Definition

1. Verb:

   • To apologize: To express regret or say that one is sorry for a mistake, offense, or causing inconvenience.
   • To excuse oneself / To ask for pardon: A polite formula used to make a request, ask a question, or interrupt someone.

2. Particle / Polite Interjection:

   • Excuse me / Pardon me: Used to politely get someone's attention, to ask someone to repeat something, or to move past someone.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To apologize):

  • Tôi xin lỗi vì đã đến muộn. (I apologize for being late.)
  • Anh ấy xin lỗi cô ấy vì lời nói của mình. (He apologized to her for his words.)

• Particle (Excuse me):

  • Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi đường. (Excuse me, may I ask for directions?)
  • Xin lỗi, tôi không nghe rõ. (Pardon me, I didn't hear that clearly.)

Advanced Usage

• "Xin lỗi trước": To apologize in advance.

  • Xin lỗi trước nếu tôi có nói điều gì sai. (I apologize in advance if I say anything wrong.)

• "Xin lỗi vì sự bất tiện này": To apologize for the inconvenience.

  • Chúng tôi chân thành xin lỗi vì sự bất tiện này. (We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lời xin lỗi (n): An apology.

  • Cô ấy đã chấp nhận lời xin lỗi của anh. (She accepted his apology.)

• Tha lỗi (v): To forgive.

  • Bạn có thể tha lỗi cho tôi không? (Can you forgive me?)

Synonyms

• Apologize: To say one is sorry.
• Say sorry: A more informal way to apologize.
• Beg pardon / Excuse me: Polite expressions for attention or forgiveness.

Related Idioms

• Xin lỗi không bằng thừa nhận: An apology is not as good as admission (of fault). (Implies that taking responsibility is more important than just saying sorry.)
• Miệng xin lỗi, bụng chưa tanh: The mouth apologizes, but the heart hasn't cooled. (Describes an insincere apology where someone is still angry.)

verb

1. apologize