atvainojiet

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Translating...
sorry, excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, pardon me
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/ˈat.vai.nuɔ.jiɛt/
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A respectful way to acknowledge fault or approach someone without sounding abrupt.
Practice using atvainojiet in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Atvainojiet, kur atrodas dzelzceļa stacija?
    Excuse me, where is the railway station?
  • Atvainojiet par sagādātajām neērtībām.
    Sorry for the inconvenience.
  • Atvainojiet, es nokavēju sapulci.
    Sorry, I was late for the meeting.
  • Atvainojiet, bet es jums nepiekrītu.
    Excuse me, but I disagree with you.
  • Lūdzu, atvainojiet par pārpratumu.
    Please excuse me for the misunderstanding.

Similar words

piedošanu
nožēloju
piedodiet
piedošanu
lūdzu
piedodiet

Meanings

Polite apology

interjection
social
neutral
Used to say sorry for a mistake, inconvenience, or offence in a formal or respectful way.

Examples

  • Atvainojiet, es nokavēju sapulci.
    Sorry, I was late for the meeting.
  • Atvainojiet, ka jūs pārtraucu.
    Sorry for interrupting you.
  • Lūdzu, atvainojiet par pārpratumu.
    Please excuse me for the misunderstanding.
  • Atvainojiet, es paņēmu nepareizo somu.
    Sorry, I took the wrong bag.
  • Atvainojiet par sagādātajām neērtībām.
    Sorry for the inconvenience.

Similar words

piedodiet
piedošanu
nožēloju

Polite interruption or request

interjection
social
neutral
Used before a question, interruption, or disagreement to get attention and make what follows sound courteous.

Examples

  • Atvainojiet, vai šī vieta ir brīva?
    Excuse me, is this seat free?
  • Atvainojiet, kur atrodas dzelzceļa stacija?
    Excuse me, where is the railway station?
  • Atvainojiet, es nesapratu pēdējo teikumu.
    Excuse me, I did not understand the last sentence.
  • Atvainojiet, bet es jums nepiekrītu.
    Excuse me, but I disagree with you.
  • Atvainojiet, vai drīkstu uzdot jautājumu?
    Excuse me, may I ask a question?

Similar words

piedodiet
piedošanu
lūdzu

Etymology

The fixed polite use of atvainojiet, the second-person plural imperative of atvainot, literally asks one or more people to excuse or forgive.

FAQ

What does atvainojiet mean?

Atvainojiet means sorry when apologising and excuse me when politely approaching or interrupting someone.

Is atvainojiet formal or informal?

Atvainojiet is respectful and suits strangers, formal situations, and more than one person.

What is the informal singular form of atvainojiet?

The informal singular form is atvaino.

How is atvainojiet different from piedodiet?

Both can mean sorry or excuse me. Atvainojiet is a neutral polite formula, while piedodiet more directly asks for forgiveness.

Can atvainojiet introduce a question?

Yes. Atvainojiet often comes before a polite question, request, interruption, or disagreement.

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