposition 'už' with the Accusative case for specific faults.

The Lithuanian word atsiprašau is the absolute bedrock of social etiquette in Lithuania. Functioning both as a sincere apology and a polite way to gain someone's attention, it translates most directly to "I am sorry" or "Excuse me." Linguistically, it is the first-person singular present form of the reflexive verb atsiprašyti. The structure is fascinating: the prefix at- (meaning back or away), the reflexive particle -si- (meaning self), and the root verb prašyti (to ask or request). Literally, when a Lithuanian says atsiprašau, they are saying "I ask back for myself"—essentially requesting the return of their social standing or forgiveness from the person they have inconvenienced.

The Social Utility
In a crowded Vilnius bus, atsiprašau is your primary tool for navigating through the throng. It signals to others that you intend to move past them without causing offense. Unlike some cultures where a simple nod suffices, Lithuanians appreciate the verbal acknowledgement of personal space boundaries.
The Emotional Weight
When used as an apology for a mistake, such as being late for a meeting or accidentally stepping on a foot, the word carries a weight of genuine regret. While more formal alternatives exist, atsiprašau is the most versatile and universally accepted term across all social strata.
The Reflexive Nuance
Because the word contains the reflexive particle -si-, it emphasizes the speaker's involvement in the act of seeking pardon. It is not just a passive statement but an active engagement with the listener to rectify a social imbalance.

"Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte pasakyti, kiek dabar valandų?"

— "Excuse me, could you tell me what time it is?"

"Labai atsiprašau už vėlavimą, kamščiai mieste buvo baisūs."

— "I am very sorry for the delay; the traffic jams in the city were terrible."

"Atsiprašau, aš jūsų nepastebėjau."

— "I am sorry, I didn't notice you."

"O, atsiprašau! Ar viskas gerai?"

— "Oh, I'm sorry! Is everything okay?"

Whether you are entering a room, interrupting a conversation, or admitting a fault, atsiprašau is the linguistic bridge that smooths over potential friction in Lithuanian daily life. It is polite, efficient, and essential for any learner to master immediately.

Using atsiprašau correctly involves understanding its syntactical flexibility. It can function as an interjection at the beginning of a sentence, a standalone response, or the main verb in a complex sentence. Because it is a reflexive verb in its essence, its usage patterns are distinct from the English "sorry."

As an Interjection
When you need to get past someone or start a question with a stranger, atsiprašau acts as a polite buffer. It is often followed by a comma. For example: "Atsiprašau, kur yra artimiausia vaistinė?" (Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?).
With the Conjunction 'kad'
To explain the reason for your apology, you often use kad (that). Example: "Atsiprašau, kad sutrukdžiau." (I am sorry that I interrupted). This is the most common way to link the apology to a specific action.
With the Preposition 'už'
Another way to state the reason is using the preposition followed by the Accusative case. Example: "Atsiprašau už vėlavimą." (I apologize for the delay). This is slightly more formal and very common in professional settings.

"Atsiprašau, ar galėčiau praeiti?"

— "Excuse me, could I pass through?"

"Aš labai atsiprašau dėl šios klaidos sąskaitoje."

— "I am very sorry because of this error in the invoice."

"Mes atsiprašome už nepatogumus."

— "We apologize for the inconvenience."

In summary, atsiprašau is incredibly robust. It adapts to your needs whether you are a tourist asking for directions or a professional fixing a mistake. Mastering these three patterns—standalone, with kad, and with —will cover 90% of your daily interactions in Lithuanian.

To truly master atsiprašau, one must observe its use in the wild. From the bustling streets of Kaunas to the quiet libraries of Vilnius University, this word is the lubricant of Lithuanian social machinery. It is not just a word; it is a signal of civic awareness and mutual respect.

Public Transportation
Lithuanian trolleybuses can get quite crowded. You will hear a rhythmic chorus of atsiprašau as people move toward the doors. It is often said quickly, with a slight rising intonation to indicate an urgent but polite request to move.
Customer Service
In a restaurant, if you need the waiter's attention, a soft atsiprašau is the standard way to initiate contact. It is far more polite than calling out "padavėjau!" (waiter!), which can sound demanding.
Formal Announcements
At train stations or airports, announcements often begin with "Atsiprašome už dėmesį" (We apologize for [taking] your attention) or "Atsiprašome, traukinys vėluos" (We apologize, the train will be late).

"Atsiprašau, ar čia laisva vieta?"

— "Excuse me, is this seat free?" (Commonly heard in cafes or parks).

"Atsiprašau, aš ne viską supratau."

— "I am sorry, I didn't understand everything." (Essential for learners).

In a nutshell, atsiprašau is omnipresent. From the moment you step out of your door in a Lithuanian city until you return, this word will be your constant companion in navigating social interactions with grace and clarity.

For English speakers, the word atsiprašau presents a few linguistic hurdles. Because it is a reflexive verb and contains specific Lithuanian phonemes, beginners often stumble in predictable ways.

The Missing Reflexive 'si'
A common error is saying "aprašau" or "prašau" instead of atsiprašau. Prašau means "please," and aprašau means "I describe." Forgetting the -si- completely changes the meaning and can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 'š'
English speakers sometimes pronounce the 'š' like a soft 's'. In Lithuanian, 'š' is a strong "sh" sound (as in "shoe"). Pronouncing it as "atsiprasau" sounds foreign and slightly grating to native ears.
Overusing it for 'Pardon?'
While you can use atsiprašau? with a rising intonation if you didn't hear someone, Lithuanians often prefer "Ką sakėte?" (What did you say?) or "Prašau?" (Please? / Pardon?). Using atsiprašau repeatedly in this context can sound overly apologetic.

❌ Incorrect: "Aš atsiprašau už vėluoti."

✅ Correct: "Aš atsiprašau už vėlavimą."

— Explanation: You must use the noun (vėlavimas) after 'už', not the infinitive verb (vėluoti).

❌ Incorrect: "Atsiprašau tu."

✅ Correct: "Atsiprašau tavęs."

— Explanation: When apologizing to a specific person using a pronoun, use the Genitive case (tavęs), not Nominative (tu).

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will sound much more natural. Focus on the reflexive 'si' and the correct case following the word, and you'll be apologizing like a native in no time!

While atsiprašau is the most common way to apologize, Lithuanian offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the gravity of the situation.

Atleiskite vs. Atsiprašau
The word atleiskite (forgive me) is more formal and carries more emotional weight. Use atsiprašau for minor inconveniences and atleiskite for serious mistakes or when asking for deep forgiveness.
Dovanokite
Coming from the root dovana (gift), dovanokite literally means "gift me [forgiveness]." It is slightly old-fashioned or very formal, often used in literature or by the older generation in polite society.
Gaila / Man gaila
This means "I'm sorry" in the sense of expressing sympathy (e.g., "I'm sorry your cat is sick"). You cannot use atsiprašau to express sympathy; you must use man gaila.

"Atleiskite, aš pamiršau mūsų susitikimą."

— "Forgive me, I forgot our meeting." (More serious than atsiprašau).

"Man labai gaila dėl tavo praradimo."

— "I am very sorry for your loss." (Sympathy, not apology).

Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate the emotional landscape of Lithuanian communication. While atsiprašau is your "Swiss Army knife" for politeness, knowing when to use atleiskite or man gaila shows a deeper mastery of the language.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The reflexive 'si' in the middle of the word is a classic feature of Lithuanian verbs. If you remove 'si', it becomes 'atprašau', which isn't a standard word, but 'prašau' means 'please'.

발음 가이드

UK /ɐt͡sʲɪprɐˈʃɛʊ/
US /ɑtsɪprɑˈʃaʊ/
The primary stress is on the final syllable: at-si-pra-ŠAU.
라임이 맞는 단어
mažau gražau prašau mačiau girdėjau ėjau darau žinau
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'š' as 's' (atsiprasau).
  • Forgetting the reflexive 'si' (atprašau).
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'au' as two separate vowels instead of a diphthong.
  • Softening the 't' too much.

난이도

독해 1/5

Easy to recognize once the 'š' and 'au' are mastered.

쓰기 2/5

The 'š' and reflexive 'si' can be tricky to remember at first.

말하기 2/5

Requires practice to get the stress on the last syllable right.

듣기 1/5

Very distinct sound in conversation, easy to pick out.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

prašau ačiū labas taip ne

다음에 배울 것

atleiskite dovanokite prašom nieko tokio prašyti

고급

atsiprašinėti nuolankumas atleidimas apgailestauti atgaila

알아야 할 문법

Reflexive Verbs

atsiprašyti (to apologize) vs. prašyti (to ask)

Genitive Case for Objects of Apology

Atsiprašau tavęs (I apologize to you)

Preposition 'už' + Accusative

Atsiprašau už klaidą (I apologize for the mistake)

Present Tense Conjugation

Aš atsiprašau, mes atsiprašome

Use of 'kad' in Subordinate Clauses

Atsiprašau, kad vėluoju.

수준별 예문

1

Atsiprašau, kur yra tualetas?

Excuse me, where is the toilet?

Atsiprašau is used here to get attention.

2

Atsiprašau, ar čia autobusas į centrą?

Excuse me, is this the bus to the center?

Common way to start a question with a stranger.

3

Oi, atsiprašau!

Oh, sorry!

A standalone apology for a minor accident.

4

Atsiprašau, aš nesuprantu.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

Essential phrase for beginners.

5

Atsiprašau, kiek tai kainuoja?

Excuse me, how much does this cost?

Polite way to start a transaction.

6

Atsiprašau, galite padėti?

Excuse me, can you help?

Polite request for assistance.

7

Labai atsiprašau.

I am very sorry.

Adding 'labai' (very) increases the sincerity.

8

Atsiprašau, ar jūs esate Tomas?

Excuse me, are you Tomas?

Used to confirm someone's identity politely.

1

Atsiprašau, kad vėluoju į pamoką.

I'm sorry that I'm late for the lesson.

Uses 'kad' to introduce the reason for the apology.

2

Atsiprašau už vėlavimą.

I apologize for the delay.

Uses 'už' + Accusative noun.

3

Atsiprašau, bet man reikia eiti.

Excuse me, but I need to go.

Using 'bet' (but) to politely exit a situation.

4

Atsiprašome, restoranas šiandien nedirba.

We apologize, the restaurant is not open today.

Plural form 'atsiprašome' used by staff.

5

Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte pakartoti vardą?

Excuse me, could you repeat the name?

Polite request for repetition.

6

Atsiprašau, aš pamiršau raktus.

I'm sorry, I forgot the keys.

Apologizing for a specific mistake.

7

Atsiprašau, kur yra kava?

Excuse me, where is the coffee?

Using the word to ask for location.

8

Atsiprašau, tai mano klaida.

I'm sorry, that is my mistake.

Taking responsibility for an error.

1

Atsiprašau, kad sutrukdžiau jūsų poilsį.

I'm sorry for disturbing your rest.

More specific and polite apology.

2

Nuoširdžiai atsiprašau už šį nesusipratimą.

I sincerely apologize for this misunderstanding.

Using the adverb 'nuoširdžiai' (sincerely).

3

Atsiprašau, ar galėčiau įsiterpti į pokalbį?

Excuse me, could I join the conversation?

Polite way to enter a discussion.

4

Mes atsiprašome už laikinus nepatogumus.

We apologize for the temporary inconveniences.

Formal plural apology often seen in public.

5

Atsiprašau, bet aš negaliu su jumis sutikti.

Excuse me, but I cannot agree with you.

Polite disagreement.

6

Atsiprašau, ar šis krepšys jūsų?

Excuse me, is this bag yours?

Polite inquiry about ownership.

7

Aš turiu jūsų atsiprašyti už savo elgesį.

I must apologize to you for my behavior.

Using the infinitive 'atsiprašyti' with 'turiu' (must).

8

Atsiprašau, aš jus palaikiau kitu žmogumi.

I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else.

Explaining a social error.

1

Atsiprašau, jei mano žodžiai jus įžeidė.

I apologize if my words offended you.

Conditional apology using 'jei' (if).

2

Visiškai atsiprašau dėl vėlavimo pateikti ataskaitą.

I completely apologize for the delay in submitting the report.

Formal business apology.

3

Atsiprašau, kad tenka jus varginti tokiais klausimais.

I'm sorry that I have to bother you with such questions.

Polite acknowledgement of the other person's time.

4

Atsiprašau, bet jūsų argumentai nėra pagrįsti.

Excuse me, but your arguments are not well-founded.

Strong but polite intellectual challenge.

5

Atsiprašome už klaidingą informaciją mūsų tinklalapyje.

We apologize for the incorrect information on our website.

Corporate apology for an error.

6

Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte patikslinti šią detalę?

Excuse me, could you clarify this detail?

Polite request for technical clarification.

7

Aš nuolankiai atsiprašau už sukeltus rūpesčius.

I humbly apologize for the troubles caused.

Using 'nuolankiai' (humbly) for high formality.

8

Atsiprašau, bet šis klausimas nėra šios dienos darbotvarkėje.

Excuse me, but this question is not on today's agenda.

Professional boundary setting.

1

Atsiprašau, tačiau jūsų interpretacija prasilenkia su faktais.

Excuse me, however, your interpretation is at odds with the facts.

High-level academic disagreement.

2

Reiškiu nuoširdžiausią atsiprašymą dėl šio tragiško įvykio.

I express my most sincere apology regarding this tragic event.

Using the noun 'atsiprašymą' in a formal speech.

3

Atsiprašau, kad įsiveržiau į jūsų privačią erdvę.

I'm sorry for intruding into your private space.

Sophisticated social awareness.

4

Atsiprašau, bet tai yra akivaizdus procedūrinis pažeidimas.

Excuse me, but this is an obvious procedural violation.

Formal legal/procedural context.

5

Atsiprašau už mano galbūt per griežtą toną.

I apologize for my perhaps too harsh tone.

Reflecting on one's own communication style.

6

Atsiprašome, bet šiuo metu negalime patenkinti jūsų prašymo.

We apologize, but we cannot satisfy your request at this time.

Standard bureaucratic rejection phrase.

7

Atsiprašau, bet jūsų elgesys yra visiškai nepriimtinas.

Excuse me, but your behavior is completely unacceptable.

Using politeness to deliver a firm rebuke.

8

Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte man paaiškinti šią filosofinę koncepciją?

Excuse me, could you explain this philosophical concept to me?

Academic inquiry.

1

Atsiprašau, bet jūsų diskursas stokoja loginės darnos.

Excuse me, but your discourse lacks logical coherence.

Highly intellectualized critique.

2

Atsiprašau už šį lyrišką nukrypimą nuo temos.

I apologize for this lyrical digression from the topic.

Self-aware literary commentary.

3

Aš jūsų atsiprašau, jei mano tylėjimas buvo klaidingai suprastas.

I apologize to you if my silence was misunderstood.

Nuanced emotional expression.

4

Atsiprašau, bet tai tėra tuščia retorika be jokio turinio.

Excuse me, but that is merely empty rhetoric without any substance.

Sharp rhetorical dismissal.

5

Mes atsiprašome už bet kokią žalą, padarytą jūsų reputacijai.

We apologize for any damage caused to your reputation.

Legalistic and highly formal apology.

6

Atsiprašau, bet šis veikalas neatitinka aukščiausių kokybės standartų.

Excuse me, but this work does not meet the highest quality standards.

Professional aesthetic judgment.

7

Atsiprašau už mano vėlyvą atsakymą į jūsų gilų laišką.

I apologize for my late response to your profound letter.

Elegant personal correspondence.

8

Atsiprašau, bet jūsų pozicija yra istoriškai nepagrįsta.

Excuse me, but your position is historically unfounded.

Fact-based academic challenge.

동의어

Atleiskite Dovanokite Pardon Sori Atsiprašinėti Kaltas Prašau Atsiprašome

반의어

Kaltinti Įžeisti Girtis Ignoruoti

자주 쓰는 조합

Labai atsiprašau
Nuoširdžiai atsiprašau
Atsiprašau už...
Atsiprašau, kad...
Iš anksto atsiprašau
Viešai atsiprašyti
Atsiprašau jūsų
Atsiprašau, bet...
Dar kartą atsiprašau
Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte...

자주 쓰는 구문

Atsiprašau, kur yra...?

— The standard way to ask for directions to a place.

Atsiprašau, kur yra artimiausia banko stotelė?

Atsiprašau, aš nekalbu lietuviškai.

— A vital phrase for travelers to explain their language barrier.

Atsiprašau, aš nekalbu lietuviškai, ar kalbate angliškai?

Atsiprašau už trukdymą.

— Used when interrupting someone's work or focus.

Atsiprašau už trukdymą, turiu vieną klausimą.

Atsiprašau, ar čia laisva?

— Used to ask if a seat is available in a public place.

Atsiprašau, ar čia laisva vieta prie jūsų?

Atsiprašau, koks jūsų vardas?

— A polite way to ask someone's name if you forgot.

Atsiprašau, pamiršau, koks jūsų vardas?

Atsiprašau, aš netyčia.

— Used when you do something by accident.

Išpyliau vandenį, atsiprašau, aš netyčia.

Atsiprašau už vėlavimą.

— The standard apology for being late.

Atsiprašau už vėlavimą, buvo dideli kamščiai.

Atsiprašau, gal galite padėti?

— A polite way to request assistance from a stranger.

Atsiprašau, gal galite padėti man su šiuo krepšiu?

Atsiprašau, aš nepamačiau.

— Used when you didn't see someone or something.

Atsiprašau, aš jūsų nepamačiau einančio.

Atsiprašau, ar galima?

— Used to ask for permission to pass or enter.

Atsiprašau, ar galima trumpam užeiti?

자주 혼동되는 단어

atsiprašau vs Prašau

Prašau means 'Please' or 'You're welcome'. Beginners often mix them up.

atsiprašau vs Atleiskite

Atleiskite is 'Forgive me'. It is stronger and more formal than atsiprašau.

atsiprašau vs Gaila

Gaila means 'I'm sorry' in terms of sympathy, not for an apology.

관용어 및 표현

"Atsiprašau už gyvybę"

— A sarcastic or very humble way to apologize for one's existence.

Na, atsiprašau už gyvybę, kad paklausiau!

Informal / Sarcastic
"Atsiprašau už išsireiškimą"

— Used before or after using a strong or rude word.

Jis yra tikras kvailys, atsiprašau už išsireiškimą.

Neutral
"Nėra už ką atsiprašinėti"

— Used to tell someone that an apology is not necessary.

Viskas gerai, nėra už ką atsiprašinėti.

Neutral
"Atsiprašau, bet ne"

— A firm but polite refusal.

Atsiprašau, bet ne, aš negaliu skolinti pinigų.

Neutral
"Atsiprašau, kad gyvas"

— Similar to 'sorry for being alive,' used when someone is being too critical.

Atsiprašau, kad gyvas, kad tau viskas negerai!

Slang / Sarcastic
"Priversti atsiprašyti"

— To force someone to apologize.

Mokytoja privertė jį atsiprašyti draugo.

Neutral
"Liežuvis neapsiverčia atsiprašyti"

— When someone finds it extremely hard to say sorry due to pride.

Jam liežuvis neapsiverčia atsiprašyti už savo klaidas.

Informal
"Atsiprašau, nesupratau humoro"

— Used when someone's joke is offensive or not funny.

Atsiprašau, bet nesupratau šito humoro.

Neutral
"Būti skolingam atsiprašymą"

— To owe an apology to someone.

Aš esu tau skolingas atsiprašymą už vakar.

Neutral
"Atsiprašau, ne į tą temą"

— Used when someone realizes they are talking about the wrong thing.

Atsiprašau, čia ne į tą temą pasakiau.

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

atsiprašau vs aprašau

Sounds similar without the 'tsi'.

Aprašau means 'I describe', while atsiprašau means 'I apologize'.

Aš aprašau savo kambarį. (I describe my room.)

atsiprašau vs prašau

Contained within the word.

Prašau is 'please', atsiprašau is 'sorry'.

Vandenį, prašau. (Water, please.)

atsiprašau vs atprašau

Missing the reflexive particle.

This is not a standard word in Lithuanian.

N/A

atsiprašau vs užjaučiu

Both translate to 'I'm sorry' in English context.

Užjaučiu is only for expressing condolences/sympathy.

Aš jus užjaučiu dėl netekties. (I'm sorry for your loss.)

atsiprašau vs atleidžiu

Related to the act of apologizing.

Atleidžiu means 'I forgive', while atsiprašau means 'I apologize'.

Aš tau atleidžiu. (I forgive you.)

문장 패턴

A1

Atsiprašau, [klausimas]?

Atsiprašau, kur yra kavinė?

A1

Atsiprašau, [daiktavardis].

Atsiprašau, bilietas.

A2

Atsiprašau, kad [veiksmas].

Atsiprašau, kad vėluoju.

A2

Atsiprašau už [daiktavardis].

Atsiprašau už klaidą.

B1

Labai atsiprašau dėl [daiktavardis].

Labai atsiprašau dėl nesusipratimo.

B1

Atsiprašau, bet [nuomonė].

Atsiprašau, bet aš nesutinku.

B2

Nuoširdžiai atsiprašau už [daiktavardis].

Nuoširdžiai atsiprašau už visus rūpesčius.

C1

Atsiprašau, jei [sąlyga].

Atsiprašau, jei mano elgesys jus įžeidė.

어휘 가족

명사

atsiprašymas (apology)
prašymas (request)
prašytojas (requester)

동사

atsiprašyti (to apologize)
prašyti (to ask/request)
atsiprašinėti (to keep apologizing)
paprašyti (to ask - perfective)

형용사

atsiprašantis (apologetic - participle)
prašomas (requested)

관련

atleisti (to forgive)
dovanoti (to pardon/gift)
kaltė (guilt)
mandagumas (politeness)
etiketas (etiquette)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech.

자주 하는 실수
  • Atsiprašau už vėluoti. Atsiprašau už vėlavimą.

    You must use a noun after 'už', not an infinitive verb.

  • Atsiprasau (with 's'). Atsiprašau (with 'š').

    The 'š' sound is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

  • Atsiprašau tu. Atsiprašau tavęs.

    When apologizing to someone, use the Genitive case (tavęs), not Nominative (tu).

  • Prašau (when meaning sorry). Atsiprašau.

    Prašau means 'please'. Atsiprašau means 'sorry'.

  • Atsiprašau, kad tavo šuo mirė. Man gaila, kad tavo šuo mirė.

    Use 'man gaila' for sympathy, not 'atsiprašau'.

Use with 'už'

When apologizing for a specific thing, use 'už' + Accusative. Example: 'Atsiprašau už klaidą' (I'm sorry for the mistake).

Stress the End

Always stress the last syllable: at-si-pra-ŠAU. If you stress the beginning, it sounds very unnatural.

Eye Contact

In Lithuania, look the person in the eye when apologizing for something serious to show sincerity.

In Crowds

Use it quickly and politely when navigating through crowds on public transport or in shops.

Plural Form

Use 'atsiprašome' when speaking for your family or your company.

Root Meaning

Remember the root is 'prašyti' (to ask). You are 'asking back' (at-si-) for forgiveness.

Don't skip 'si'

Without 'si', the word becomes 'atprašau', which doesn't exist. 'Prašau' means please. Keep the 'si'!

Modify with 'labai'

Add 'labai' (very) to make your apology stronger: 'Labai atsiprašau'.

Listen for 'š'

The 'š' sound is crucial. It's a strong 'sh' as in 'shoe'.

Punctuation

Use a comma if 'atsiprašau' is followed by a question or an explanation: 'Atsiprašau, kur...?'

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'AT-SI-PRA-SHAU'. 'At' (at the door), 'Si' (see me), 'Pra' (pray/ask), 'Shau' (show me the way). 'At see pray show' = Excuse me!

시각적 연상

Imagine yourself in a crowded bus in Vilnius, gently tapping someone's shoulder and saying 'Atsiprašau' to reach the exit.

Word Web

prašau (please) atleiskite (forgive) vėluoju (I'm late) klaida (mistake) mandagu (polite) atsiprašymas (apology) trukdyti (to disturb) praeiti (to pass)

챌린지

Try to use 'atsiprašau' at least five times today: once to ask a question, once to pass someone, and three times just for practice!

어원

Derived from the verb 'atsiprašyti', composed of the prefix 'at-', reflexive 'si-', and 'prašyti'. It is common across Baltic languages.

원래 의미: Literally 'to ask back for oneself,' referring to restoring one's social honor after a transgression.

Indo-European, Baltic branch.

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use it sarcastically, as Lithuanians value sincerity. Also, don't use it to express sympathy for a death—use 'užuojauta' instead.

English speakers use 'I'm sorry' and 'Excuse me' as two different concepts. In Lithuanian, 'atsiprašau' covers both, which can be confusing at first.

Various Lithuanian pop songs use 'Atsiprašau' in their lyrics about heartbreak. Lithuanian etiquette books emphasize this word as the most important for social harmony. The phrase is often the first one taught to diplomats visiting Lithuania.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Public Transport

  • Atsiprašau, ar lipsite?
  • Atsiprašau, noriu praeiti.
  • Atsiprašau, ar čia laisva?
  • Atsiprašau, aš užleidžiu vietą.

Restaurant

  • Atsiprašau, sąskaitą prašau.
  • Atsiprašau, dar vieną kavą.
  • Atsiprašau, kur yra tualetas?
  • Atsiprašau, čia ne mano užsakymas.

Office

  • Atsiprašau, kad trukdau.
  • Atsiprašau už vėlavimą į susirinkimą.
  • Atsiprašau, ar turite minutę?
  • Atsiprašau, aš ne viską supratau.

Street

  • Atsiprašau, kur yra katedra?
  • Atsiprašau, ar galite nufotografuoti?
  • Atsiprašau, pametėte pirštinę.
  • Atsiprašau, kiek valandų?

Social Gathering

  • Atsiprašau, turiu paskambinti.
  • Atsiprašau, bet turiu eiti.
  • Atsiprašau, aš jus pertraukiau.
  • Atsiprašau, koks jūsų vardas?

대화 시작하기

"Atsiprašau, ar galėtumėte man padėti rasti šį adresą?"

"Atsiprašau, ar jūs vietinis? Norėjau paklausti apie šį pastatą."

"Atsiprašau, ar šis autobusas važiuoja iki oro uosto?"

"Atsiprašau, ar galėčiau pasiskolinti jūsų rašiklį minutei?"

"Atsiprašau, ar žinote, kada atsidaro ši parduotuvė?"

일기 주제

Parašyk apie situaciją, kai turėjai atsiprašyti draugo. Kodėl tai padarei?

Kada paskutinį kartą sakei 'atsiprašau' gatvėje? Kas nutiko?

Ar tau sunku atsiprašyti? Kodėl taip manai?

Aprašyk mandagų žmogų. Ar jis dažnai sako 'atsiprašau'?

Sukurk dialogą tarp pirkėjo ir pardavėjo, naudojant žodį 'atsiprašau'.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, you can use 'Atsiprašau?' with a rising intonation, but 'Prašau?' or 'Ką sakėte?' is often more common for that specific purpose.

'Atsiprašau' is for general apologies and 'Excuse me.' 'Atleiskite' is more formal and used for more serious mistakes where you are asking for forgiveness.

It is always 'atsiprašau už vėlavimą.' You must use a noun after the preposition 'už' in this context, not a verb.

You use the plural form 'atsiprašome.' This is very common in professional or business settings.

Yes, it is the most polite way to get a waiter's attention in a Lithuanian restaurant.

It is okay in very informal settings among young people, but it is better to use 'atsiprašau' to be safe and polite.

The 'si' is a reflexive particle. It shows that the action of 'asking' (prašyti) is directed back at the speaker (at-si-prašau).

No, it is optional. 'Atsiprašau' already clearly indicates that the subject is 'I'.

The most formal ways are 'Dovanokite' or 'Prašau atleisti'.

No. For sympathy, use 'man gaila' or 'užjaučiu'. 'Atsiprašau' is only for apologies or getting attention.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'Excuse me, where is the pharmacy?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I am very sorry for the delay.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'atsiprašau' and 'kad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'Excuse me, is this seat free?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal apology for a mistake in an invoice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I'm sorry, I don't speak Lithuanian.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'We apologize for the inconvenience.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'atsiprašau' to get someone's attention.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I sincerely apologize.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence apologizing for being late to a lesson.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'Excuse me, what time is it?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence apologizing for a misunderstanding.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I'm sorry, I forgot the keys.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'Excuse me, could you repeat that?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'atsiprašau' and 'bet'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I apologize to you (formal).'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short note to a teacher apologizing for missing a class.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'Excuse me, how much is this?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence apologizing for a loud noise.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Lithuanian: 'I'm sorry, I didn't see you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Excuse me, where is the station?' in Lithuanian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for being late in Lithuanian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I'm very sorry' in Lithuanian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a stranger for help politely.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for not understanding something.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask if a seat is free in a cafe.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for disturbing someone's work.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Excuse me, can I pass?' in Lithuanian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize on behalf of your company for a delay.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask for the bill in a restaurant politely.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for forgetting a friend's birthday.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry, I don't speak Lithuanian' clearly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for a mistake you made.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask someone's name if you forgot it.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I sincerely apologize' with correct stress.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for being late for a class.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask for the time politely.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for accidentally bumping into someone.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Excuse me, but I have to go' in Lithuanian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Apologize for a misunderstanding at work.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the word: 'Atsiprašau'. Is the stress at the beginning or end?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau už vėlavimą'. What is the reason for apology?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, kur yra stotis?'. What is the person looking for?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Is the speaker saying 'Atsiprašau' or 'Atsiprašome'?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Labai atsiprašau'. How sorry is the person?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau už klaidą'. What was made?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, ar čia laisva?'. Where is the person likely to be?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, aš nekalbu lietuviškai'. What is the language barrier?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, kad trukdau'. What is the person doing?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, koks jūsų vardas?'. What is being asked?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, kiek valandų?'. What is being asked?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, aš netyčia'. Was it on purpose?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Nuoširdžiai atsiprašau'. What is the tone?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau už triukšmą'. What is the problem?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Atsiprašau, ar galite padėti?'. What is requested?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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