apologize
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 apologize、say sorry
- 2 excuse me、pardon me、sorry?
A basic expression used both to apologize and to politely get someone’s attention, interrupt, or ask to pass. Depending on the situation, it means “sorry,” “excuse me,” or “pardon me.”
apologize、say sorry
Expresses an apology for something one has done or for an inconvenience one has caused.
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ฉันไม่ต้องการคำขอโทษ chǎn mây tɔ̂ŋ kaan kham khɔ̌ɔ thôot I don't want an apology. ฉันไม่ต้องการคำขอโทษ details
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ขอโทษที่มาสาย khɔ̌ɔ thôot thîi maa sǎay Sorry I’m late. ขอโทษที่มาสาย details
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ผมต้องขอโทษจริง ๆ phǒm tɔ̂ŋ khɔ̌ɔ thôot ciŋ ciŋ I really must apologize. ผมต้องขอโทษจริง ๆ details
excuse me、pardon me、sorry?
A courteous expression used before approaching someone, interrupting, passing by, or asking them to repeat something.
Learning notes
Explanation
ขอโทษ combines ขอ, “to ask for,” with โทษ, “fault, blame, or punishment.” Its underlying image is asking to be excused for a fault. To state what you are apologizing for, use ขอโทษที่ followed by the action or situation. For example, ขอโทษที่มาสาย means “Sorry I’m late.” The expression can stand alone. For added politeness, male speakers commonly say ขอโทษครับ and female speakers ขอโทษค่ะ. With someone close, ขอโทษนะ gives the warmer sense of “sorry” or “I’m sorry, okay?”
Usage
It is commonly used after being late, making a mistake, bumping into someone, or causing inconvenience. It is also used to approach a stranger, get a staff member’s attention, interrupt a conversation, move past someone, or ask for repetition.
Caution
ขอโทษ normally means “to apologize,” not “to forgive someone.” Use ยกโทษให้ when you mean “forgive.” When used after failing to hear something, ขอโทษ can mean “Pardon?” but a polite tone or a request such as พูดอีกครั้งได้ไหม makes the intention clearer.
Differences from similar words
1 apologize synonyms
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ขอขมา is a solemn request for forgiveness, especially after a serious offense or when addressing someone highly respected. ขอโทษ covers ordinary apologies and is much more common in daily life.
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ขออภัย is a more formal way to apologize, often used in announcements, notices, or polite service language. ขอโทษ is the standard choice in everyday conversation.