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    How to say "sorry / excuse me" in Russian

    Извините
    Izvinite

    When to use it

    Polite 'sorry' or 'excuse me'. Use 'Извини' (Izvini) with friends.

    Syllables & stress

    iz-vi-NI-tye / pra-STI-tye

    Formal or informal?

    «Извините» is the everyday 'excuse me / sorry' and also how you flag down a stranger. «Простите» is heavier and used for real apologies.

    Variations

    Прости(те)
    Prosti(te)
    Forgive me — deeper apology

    Examples

    Извините, как пройти к метро?
    Izvinite, kak proyti k metro?
    Excuse me, how to get to the metro?

    Frequently asked questions

    How do you say "sorry / excuse me" in Russian?

    "sorry / excuse me" in Russian is Извините, pronounced Izvinite (iz-vi-NI-tye / pra-STI-tye — stress on the capitalised syllable).

    How do you pronounce Извините?

    Izvinite. Syllables: iz-vi-NI-tye / pra-STI-tye. Use the Listen button above to hear it.

    Is Извините formal or informal?

    «Извините» is the everyday 'excuse me / sorry' and also how you flag down a stranger. «Простите» is heavier and used for real apologies.

    Are there other ways to say "sorry / excuse me" in Russian?

    Yes: Прости(те) (Prosti(te)) — Forgive me — deeper apology.

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    More phrases

    thank you
    Спасибо
    you're welcome
    Не за что
    please
    Пожалуйста
    yes
    Да
    no
    Нет
    how much does it cost
    Сколько стоит

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    Written by Vlad Lario

    Written by Vlad Lario

    Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.

    About the author

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