Pahoillani

Pahoillani is a Finnish expression that translates to “I’m sorry” or “my apologies.” It is used to express personal regret or to acknowledge that one has caused trouble or inconvenience. The phrase is common in both spoken and written Finnish and can be used on its own or at the start of a sentence, often followed by a clause introduced with että (that).

The form pahoillani is built from the adjective pahoillinen, meaning “sorry” or “troubled,” combined with the speaker’s possessive suffix -ni, giving a sense of “my apology” or “I am the one who is sorry.” In everyday use, speakers may choose a more direct verb form such as Pahoittelen, which means “I apologize,” and is common in formal or written contexts. Another widely used, more casual option is Anteeksi, meaning “sorry” or “excuse me.”

Pahoillani is typically employed to express politeness, sympathy, or accountability, and it is suitable in a range of situations—from personal apologies to formal communications. It can be part of a longer apology sentence, for example when explaining a late arrival, a missed deadline, or an error. In informal speech, Finns often prefer simpler expressions like Anteeksi, while pahoittelu or pahoittelut refer to the act of apologizing or apologies in general.

Overall, pahoillani is a conventional, respectful Finnish apology used to acknowledge fault and show consideration for others, complementing alternative forms such as Pahoittelen and Anteeksi depending on context and register.