🇮🇸 Icelandic phrases

How to Say "Excuse me" in Icelandic

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Fyrirgefðu
"Excuse me" in Icelandic · say it like fir-yer-gev-thoo

The most natural way to say "Excuse me" in Icelandic is Fyrirgefðu. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Afsakið
more formal, often used in written communication
Fyrirgefðu mér
used when you want to specifically apologize to someone

When to use it

You can use 'Fyrirgefðu' when you want to get someone's attention or when you need to apologize for a minor mistake. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. Use it when you accidentally bump into someone or interrupt a conversation.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Excuse me" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Icelandic

IcelandicEnglish
Fyrirgefðu, get ég spurt þig um eitthvað?Excuse me, can I ask you something?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Fyrirgefðu' with 'Afsakið', but they are used in slightly different contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Fyrirgefðu, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Icelandic with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Afsakið' instead of 'Fyrirgefðu'?

'Afsakið' is more formal and is often used in written contexts or when addressing someone respectfully.

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