Vietnamese phrase guide
How to say sorry in Vietnamese
Xin lỗi means "sorry" in Vietnamese. Hear pronunciation, learn polite variants, examples, and common mistakes.
Quick answer
In one sentence
To say "sorry" in Vietnamese, say "Xin lỗi". It is polite and everyday, and the variants below show how to use it naturally.
- Easy pronunciation: sin loy
- Best use: Use xin lỗi for sorry, excuse me, or to get someone's attention politely.
Phrase choice
Sorry in Vietnamese: choose the right apology
Xin lỗi is the safest beginner apology, but real conversations often need a reason, a repair line, or a softer follow-up.
| Situation | Say this | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Simple mistake | Xin lỗi | Short, polite, and safe with strangers or service staff. |
| You did not hear clearly | Xin lỗi, nói lại giúp tôi được không? | Turns the apology into a useful repair request. |
| Small inconvenience | Xin lỗi nha | Nha softens casual Southern speech with peers or friendly staff. |
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Xin lỗi
sorry
Literal meaning: ask forgiveness
Easy pronunciation: sin loy
Use xin lỗi for sorry, excuse me, or to get someone's attention politely.
Pronunciation breakdown
Vietnamese spelling
Xin→xờ in xin
lỗi→lờ ôi lôi ngã lỗi
Useful variants
Xin lỗi anh
Sorry / excuse me
Polite to an adult man.
Xin lỗi chị
Sorry / excuse me
Polite to an adult woman.
Xin lỗi, tôi không hiểu
Sorry, I do not understand
Useful for learners.
Example sentences
Xin lỗi, nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Xin lỗi, tôi đến trễ.
Sorry, I am late.
Common mistakes
- Xin lỗi can mean both sorry and excuse me; context decides.
- Keep lỗi short and falling; do not stretch it like English loy.
FAQ
Can xin lỗi mean excuse me?
Yes. Use it before asking a question or when passing through a crowd.
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