Significado
Apologizing for being late.
Contexto cultural
The 'Academic Quarter' (15 minutes) is a real thing in social life. If you are less than 15 minutes late, a simple 'Συγνώμη' is enough. More than that requires a reason. Cypriot Greek might use 'Συγνώμη για την αργοπορία' more frequently in formal settings, but the standard Greek phrase is perfectly understood. In modern Greek startups and tech companies, punctuality is strictly Western. Arriving late without saying this phrase can be seen as a lack of professionalism. Greeks often post 'Συγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση' if they haven't uploaded a video or post in a while, showing a personal connection with their audience.
The 'Traffic' Excuse
In Athens, 'είχε κίνηση' (there was traffic) is the most accepted excuse to follow this phrase. Even if there wasn't traffic, people will understand.
Don't Over-Apologize
Greeks are generally relaxed. Saying it once is polite; saying it five times makes the situation awkward.
Significado
Apologizing for being late.
The 'Traffic' Excuse
In Athens, 'είχε κίνηση' (there was traffic) is the most accepted excuse to follow this phrase. Even if there wasn't traffic, people will understand.
Don't Over-Apologize
Greeks are generally relaxed. Saying it once is polite; saying it five times makes the situation awkward.
Use the Plural
If you are apologizing to a group, use 'Συγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση'—it works for both singular and plural targets.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing article and noun.
Συγνώμη για ___ ___________.
The preposition 'για' requires the accusative case. 'Την' is the correct article for the feminine noun 'καθυστέρηση'.
Which is the most formal way to apologize for being late?
Choose the formal option:
'Με συγχωρείτε' is the plural/formal form of 'excuse me', making it the most polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 20 minutes late to a coffee date with a close friend.
This is informal and friendly, perfect for a close friend.
Complete the dialogue.
Πέτρος: Γιατί άργησες; Μαρία: ________ για την καθυστέρηση, είχε κίνηση.
Maria is apologizing for being late, so she must use 'Συγνώμη'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use 'Συγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση'
Work
- • Meetings
- • Emails
- • Deadlines
Social
- • Coffee
- • Dinner
- • Parties
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosΣυγνώμη για ___ ___________.
The preposition 'για' requires the accusative case. 'Την' is the correct article for the feminine noun 'καθυστέρηση'.
Choose the formal option:
'Με συγχωρείτε' is the plural/formal form of 'excuse me', making it the most polite.
You are 20 minutes late to a coffee date with a close friend.
This is informal and friendly, perfect for a close friend.
Πέτρος: Γιατί άργησες; Μαρία: ________ για την καθυστέρηση, είχε κίνηση.
Maria is apologizing for being late, so she must use 'Συγνώμη'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasBoth are correct. 'Συγγνώμη' is the traditional spelling, while 'Συγνώμη' reflects modern pronunciation and is widely accepted.
Yes, it is the standard way to start an email if you are replying late. For more formality, use 'Ζητώ συγγνώμη για την καθυστερημένη απάντηση'.
In Greece, 5 minutes is usually considered 'on time' for social events, but it's still polite to say the phrase in a business context.
The most common response is 'Δεν πειράζει' (It doesn't matter) or 'Κανένα πρόβλημα' (No problem).
Frases relacionadas
Συγνώμη που άργησα
synonymSorry that I'm late
Με συγχωρείτε
similarExcuse me / Forgive me
Χίλια συγγνώμη
builds onA thousand apologies
Δεν πειράζει
contrastIt doesn't matter / No problem
