Significado
A polite way to apologize or get attention.
Contexto cultural
In Poland, making eye contact while saying 'przepraszam bardzo' is important. It shows sincerity. However, if you are just passing through a crowd, a quick nod is sufficient. In Kraków, you might hear slightly more formal or 'old-fashioned' politeness. In Warsaw, the pace is faster, so 'przepraszam' is often clipped and quick, but 'bardzo' is still used to ensure you don't sound rude in the big city rush. Polish service was historically known for being 'stoic'. Using 'przepraszam bardzo' with a smile can often 'melt the ice' with shop assistants or waiters, leading to much better service. Older Poles (the 'Pan/Pani' generation) highly value the full 'przepraszam bardzo'. Younger Poles are more likely to use 'sorki' or just 'przepraszam', but they will still use the full version with elders to show respect.
The 'Magic' Opener
Always start with 'Przepraszam bardzo' when talking to a stranger. It makes you sound 10x more fluent and respectful instantly.
Don't over-apologize
Poles are polite but direct. Saying 'przepraszam bardzo' five times for a small mistake can make you seem nervous or insincere.
Significado
A polite way to apologize or get attention.
The 'Magic' Opener
Always start with 'Przepraszam bardzo' when talking to a stranger. It makes you sound 10x more fluent and respectful instantly.
Don't over-apologize
Poles are polite but direct. Saying 'przepraszam bardzo' five times for a small mistake can make you seem nervous or insincere.
The 'Bardzo' Power
If you really messed up, put the 'Bardzo' at the beginning: 'Bardzo przepraszam!' It sounds more urgent and sincere.
Pan/Pani
If you want to be extra polite, add 'Pana' (to a man) or 'Panią' (to a woman): 'Przepraszam bardzo Panią...'
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to make the apology more polite.
Przepraszam _______, czy to Pana parasol?
'Bardzo' is the standard intensifier for 'przepraszam'.
Match the situation to the correct Polish phrase.
You accidentally stepped on someone's foot in the supermarket.
This is the standard apology for physical accidents.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Przepraszam bardzo, która godzina? B: Jest wpół do trzeciej. A: ________.
After someone gives you information, you should thank them.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to apologize for being late.
The pattern is 'Przepraszam za + [Accusative]'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use 'Przepraszam bardzo'
Attention
- • Asking for directions
- • Calling a waiter
- • Interrupting a boss
Apology
- • Bumping into someone
- • Being late
- • Making a small mistake
Movement
- • Passing on a bus
- • Getting through a crowd
- • Reaching for an item
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPrzepraszam _______, czy to Pana parasol?
'Bardzo' is the standard intensifier for 'przepraszam'.
You accidentally stepped on someone's foot in the supermarket.
This is the standard apology for physical accidents.
A: Przepraszam bardzo, która godzina? B: Jest wpół do trzeciej. A: ________.
After someone gives you information, you should thank them.
Choose the correct way to apologize for being late.
The pattern is 'Przepraszam za + [Accusative]'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, 'przepraszam' is perfectly fine and very common. Adding 'bardzo' just makes it a bit more polite and formal.
Both! It's used to get attention (Excuse me) and to apologize for minor things (I'm sorry).
For serious things, use 'Bardzo mi przykro' or 'Najmocniej przepraszam'.
'Pardon' is a French loanword. It's used occasionally by older people or in very specific social circles, but 'Przepraszam' is the standard Polish word.
No, 'przepraszam' always ends in '-am' regardless of whether the speaker is male or female.
Yes, it's very common in emails to apologize for a late reply or a missing attachment.
It's not rude with friends, but it is considered disrespectful if you say it to a teacher, a boss, or an elderly person.
You can say 'Nic nie szkodzi' (No problem) or 'Proszę bardzo' (if they were asking to pass).
Polish buses can be very crowded. It's the standard way to navigate the space without being aggressive.
Yes, in this context it intensifies the apology, much like 'very much' in English.
Frases relacionadas
przepraszam
synonymExcuse me / Sorry
przykro mi
contrastI'm sorry (sympathy)
wybacz mi
similarForgive me
najmocniej przepraszam
specialized formI apologize most strongly
pardon
similarPardon
