Signification
Polite way to get attention or apologize for a minor interruption.
Contexte culturel
Politeness is often seen as a sign of education. Using 'Ви' and 'Вибачте' is non-negotiable in professional and public settings. You will hear 'Перепрошую' much more often than 'Вибачте'. It is considered very local and polite. In the fast-paced capital, 'Вибачте' is often shortened in speech, but 'будь ласка' is rarely dropped in shops. Younger Ukrainians are increasingly using 'Сорі' for very minor things, but they still revert to 'Вибачте' when talking to elders.
The Magic Opener
Always start any interaction with a stranger with this phrase. It instantly makes people more willing to help you.
The 'Self-Excuse' Trap
Avoid saying 'Вибачаюсь' (Vybachayus). It's a common mistake even for native speakers, but it's grammatically frowned upon.
Signification
Polite way to get attention or apologize for a minor interruption.
The Magic Opener
Always start any interaction with a stranger with this phrase. It instantly makes people more willing to help you.
The 'Self-Excuse' Trap
Avoid saying 'Вибачаюсь' (Vybachayus). It's a common mistake even for native speakers, but it's grammatically frowned upon.
Lviv Style
If you are in Western Ukraine, try saying 'Перепрошую' (Pereproshuyu). You'll sound much more like a local!
Eye Contact
When you say 'Вибачте,' a brief nod or short eye contact is enough. You don't need to give a big American-style smile.
Teste-toi
You are on a bus and need to get to the exit. What do you say to the person in your way?
___, будь ласка, ви виходите?
'Вибачте' is the correct way to get someone's attention politely.
Complete the polite phrase.
Вибачте, ___ ___.
'Будь ласка' is the essential partner to 'Вибачте' for maximum politeness.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
1. To a stranger on the street. 2. To your little brother.
Use the plural/formal '-те' for strangers and the short form for family.
Complete the dialogue in a cafe.
You: ___, будь ласка, можна каву? Waiter: Так, звичайно.
'Вибачте' is the most polite way to start an order with a waiter.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___, будь ласка, ви виходите?
'Вибачте' is the correct way to get someone's attention politely.
Вибачте, ___ ___.
'Будь ласка' is the essential partner to 'Вибачте' for maximum politeness.
1. To a stranger on the street. 2. To your little brother.
Use the plural/formal '-те' for strangers and the short form for family.
You: ___, будь ласка, можна каву? Waiter: Так, звичайно.
'Вибачте' is the most polite way to start an order with a waiter.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is formal and plural. Use it for strangers, elders, and groups of people.
Yes, you can, but adding 'будь ласка' makes it much softer and more polite.
They are almost the same, but 'Пробачте' can feel slightly more sincere for an actual mistake.
Just say 'Вибач' (Vybach) or 'Сорі' (Sori).
It's a common influence from Russian, but in proper Ukrainian, it's better to avoid it.
No, for that use 'Мені шкода' (Meni shkoda).
It is always two words in Ukrainian.
You can say 'Нічого' (Nichogo - It's nothing) or 'Все добре' (Vse dobre - Everything is fine).
It's not necessarily *more* polite, but it sounds more elegant and is very common in Western Ukraine.
Yes, it's very common to start a request in an email with 'Вибачте за турботу' (Excuse me for the trouble).
Expressions liées
Перепрошую
synonymI beg your pardon
Пробачте
similarForgive me
Мені шкода
contrastI'm sorry / I feel bad
Даруйте
specialized formPardon me
Вибач
informalSorry / Excuse me
