bocsánat

Bocsánat is a Hungarian word used to express apology or to request pardon. As an interjection, it functions like “sorry” or “excuse me” in English. As a noun, it denotes the act or request for forgiveness. In everyday speech, it is versatile: it can stand alone as a casual apology, or precede a sentence to soften what follows.

Etymology and forms: Bocsánat is a native Hungarian term. Its exact historical origin is not widely documented in concise reference works. Informal variants include bocsi and bocs, which are widely used in casual conversation. For more formal contexts, speakers often choose elnézést or sajnálom, depending on the degree of formality and the strength of the apology.

Usage notes: When apologizing, tone and context matter. “Bocsánat a késésért” directly apologizes for lateness; “Elnézést kérek” is more formal; “Sajnálom” expresses remorse without necessarily admitting fault. In writing, “bocsánat” appears in informal messages, while “elnézést” or “megbocsásson” may be preferred in formal texts. The word also serves as a polite preface before questions or requests in crowded or noisy settings: “Bocsánat, meg tudnád ismételni?”