How to Say Sorry in Croatian in Every Situation
In this guide, you will find 15 ways to say Sorry in Croatian if you ever need to apologize to someone in Croatia.

Saying “sorry” in Croatian is an important skill to have when traveling or living in Croatia. Whether you're trying to smooth over a misunderstanding, apologize for a mistake, or simply show concern for someone’s feelings, knowing the right words can help you navigate social interactions and build stronger relationships.
Why Learn to Say Sorry in Croatian?
In Croatia, just like in many other cultures, apologies play an important role in maintaining personal relationships, whether with friends, family, or colleagues. While the standard word “žao mi je” (I’m sorry) is commonly used, there are several other expressions you can use depending on the situation, the severity of the issue, or your closeness to the person you're apologizing to. Whether you need to offer a quick apology or express deeper remorse, understanding these different phrases will help you make a more meaningful apology.
To help you master the art of apologizing like a local, we’ve put together this guide with 15 useful and sincere ways to say "sorry" in Croatian.
15 Ways to Say “Sorry” in Croatian
Below is a list of 15 ways to say "sorry" in Croatian in case you need to apologize to someone in Croatia.
Croatian Phrase | English Translation | Use Case |
---|---|---|
Žao mi je | I’m sorry | Universal: formal/informal |
Ispričavam se | I apologize | Formal, polite apology |
Oprostite | Excuse me / I’m sorry (formal) | Formal, when addressing someone you respect |
Oprosti | Sorry (informal) | Informal, friendly apology |
Pardon | Pardon | Casual, asking for forgiveness |
Molim te, oprosti | Please, forgive me | Polite and respectful |
Kriv sam | I am to blame | Used when admitting personal fault |
Pomažem ti se, žao mi je | I’m sorry, I’ll help you (formal) | Apology with an offer to help |
Moje isprike | My apologies | Formal, expressing remorse |
Ispričavam se zbog toga | I apologize for that | Used for specific situations |
Skrivio/skrivila sam to | I did that (blame admission) | Used to admit responsibility for a mistake |
To nije bilo u redu | That wasn’t right | Expressing regret over a wrongdoing |
Žao mi je zbog toga | I’m sorry about that | Casual, used when expressing regret |
Puno se ispričavam | I’m really sorry | Expressing a stronger level of regret |
Nisam to htio/htjela | I didn’t mean that | When explaining unintentional harm |
How to use different forms of ‘Sorry’ in Croatian
Below are the translations and pronunciations of the phrases above.
Žao mi je (I’m sorry)
"Žao mi je" is the most common way to say "I’m sorry" in Croatian. It’s a general, universal apology used for a wide variety of situations, whether you’re apologizing for a mistake, expressing sympathy, or showing regret. This phrase is perfect for both formal and informal settings, and it’s often the go-to phrase when you need to apologize in Croatian.
You’ll hear it in everything from everyday apologies to more heartfelt ones, such as when someone is grieving or experiencing hardship. It’s a versatile and widely accepted way to express that you’re sorry for something that has happened.
To pronounce it correctly, say “zhah-oh mee-yeh.”
Ispričavam se (I apologize)
"Ispričavam se" is a slightly more formal way to say "I apologize" in Croatian. This phrase is typically used when you want to be more polite or express deeper remorse. It’s often used in situations where a higher level of formality is required, such as in professional settings or when apologizing to someone you respect.
It’s perfect for situations where a simple "Žao mi je" might not feel enough, and you want to show that you genuinely regret your actions or words. This phrase will help you convey sincerity and consideration in your apology.
A good way to pronounce it is “ees-pree-chah-vahm seh.”
Oprostite (Excuse me / I’m sorry - formal)
"Oprostite" is a formal way to say "excuse me" or "I’m sorry" in Croatian. It’s typically used when addressing someone you don’t know well or in situations where you need to show respect. This phrase is often used when trying to get someone’s attention, or when you’ve made a mistake and want to offer a polite apology.
It’s commonly used in both polite apologies and to express regret, especially in public or professional settings. If you need to apologize for something minor or request someone's forgiveness in a respectful manner, "Oprostite" is the perfect choice.
Not too hard to pronounce: “oh-pros-tee-teh.”
Oprosti (Sorry - informal)
"Oprosti" is the informal version of "Oprostite" and is used when apologizing to people you know well, like friends or family. It’s a casual way to say "sorry" and is often used when you’ve done something minor, like bumping into someone or making a small mistake.
While "Oprosti" is more relaxed, it still shows that you are acknowledging your mistake and that you care about the other person’s feelings. It’s the go-to apology when you’re not in a formal environment, making it great for everyday situations.
To pronounce it correctly, say “oh-pros-tee.”
Pardon (Pardon)
"Pardon" is a borrowed term from French and is used in Croatian to express a polite apology or request someone’s forgiveness. It’s commonly used in informal settings when you need to apologize for a minor mistake, like interrupting someone or needing to get their attention.
This word is widely understood, especially in more cosmopolitan areas, and is perfect for situations where you want to quickly acknowledge something without being too formal. It’s ideal for casual or lighthearted interactions, and many people will use it in everyday conversation.
To pronounce it correctly, say “pahr-don.”
Molim te, oprosti (Please, forgive me)
"Molim te, oprosti" translates to "Please, forgive me" and is a polite, respectful way to ask for forgiveness. This phrase is more heartfelt and sincere, making it appropriate when you’re asking someone to forgive you for a mistake you’ve made, especially if it’s something significant.
It’s commonly used in situations where a simple apology isn’t enough, and you want to show that you genuinely regret your actions and are seeking reconciliation. It’s also a great expression when trying to make amends with someone you care about.
To pronounce it correctly, say “moh-leem teh, oh-pros-tee.”
Kriv sam (I am to blame)
"Kriv sam" is a phrase used when you want to admit fault or take responsibility for something that went wrong. It literally translates to "I am to blame" and is commonly used when you are accepting full responsibility for a mistake, whether it’s something small or more significant.
This phrase shows humility and an acknowledgment that you are the one at fault, making it a strong and honest way to apologize. It’s best used when you want to show accountability, especially in situations where your actions directly caused harm or inconvenience to someone.
A simple short phrase to pronounce: “kreev sahm.”
Pomažem ti se, žao mi je (I’m sorry, I’ll help you)
"Pomažem ti se, žao mi je" translates to "I’m sorry, I’ll help you" and is a thoughtful way to apologize while offering assistance. This phrase is used when you want to express regret for something you’ve done while also showing a willingness to make things right by helping the person affected.
It’s great for situations where you may have caused an inconvenience but want to demonstrate that you are taking responsibility and offering to help resolve the situation. It can be used in both personal and professional settings, depending on the context.
To pronounce it correctly, say “poh-mah-zhem tee seh, zhah-oh mee-yeh.”
Moje isprike (My apologies)
"Moje isprike" translates to "My apologies" and is a formal, sincere way to offer an apology. This phrase is often used when you want to express deep regret and show that you are truly sorry for something that has happened. It’s ideal for situations where you want to show respect and offer a more refined apology.
This phrase is commonly heard in professional settings, at formal events, or when apologizing to someone you don't know very well. It’s a respectful and slightly more formal alternative to simply saying "Žao mi je."
A good way to pronounce it is “moh-yeh ees-pree-keh.”
Ispričavam se zbog toga (I apologize for that)
"Ispričavam se zbog toga" means "I apologize for that" and is used to express regret for a specific action or event. This phrase is used when you want to apologize for a particular situation or mistake you’ve made and is more specific than just saying "Žao mi je."
It’s perfect for times when you need to clarify what you’re apologizing for and want to show that you understand the impact of your actions. This phrase works well in both personal and professional contexts, depending on the situation.
To pronounce it well, say “ees-pree-chah-vahm seh zbohg toh-gah.”
Skrivio/skrivila sam to (I did that - blame admission)
"Skrivio sam to" (for men) or "Skrivila sam to" (for women) translates to "I did that" and is a straightforward way to admit fault. This phrase is typically used when you want to openly acknowledge that you were responsible for something that went wrong or caused a problem.
It’s a direct, honest admission of guilt and is often used when you want to take full responsibility for your actions, especially in situations where you can’t hide from the fact that you made a mistake. It shows maturity and accountability.
Say “skree-vee-oh sahm toh” (for men) or “skree-vee-lah sahm toh” (for women).
To nije bilo u redu (That wasn’t right)
"To nije bilo u redu" translates to "That wasn’t right" and is a way to express that you realize your actions were inappropriate or unfair. It’s a good phrase to use when you want to acknowledge that something you did was wrong without necessarily taking full blame for it.
This phrase is often used when you want to recognize that your behavior or actions were not acceptable but might not have been intentional. It’s a softer way of admitting fault and showing regret for your actions.
A good way to pronounce it is “toh nee-yeh bee-loo oo reh-doo.”
Žao mi je zbog toga (I’m sorry about that)
"Žao mi je zbog toga" means "I’m sorry about that" and is a commonly used phrase to express regret for something that happened. It’s used when you want to show empathy or sorrow for something that was beyond your control or when you’re apologizing for the consequences of someone else’s actions.
This phrase works in a variety of situations where you want to express that you feel bad about something, whether it’s a small mishap or a more significant issue. It’s versatile, sincere, and works well in both informal and formal settings.
A good way to pronounce it is “zhah-oh mee-yeh zbohg toh-gah.”
Puno se ispričavam (I’m really sorry)
"Puno se ispričavam" translates to "I’m really sorry" and is a stronger, more heartfelt apology. You’d use this phrase when you want to express deep regret or when your actions have caused significant distress or harm to someone.
This phrase shows that you’re genuinely sorry for what happened and that you understand the impact of your actions. It’s great for situations where you want to make amends and show the person that you care deeply about their feelings.
Pronounce it correctly: “poo-noh seh ees-pree-chah-vahm.”
Nisam to htio/htjela (I didn’t mean that)
"Nisam to htio" (for men) or "Nisam to htjela" (for women) means "I didn’t mean that" and is used to clarify that your words or actions were unintentional. It’s a great way to apologize when you’ve said something hurtful by mistake or did something you didn’t intend to.
This phrase is often used when you want to assure the person that you didn’t have bad intentions and that your actions or words were accidental. It’s useful for clearing up misunderstandings or showing regret for something that wasn’t meant to cause harm.
If you want to pronounce it correctly, say “nee-sahm toh htee-oh” (for men) or “nee-sahm toh htye-lah” (for women).
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you learn how to say "sorry" in Croatian, which is what we believe is an essential skill for navigating both formal and informal interactions during your time in Croatia. As we mentioned before, apologizing in a foreign language is not just about saying the right words, but also about showing respect, sincerity, and cultural awareness.
If you're looking to expand your Croatian language skills further, be sure to check out our other blog articles for more helpful guides and tips.
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