Signification
Formally expressing regret for a mistake.
Contexte culturel
Romanians value sincerity. When saying 'Îmi cer scuze', maintaining brief eye contact is important to show you mean it. In offices, apologies are often followed by a promise to fix the error. 'Îmi cer scuze' is the standard professional opening. Younger Romanians in cities like Bucharest or Cluj often mix English 'Sorry' with Romanian, but 'Îmi cer scuze' remains the respectful choice for elders. On crowded buses, a quick 'Pardon' is used to move through, but if you actually hurt someone, 'Îmi cer scuze' is expected.
The Dative Rule
Always remember that 'a-și cere' takes the dative. If you say 'Mă cer scuze', people will understand you, but it sounds like a child speaking.
Don't Over-apologize
In Romanian culture, apologizing too much can seem insincere or weak. Say it once, mean it, and move on.
Signification
Formally expressing regret for a mistake.
The Dative Rule
Always remember that 'a-și cere' takes the dative. If you say 'Mă cer scuze', people will understand you, but it sounds like a child speaking.
Don't Over-apologize
In Romanian culture, apologizing too much can seem insincere or weak. Say it once, mean it, and move on.
Add 'Mii de'
If you really messed up, say 'Mii de scuze' (Thousands of excuses). It sounds very native and sincere.
Body Language
A slight nod of the head while saying 'Îmi cer scuze' adds a layer of respect that Romanians appreciate.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun for 'Eu'.
___ cer scuze pentru întârziere.
For 'Eu' (I), the dative reflexive pronoun is 'îmi'.
Which is the most polite way to apologize to your boss?
Alege varianta corectă:
'Vă cer scuze' uses the polite plural/formal 'Vă', making it appropriate for a boss.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb 'a cere'.
Andrei: 'Maria, de ce nu-ți ____ scuze?'
The subject is 'tu' (implied by 'îți'), so the verb must be 'ceri'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You accidentally stepped on a stranger's foot.
'Îmi cer scuze' is the standard polite apology for accidents.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pardon vs. Îmi cer scuze
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ cer scuze pentru întârziere.
For 'Eu' (I), the dative reflexive pronoun is 'îmi'.
Alege varianta corectă:
'Vă cer scuze' uses the polite plural/formal 'Vă', making it appropriate for a boss.
Andrei: 'Maria, de ce nu-ți ____ scuze?'
The subject is 'tu' (implied by 'îți'), so the verb must be 'ceri'.
Situation: You accidentally stepped on a stranger's foot.
'Îmi cer scuze' is the standard polite apology for accidents.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's safe to use in almost any situation, from a friend to a boss.
Yes, but only with friends or for very small things like bumping into someone lightly.
'Îmi cer scuze' is an active apology. 'Îmi pare rău' means 'I feel bad/sorry' and can be used for things that aren't your fault (like bad news).
Use 'Vă cer scuze'.
It is always plural: 'scuze'.
It means 'To ask for oneself'.
Say 'Mi-am cerut deja scuze'.
Yes, it is the most common way to apologize in a professional email.
Yes, young people use the English 'Sorry' frequently in casual texts.
'Vă rog să primiți scuzele mele' is extremely formal.
Expressions liées
A cere iertare
similarTo ask for forgiveness
Mă scuzați
similarExcuse me
Pardon
similarPardon / Sorry
Îmi pare rău
synonymI am sorry / I feel bad
A regreta
similarTo regret
