Meaning
To express regret for an offense or mistake.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, a formal apology is often followed by 'Ma tikhizna' (Don't take us to task/Don't be offended), which softens the formality with a plea for continued friendship. In traditional Gulf culture, a formal apology might involve the phrase 'Haqqak 'alaiya' (Your right is upon me), emphasizing that the speaker owes the other person a debt of honor. Egyptians often use 'Ma'lish' to dismiss minor issues, but for serious matters, 'Qaddama I'tidhar' is used to show that the speaker is 'Kabeer' (mature/noble) enough to admit a mistake. In the Maghreb, formal Arabic is heavily used in administration. 'Qaddama I'tidhar' is the standard in all government and educational correspondence.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember to use 'an' (عن) to explain what you are sorry for. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small thing, you will sound like a robot or someone who is being overly dramatic.
Meaning
To express regret for an offense or mistake.
The 'An' Rule
Always remember to use 'an' (عن) to explain what you are sorry for. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small thing, you will sound like a robot or someone who is being overly dramatic.
Written Power
In a professional email, starting with 'أقدم اعتذاري عن...' immediately sets a respectful and serious tone.
Face Saving
In Arab culture, accepting an apology is as important as giving one. It shows you are a person of high character.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'Qaddama'.
أنا _______ اعتذاراً لمديري عن الخطأ.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular present tense.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
قدمت الشركة اعتذاراً _______ الزبائن _______ العطل.
We use 'li-' (for/to) for the person receiving the apology and 'an' (about/for) for the reason.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'أقدم اعتذاراً رسمياً'?
This is a very formal phrase used by officials or organizations.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
أحمد: لقد نسيت موعدنا أمس. سامي: لا بأس، لكن يجب أن _______.
Sami is telling Ahmed that he should offer an apology for forgetting the appointment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Asif vs. Qaddama I'tidharan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا _______ اعتذاراً لمديري عن الخطأ.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular present tense.
قدمت الشركة اعتذاراً _______ الزبائن _______ العطل.
We use 'li-' (for/to) for the person receiving the apology and 'an' (about/for) for the reason.
Where would you most likely hear 'أقدم اعتذاراً رسمياً'?
This is a very formal phrase used by officials or organizations.
أحمد: لقد نسيت موعدنا أمس. سامي: لا بأس، لكن يجب أن _______.
Sami is telling Ahmed that he should offer an apology for forgetting the appointment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but only if the situation is serious. For example, if you forgot their birthday or lost something they lent you.
'اعتذر' is the verb 'to apologize'. 'قدم اعتذاراً' is the formal act of 'presenting an apology'. The latter is more formal.
In the phrase 'يقدم اعتذاراً', it must be 'اعتذاراً' (with tanween) because it is the object of the verb.
You say 'أقدم اعتذاراً لك' (Uqaddimu i'tidharan laka).
The phrase itself is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), but it is understood everywhere and used in formal situations in all Arab countries.
Just add the word 'rasmiyan' (رسمياً) at the end: 'يقدم اعتذاراً رسمياً'.
No, for 'excuse me' (like passing someone), use 'Afwan' or 'Al-ma'zirah'.
Yes, because it requires more effort to say than a simple 'Asif', it often sounds more sincere and thought-out.
Yes, this is the most common way for companies and organizations to apologize in Arabic.
The opposite would be 'رفض الاعتذار' (refused the apology) or 'أهان' (insulted).
The root 'A-Dh-R is used many times in the Quran, often in the context of people giving excuses for not participating in battle.
We say 'نقدم اعتذاراً' (Nuqaddimu i'tidharan).
Related Phrases
اعتذر عن
similarTo apologize for
طلب السماح
synonymTo ask for forgiveness
التمس العذر
specialized formTo seek an excuse
أبدى ندمه
builds onTo express regret
صالح شخصاً
builds onTo reconcile with someone
