Meaning
Used to get someone's attention or apologize.
Cultural Background
The 'Polite Plural' is not just for groups. Even if you are talking to one person, using the plural 'scuzați' shows you respect them as an equal or superior. In the Republic of Moldova, 'Mă scuzați' is equally common, but you might also hear more Russian-influenced politeness structures in bilingual families. In regions with Austro-Hungarian history, politeness can be even more formal, sometimes including titles like 'Domnișoară' or 'Doamnă' immediately after the phrase. Among young people in cities like Bucharest, the English 'Sorry' is becoming a common replacement for 'Mă scuzați' in very casual settings, but 'Mă scuzați' remains the standard for anything official.
The 'ț' Secret
If you struggle with 'ț', just say 'ts' like in 'pizza'. Romanians will understand you perfectly!
Don't over-apologize
Romanians are direct. Use 'Mă scuzați' once to get attention; don't keep saying it every two sentences.
Meaning
Used to get someone's attention or apologize.
The 'ț' Secret
If you struggle with 'ț', just say 'ts' like in 'pizza'. Romanians will understand you perfectly!
Don't over-apologize
Romanians are direct. Use 'Mă scuzați' once to get attention; don't keep saying it every two sentences.
Eye Contact
When you say 'Mă scuzați' to a stranger, make brief eye contact. It shows you are sincere and not just mumbling.
The 'Vă rog' boost
Add 'Vă rog' (Please) before or after to become instantly 2x more polite.
Test Yourself
You are at a bank and want to ask the clerk a question. What do you say?
____, unde pot plăti factura?
A bank clerk is a professional stranger, so the formal 'Mă scuzați' is required.
Complete the formal apology for being late.
Vă rog să mă ____ pentru întârziere.
The phrase 'Vă rog să mă...' requires the formal/plural form 'scuzați'.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
1. Best friend, 2. Police officer, 3. Little brother, 4. Grandmother
Friends and siblings get 'Scuză-mă'; authorities and elders get 'Mă scuzați'.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Client: ____, lipsește o furculiță. Chelner: Oh, îmi cer scuze! O aduc acum.
'Mă scuzați' is the polite way to bring a mistake to a waiter's attention.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Mă scuzați
Strangers
- • Asking time
- • Asking directions
- • In a shop
Formal
- • At work
- • With teachers
- • With elders
Accidents
- • Bumping
- • Sneezing
- • Being late
Practice Bank
4 exercises____, unde pot plăti factura?
A bank clerk is a professional stranger, so the formal 'Mă scuzați' is required.
Vă rog să mă ____ pentru întârziere.
The phrase 'Vă rog să mă...' requires the formal/plural form 'scuzați'.
1. Best friend, 2. Police officer, 3. Little brother, 4. Grandmother
Friends and siblings get 'Scuză-mă'; authorities and elders get 'Mă scuzați'.
Client: ____, lipsește o furculiță. Chelner: Oh, îmi cer scuze! O aduc acum.
'Mă scuzați' is the polite way to bring a mistake to a waiter's attention.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase for a professional environment in Romania.
Both are correct. 'Mă scuzați' is more common as a standalone phrase to get attention.
They might think you are a bit rude or uneducated, but as a foreigner, they will likely forgive you.
Yes, but only for very small things like bumping into someone. For big things, use 'Îmi pare rău'.
It's a 'short i'. Don't say 'za-TEE', say 'zahts' with a tiny puff of air at the end.
Yes, with a rising intonation: 'Mă scuzați?'. But 'Poftim?' is more common.
'Pardon' is faster and better for physical crowds. 'Mă scuzați' is better for starting a conversation.
Yes, it's exactly what kids are taught to say to be polite.
Yes, usually as 'Vă rog să mă scuzați pentru...' (Please excuse me for...).
Absolutely. It's the standard polite form in both Romania and Moldova.
Just saying 'Scuze' (Skoo-zeh).
Yes! Since it's plural, it works perfectly for a group, even if they are friends.
Related Phrases
Scuză-mă
similarExcuse me (informal)
Pardon
synonymPardon / Sorry
Îmi cer scuze
specialized formI apologize
Iertați-mă
builds onForgive me
Permiteți-mi
similarAllow me
