Kinyarwanda
umbabarire
oom-bah-bah-REE-reh
How to say it
Kinyarwandaumbabarireoom-bah-bah-REE-rehsoon
Englishexcuse mesoon
Frenchpardonsoon
Meaning
a polite expression asking for forgiveness or pardon, said when apologizing.
Good to know
imperative form of kubabarira 'to forgive'; the everyday way to say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' when you've caused offense or need to interrupt.
Examples
- Umbabarire, nagutinze.I'm sorry, I've kept you waiting.
- Umbabarire, wari uvuze iki?Excuse me, what did you say?
- Nakoze ikosa, umbabarire.I made a mistake, forgive me.
- Umbabarire ariko sinzashobora kuza.I'm sorry but I won't be able to come.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.