🇷🇸 Serbian phrases

How to Say "I'm sorry" in Serbian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Žao mi je
"I'm sorry" in Serbian · say it like zhao mee yeh

The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" in Serbian is Žao mi je. 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

Izvini
Used in casual situations among friends
Izvinjavam se
More formal, used in professional or serious contexts

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to express regret or apologize for something. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. It's a polite way to acknowledge a mistake or inconvenience caused to someone else.

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 Serbian

SerbianEnglish
Žao mi je što kasnim.I'm sorry for being late.
Žao mi je što te povredio.I'm sorry for hurting you.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'žao mi je' with 'izvini', thinking they are interchangeable in all contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

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

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'izvini' instead of 'žao mi je'?

'Izvini' is more casual and should be used among friends, while 'žao mi je' is more appropriate for formal situations.

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