뜻
A polite apology for not arriving on time.
문화적 배경
Punctuality is a sign of respect. Being 5-10 minutes late is often excused with a polite 'Prepáčte', but being 15+ minutes late without calling ahead is considered rude. The 'Akademická štvrťhodinka' allows students and professors a 15-minute window. If the professor isn't there after 15 minutes, students often feel entitled to leave. Train delays are a national meme. If you are late because of a train, people will immediately sympathize with you. For a house party, arriving exactly on time might actually be too early. Arriving 15-30 minutes late is often the 'sweet spot'.
The Comma Rule
In Slovak, always put a comma before 'že'. It's a golden rule of grammar!
Don't say 'Som neskoro'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Meškám'.
뜻
A polite apology for not arriving on time.
The Comma Rule
In Slovak, always put a comma before 'že'. It's a golden rule of grammar!
Don't say 'Som neskoro'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Meškám'.
Add a reason
Slovaks find an apology more sincere if you briefly mention why (e.g., 'zápcha' or 'vlak').
The 'Ty' vs 'Vy' trap
If you are late for a meeting with a group, always use 'Prepáčte' even if you know some of them well.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word to make the apology formal.
__________, že meškám.
'Prepáčte' is the formal/plural form required for polite address.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am late' correctly?
In Slovak, we use the verb 'meškať' to express being late.
Complete the dialogue between a student and a teacher.
Student: Dobrý deň, __________ že meškám. Teacher: Dobrý deň, posaďte sa.
Students must use the formal 'Vy' form with teachers.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Prepáč, že meškám. 2. Prepáčte, že meškám.
Informal 'Prepáč' for family, formal 'Prepáčte' for superiors.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Slovak vs. English 'Late'
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제__________, že meškám.
'Prepáčte' is the formal/plural form required for polite address.
How do you say 'I am late' correctly?
In Slovak, we use the verb 'meškať' to express being late.
Student: Dobrý deň, __________ že meškám. Teacher: Dobrý deň, posaďte sa.
Students must use the formal 'Vy' form with teachers.
1. Prepáč, že meškám. 2. Prepáčte, že meškám.
Informal 'Prepáč' for family, formal 'Prepáčte' for superiors.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, but it's better to say 'Ospravedlňujem sa za meškanie s projektom'.
No, it's also the formal singular (Vykánie).
Say 'Prepáčte, že meškáme' (We are late).
In casual settings with young people, yes. In formal settings, no.
Say 'Budem meškať'.
Traffic jams (zápchy) or problems with public transport.
No, the '-m' in 'meškám' already tells us it's 'I'. Adding 'ja' is for emphasis only.
'Meškať' is more common for people and transport; 'oneskoriť sa' is often for processes or being behind a schedule.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase for a student arriving late.
You can say 'Prepáčte, že volám neskôr'.
관련 표현
Ospravedlňujem sa
synonymI apologize
Meškanie
builds onA delay
Na čas
contrastOn time
Zmeškať
similarTo miss (a bus/train)
Oneskoriť sa
synonymTo be delayed
