Sorry
Informal apology
Use `Sorry` to fix small social mistakes and stay polite in everyday English conversations.
En 15 segundos
- A quick way to apologize for small mistakes or accidents.
- Used as a social tool to stay polite and friendly.
- Very common in daily life, texting, and casual work settings.
Significado
It is a short, versatile way to say you are sorry for a small mistake. It shows you feel bad about something and want to fix the vibe.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Bumping into a stranger
Oh, sorry! I didn't see you there.
Informal apology for bumping into someone.
Arriving late to a meeting
Sorry I'm late, the traffic was terrible.
Apology for being late.
Texting a friend after a delay
Sorry for the late reply! Just saw this.
Apology for not texting back sooner.
Contexto cultural
In many English-speaking cultures, especially the UK and Canada, 'sorry' is used as a social reflex to maintain harmony. It often functions more as a 'politeness marker' than a genuine admission of a moral failing. Interestingly, it stems from the Old English word 'sarig', meaning 'full of sorrow' or 'pained'.
The 'Question' Sorry
If you didn't hear someone, say `Sorry?` with a rising tone. It's a polite way to ask them to repeat themselves.
The British Reflex
In the UK, if someone walks into you, you will likely both say `Sorry`. It's a way of saying 'I acknowledge this awkward moment happened'.
En 15 segundos
- A quick way to apologize for small mistakes or accidents.
- Used as a social tool to stay polite and friendly.
- Very common in daily life, texting, and casual work settings.
What It Means
Sorry is the ultimate social lubricant in the English language. It is a quick way to apologize for small accidents. It tells the other person you did not mean to cause trouble. It is less heavy than saying I apologize. Think of it as a verbal 'oops' with a heart. It bridges the gap between a mistake and a smile.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone word. Just say Sorry! if you bump into someone. You can also add a reason after it. For example, Sorry for the wait. Use a rising tone to make it sound like a question. Use a falling tone to make it sound sincere. It works in speech, texts, and quick emails. It is very flexible and easy to remember.
When To Use It
Use it when you are late for coffee. Use it if you step on someone's toe. It is perfect for when you forget to reply to a text. In a restaurant, use it to get a server's attention. Say Sorry, could I get some water? It is great for small social friction. It keeps life moving smoothly without much drama.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very serious crimes or deep betrayals. If you break someone's heart, Sorry is too small. Avoid using it if you did nothing wrong. Some people use it too much when they are nervous. Do not use it to apologize for your existence. You do not need to say Sorry just for standing in a room. Keep it for actual mistakes.
Cultural Background
In places like the UK or Canada, people say Sorry constantly. They might even say it if *you* bump into *them*. It is a sign of politeness rather than admitting guilt. It is a way to avoid conflict at all costs. It is deeply baked into the social fabric of English speakers. It is more about being nice than being wrong.
Common Variations
You will hear I'm sorry for more sincerity. So sorry adds a bit more emotion. My bad is the slang version for friends. Pardon me is the older, fancier cousin. Oops is for when you drop something but no one is hurt. Each one changes the flavor of your apology slightly.
Notas de uso
Use `Sorry` for 90% of daily situations. It is neutral to informal. Avoid it in legal documents or very high-stakes formal apologies where `I apologize` is better.
The 'Question' Sorry
If you didn't hear someone, say `Sorry?` with a rising tone. It's a polite way to ask them to repeat themselves.
The British Reflex
In the UK, if someone walks into you, you will likely both say `Sorry`. It's a way of saying 'I acknowledge this awkward moment happened'.
Don't Overdo It
Apologizing for things you didn't do can make you seem less confident. Save your `Sorry` for when it counts!
Ejemplos
6Oh, sorry! I didn't see you there.
Informal apology for bumping into someone.
A classic 'reflex' apology used in public spaces.
Sorry I'm late, the traffic was terrible.
Apology for being late.
Commonly used in professional but relaxed settings.
Sorry for the late reply! Just saw this.
Apology for not texting back sooner.
Standard digital etiquette for delayed responses.
Oops, sorry about the mess!
Apology for a small accident.
Paired with 'oops' for very minor accidents.
Sorry, what was that?
Asking for clarification.
Used here to mean 'I didn't hear you'.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dog.
Expressing sympathy.
Used to show empathy rather than admitting a mistake.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the apology for being late.
___ I'm late, I missed the bus!
`Sorry` is the standard way to apologize for a minor delay like missing a bus.
Which phrase makes the apology sound more sincere?
I am ___ sorry for forgetting your birthday.
Adding `so` before `sorry` emphasizes your feelings and makes it more heartfelt.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Ways to Apologize
Very casual slang with friends.
Dropped your pen? My bad.
The standard, everyday choice.
Sorry, I forgot the milk.
Formal and serious.
I apologize for the error in the report.
When to say Sorry
Physical accident
Bumping into someone
Communication
Interrupting a speaker
Time management
Being 5 minutes late
Sympathy
Hearing bad news
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! It is perfect for daily tasks like Sorry for the late email. For big mistakes, use I apologize instead.
Sorry is a quick reflex, while I'm sorry feels slightly more personal and sincere.
Yes, but Excuse me is usually better for moving through crowds. Sorry works if you accidentally touch them while passing.
You can say No worries, It's okay, or No problem. These phrases tell the person you aren't angry.
No, it can also show sympathy. For example, I'm sorry you're sick means you feel bad for them, not that you caused the illness.
My bad is much more casual and is mostly used with friends for very small things like dropping a ball.
It is a cultural habit used to maintain politeness and avoid any sense of aggression in public.
Yes! Say Sorry? with a high pitch at the end if you want someone to repeat what they said.
You can say I'm so sorry or I'm terribly sorry to show you feel a lot of regret.
Yes, it is very common. People often write Sorry! or So sorry when they can't talk right away.
Frases relacionadas
My bad
A very informal way to admit a small mistake.
Excuse me
Used to get attention or move through a crowd.
Pardon
A slightly more formal way to ask someone to repeat themselves.
I apologize
A formal way to say you are sorry for a mistake.
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis