bocsánatot

Bocsánatot is the accusative singular form of the Hungarian noun bocsánat, which means apology or forgiveness. The term can refer to the act of asking for forgiveness as well as to the apology itself. It is used in contexts where someone admits fault and seeks pardon from another person or group, or in religious language referring to divine forgiveness.

In usage, the phrase bocsánatot kérni (to ask for forgiveness) is common. The direct object bocsánatot appears with verbs of seeking or granting forgiveness, such as “kérni” or “kér” (as in Az osztálytól bocsánatot kértem = I asked the class for forgiveness) or Sajnálom a hibát, bocsánatot kérek (I’m sorry for the mistake, I apologize). In everyday speech, many speakers also use bocsánat or elnézést as shorter or more casual alternatives. The interjection Bocsánat! serves as a quick apology or a request for pardon when interrupting or addressing someone.

Related terms include megbocsátás (forgiveness or pardon granted by someone) and bocsánatkérés (an apology). The expression is versatile enough to be used in personal conversations as well as formal writing or religious contexts, where megbocsátás and Isten megbocsátása (God’s forgiveness) are common.

Etymology-wise, the exact origin of bocsánat is not definitively established, but it is generally linked to a verb meaning to grant or forgive, with the suffixes forming the noun for the concept of forgiveness or apology.