How to Say Sorry in Greek: Casual and Formal
Greek keeps sorry fairly simple: one main word does most of the work, and a second phrase handles genuine regret. Here are the words in Greek and transliteration, how to say them, and when each one fits.
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The quick answer
The word you will use most is Συγγνώμη signomi (see-GHNO-mee). It means both sorry and excuse me, so it covers apologizing, interrupting, and getting attention. It fits nearly every situation.
When you feel real regret or sympathy, use Λυπάμαι lypamai (lee-PAH-meh), literally I am saddened, used like I'm sorry. It is also the phrase for condolences, as in I'm sorry for your loss.
Casual ways to say sorry
Among friends, Συγγνώμη signomi works perfectly and is the everyday go-to. Younger Greeks also mix in the English sorry in casual chat, but signomi is far more natural in speech.
For a light slip, signomi on its own is enough. You can add emphasis with Συγγνώμη, φίλε signomi, file (sorry, friend/mate) informally. It is friendly and unfussy.
Formal and polite apologies
In formal situations, Συγγνώμη is already polite, but a more courteous excuse me is Με συγχωρείτε me sinchoreite (meh seen-kho-REE-teh), which uses the polite plural and means excuse me / forgive me. Use it with strangers, elders, and in professional settings.
To ask forgiveness informally, Συγχώρα με sinchora me (seen-KHO-rah meh) means forgive me. For strong regret, Λυπάμαι πολύ lypamai poli means I'm very sorry.
Signomi vs Lypamai
Keep these two straight. Συγγνώμη signomi is what you say to apologize for something you did or to excuse yourself, like sorry and excuse me. Λυπάμαι lypamai is about feeling: genuine regret or sympathy.
So bumping someone is signomi. Hearing sad news and responding is lypamai. For a heartfelt apology you can combine them: Συγγνώμη, λυπάμαι πραγματικά signomi, lypamai pragmatika (sorry, I'm really sorry).
Greek sorry phrases at a glance
- Συγγνώμη signomi (see-GHNO-mee) — sorry / excuse me, all-purpose
- Λυπάμαι lypamai (lee-PAH-meh) — I'm sorry (regret, sympathy)
- Λυπάμαι πολύ lypamai poli (lee-PAH-meh po-LEE) — I'm very sorry
- Με συγχωρείτε me sinchoreite (meh seen-kho-REE-teh) — excuse me / forgive me, formal
- Συγχώρα με sinchora me (seen-KHO-rah meh) — forgive me, informal
- Συγγνώμη για την ενόχληση signomi gia tin enochlisi — sorry for the disturbance
Match the moment: signomi for a general sorry, lypamai for genuine regret or sympathy.
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Common mistakes learners make
First, do not use Λυπάμαι as an excuse-me. It expresses regret or sympathy, not let me pass. For that, use Συγγνώμη.
Second, the spelling of Συγγνώμη looks harder than it sounds. The double gamma γγ gives an ng-like sound, and the whole word is roughly see-GHNO-mee with the stress in the middle.
Third, the Greek γ (gamma) is a soft, throaty sound, not a hard English g. Rushing it into a hard g makes the word sound off, so aim for a gentle back-of-the-throat sound.
How to respond to an apology
When someone apologizes, common replies are Δεν πειράζει den peirazei (then pee-RAH-zee, it doesn't matter), Κανένα πρόβλημα kanena provlima (no problem), and Εντάξει entaxi (en-DAX-ee, okay). A warm Δεν πειράζει is the classic reassurance.
Learning these replies helps you accept an apology smoothly. They come up constantly, so they earn their place next to the apologies themselves.
Make it automatic
The soft gamma and the stress patterns in Greek only click when you say the words out loud. Practice signomi and lypamai until the throaty g feels natural and the stress lands in the right place.
Try a few small scenes aloud: excusing yourself past someone (signomi), apologizing sincerely, responding to sad news (lypamai). Say the right phrase for each. Rehearsing these short exchanges out loud, even with an AI speaking partner, builds the reflex so you reach for the correct word without hesitating.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to say sorry in Greek?
Signomi is the main word, meaning both sorry and excuse me. It works in nearly every situation, casual or polite.
What is the difference between signomi and lypamai?
Signomi is a general sorry or excuse me for slips and interruptions. Lypamai expresses genuine regret or sympathy, including condolences, and should not be used as an excuse-me.
How do you pronounce signomi?
Roughly see-GHNO-mee, with the stress in the middle. The double gamma gives a soft ng-like sound rather than a hard g.
How do I apologize formally in Greek?
Use Me sinchoreite, a polite excuse me or forgive me. For strong regret, say Lypamai poli, meaning I'm very sorry.