🇷🇺 Russian phrases

How to Say "I'm sorry" in Russian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Извините
"I'm sorry" in Russian · say it like ee-zvee-nee-teh

The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" in Russian is Извините. 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

Простите
more formal or when addressing someone respectfully
Извини
casual, used among friends or peers

When to use it

Use 'Извините' when you want to apologize in a polite or formal context. It is appropriate in both personal and professional situations. You can use it when you bump into someone or make a mistake. For a more casual situation, you might use 'Извини'.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I'm sorry" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Russian

RussianEnglish
Извините, я опоздал.I'm sorry, I am late.
Простите, я не хотел вас обидеть.I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Извините' with 'Извини', using the latter in formal situations.

The fastest way to remember it

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

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Извините' instead of 'Извини'?

'Извините' is used in formal situations or when addressing someone you don't know well, while 'Извини' is for friends.

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