In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say you are sorry for a mistake.
- Literally means 'to present an apology' to someone else.
- Best used in professional, serious, or official contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone formally expresses regret for a mistake. It is like 'presenting' an apology as a gesture of respect to fix a situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional email
قدم الموظف اعتذاراً عن التأخير في العمل.
The employee offered an apology for the delay at work.
A public statement
قدمت الشركة اعتذاراً رسمياً لجميع الزبائن.
The company offered a formal apology to all customers.
After a serious argument with a friend
يجب أن تقدم اعتذاراً لصديقك الآن.
You must offer an apology to your friend now.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, presenting an apology often involves 'Majlis' culture. If a mistake is made between families, a formal visit is expected where the apology is 'presented' in front of witnesses to restore honor. In countries like Lebanon or Syria, an apology is often accompanied by the phrase 'Ma'lish' or 'Tikram,' emphasizing that the relationship is more important than the error. Egyptians use 'qaddama i'tidhar' in formal writing, but in person, they might use humor to soften the apology. However, in a professional Cairo office, the formal phrase is strictly required. In Morocco or Tunisia, the formal apology often carries a sense of 'Smah' (forgiveness). Presenting an apology is seen as asking for the other person's 'blessing' to move forward.
Use for Emails
Always use this phrase in professional emails to sound more native and respectful.
Don't over-apologize
In Arab culture, over-apologizing for small things can sometimes be seen as a lack of confidence.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say you are sorry for a mistake.
- Literally means 'to present an apology' to someone else.
- Best used in professional, serious, or official contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you did something wrong and want to fix it properly. This phrase is your best tool for that. It means 'to offer an apology.' It is much more than just saying a quick 'sorry.' It is a formal act of showing regret. You are literally 'presenting' your apology like a peace offering. It sounds professional, sincere, and very deliberate.
How To Use It
The phrase uses the verb قدم, which means 'to present' or 'to offer.' The second word is اعتذاراً, which means 'an apology.' You must change the verb based on who is speaking. If you are apologizing, say قدمتُ اعتذاراً. If a friend is doing it, say قدمَ اعتذاراً. It is a classic 'collocation.' This means these two words are best friends in the Arabic language. They almost always appear together in formal settings.
When To Use It
Use this phrase in a professional email or a business meeting. It is perfect if you missed a deadline at work. If you have a serious argument with a partner, use this. It shows you are taking the situation seriously. It is also the standard phrase for public figures. If a company makes a mistake, they 'offer an apology' to the public. It sounds official and well-thought-out. Use it when you want to sound like a mature adult.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday mistakes. Did you bump into someone at the grocery store? This phrase is way too heavy for that. It would be like wearing a tuxedo to go jogging. In those cases, just say آسف. Also, avoid using it in very casual slang with close friends. Unless you are being sarcastic, it might sound a bit too dramatic. Your friends might ask why you are acting like a politician!
Cultural Background
In many Arab cultures, social harmony and 'face' are very important. An apology is not just about being wrong. It is about restoring the balance of respect between people. Offering a formal apology is seen as a sign of great character. It shows you value the relationship more than your own ego. In some traditional settings, a formal apology can even involve a gathering. It is a noble way to heal the social fabric.
Common Variations
You will often hear قدم اعتذاراً رسمياً, which means 'offered a formal apology.' Another common version is قدم اعتذاره, meaning 'he offered his apology.' If a group is involved, you might hear قدموا اعتذاراتهم. The core verb قدم stays the same. You just adjust the endings to fit the people involved. It is a very flexible and useful structure to learn.
Usage Notes
This phrase is high-register and works best in writing or formal speech. It conveys a sense of responsibility and maturity that simple phrases lack.
Use for Emails
Always use this phrase in professional emails to sound more native and respectful.
Don't over-apologize
In Arab culture, over-apologizing for small things can sometimes be seen as a lack of confidence.
Add an Adjective
Add 'har' (sincere) or 'rasmi' (official) to 'i'tidharan' to sound like a C1 speaker.
Examples
6قدم الموظف اعتذاراً عن التأخير في العمل.
The employee offered an apology for the delay at work.
This is the standard way to handle workplace mistakes.
قدمت الشركة اعتذاراً رسمياً لجميع الزبائن.
The company offered a formal apology to all customers.
Used for official corporate communication.
يجب أن تقدم اعتذاراً لصديقك الآن.
You must offer an apology to your friend now.
Shows that the mistake was significant enough for a formal gesture.
أنا أقدم اعتذاراً شديداً على ما فعلت!
I offer a deep apology for what I did!
Using formal language here can add a touch of drama or sincerity.
هل ستقدم اعتذاراً لأنك أكلت طعامي؟
Will you offer an apology because you ate my food?
Using formal words for small things creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
قدم الوزير اعتذاراً علنياً في التلفاز.
The minister offered a public apology on television.
Commonly used in media and political reporting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'qaddama'.
المُدِيرُ ________ اعْتِذَاراً لِلْمُوَظَّفِ أَمْسِ.
'Amsi' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'qaddama'.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
قَدَّمْتُ اعْتِذَاراً ________ التَّأْخِيرِ.
The preposition 'an' is used to indicate the reason for the apology.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
أحمد: لِمَاذَا أَنْتَ حَزِين؟ خالد: لِأَنِّي لَمْ ________ لِصَدِيقِي بَعْدَ الخِلَافِ.
In the context of a 'khilaf' (disagreement), presenting an apology is the logical action.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A company sent a broken product to a customer.
A formal company apology is the standard response to a business error.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالمُدِيرُ ________ اعْتِذَاراً لِلْمُوَظَّفِ أَمْسِ.
'Amsi' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'qaddama'.
قَدَّمْتُ اعْتِذَاراً ________ التَّأْخِيرِ.
The preposition 'an' is used to indicate the reason for the apology.
أحمد: لِمَاذَا أَنْتَ حَزِين؟ خالد: لِأَنِّي لَمْ ________ لِصَدِيقِي بَعْدَ الخِلَافِ.
In the context of a 'khilaf' (disagreement), presenting an apology is the logical action.
Situation: A company sent a broken product to a customer.
A formal company apology is the standard response to a business error.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is understood everywhere but mostly used in formal writing and news. In dialects, people usually use the verb 'i'tadhara'.
In formal writing, you need the 'an' (tanween) because it's the object. In casual speech, people often drop the ending vowels.
'Ana aasif' means 'I am sorry' (a feeling). 'Qaddama i'tidharan' means 'He presented an apology' (a formal action).
You say: 'Uqaddimu i'tidharan 'an al-ta'khir' (أُقَدِّمُ اعْتِذَاراً عَنِ التَّأْخِيرِ).
Related Phrases
اعْتَذَرَ
similarTo apologize (simple verb)
أَبْدَى أَسَفَهُ
synonymTo express his regret
طَلَبَ السَّمَاحَ
builds onTo ask for forgiveness
سَحَبَ كَلَامَهُ
contrastTo take back his words
