| Pages in topic: < [1 2] | How to say sorry Thread poster: Linda Kelly
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Brian Young 
United States
Local time: 04:10
Danish to English
This is a similar and extremely overworked expression in the US. Especially when shopping. People don't even have to bump into you, or you into them. Just passing someone in an aisle often elicits an "excuse me". It is so constant and pervasive that it almost drives me crazy. And if you dare to walk in front of someone who is standing on the far side of an aisle, looking at products on the shelf, then it's "I'm sorry", or excuse me. Then the verbal expression is usually reinforced by ducking and... See more This is a similar and extremely overworked expression in the US. Especially when shopping. People don't even have to bump into you, or you into them. Just passing someone in an aisle often elicits an "excuse me". It is so constant and pervasive that it almost drives me crazy. And if you dare to walk in front of someone who is standing on the far side of an aisle, looking at products on the shelf, then it's "I'm sorry", or excuse me. Then the verbal expression is usually reinforced by ducking and smiling as if they had just done something unpardonable. And again, as mentioned by others, it really doesn't mean anything. It's just a stupid habit that people do not feel they can break. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Re Nesrin's little magic words | Apr 29, 2010 |
The magic word I miss most in Swedish is 'please'. There is no such word in Swedish, but, as in all languages, there are words and expressions that you simply have to learn.
The other thing I miss in Sweden is Cadbury's chocolate.
On being bumped into on the street the old lady said, don't apologize, at my age I'm thankful for every little push.
[Edited at 2010-04-29 08:56 GMT]
| | | | Buzzy
Local time: 13:10
French to English
| "Sorry" as an expression of sympathy is also a trap | Apr 29, 2010 |
How many times in France have I said without thinking "je suis désolée", literally "I'm sorry..." to express sympathy when someone's mother has died or someone's had a bad day, but it sounds really weird in French - occasionally eliciting a surprised look and the reaction "Why? it wasn't your fault!"
My (charming, naturally) 9-year old son refuses to say sorry - in either language - when he bumps into anyone or kicks them by accident, because "J'ai pas fait exprès!!! (I didn't do... See more How many times in France have I said without thinking "je suis désolée", literally "I'm sorry..." to express sympathy when someone's mother has died or someone's had a bad day, but it sounds really weird in French - occasionally eliciting a surprised look and the reaction "Why? it wasn't your fault!"
My (charming, naturally) 9-year old son refuses to say sorry - in either language - when he bumps into anyone or kicks them by accident, because "J'ai pas fait exprès!!! (I didn't do it on purpose)". I'll obviously have to work on him a bit more if he's going to be truly half-English... ▲ Collapse
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