Do not Simply Say Scusa: ‘Sorry’ in Italian Has Many Choices
43
Scusa, scusi, scusami… Getting these Italian phrases proper is a little bit of a problem, as a result of you actually need to know the context. They modify relying on whether or not you communicate formally or informally, and so they can imply “sorry” or “excuse me.” Additionally, they don’t categorical “I’m sorry” in each state of affairs. So, how are you going to perceive the distinction?
Rosetta Stone can assist you make clear which phrase is correct for “I’m sorry” in Italian in any state of affairs. Study to make use of scusa, scusi, mi dispiace and different much less apparent methods to say “sorry” in Italian like a local speaker (satisfaction apart).
Scusa/scusi
Scusa and scusi are the second and third individuals of the verb scusare, and the direct translations of “sorry” in Italian. Nevertheless, they work in another way from the English “sorry” and might usually mislead language college students.
Scusare is an everyday -ARE verb in Italian that interprets to a number of totally different English verbs. When it’s transitive, it means “to excuse,” “to pardon,” or “to forgive” somebody or one thing; when it’s intransitive, it means “to apologize.” That’s why, in Italian, you utilize the crucial tense of scusare to say each “excuse me” and “sorry.” You solely want to interchange this verb’s endings or pronominal kind to modify between casual and formal tone.
For instance, suppose you need to say “sorry” in Italian. In that case, you need to use scusa/scusami with mates, household, or youngsters, and scusi/mi scusi with strangers, older individuals, or in skilled settings.
- Scusa! Ho rovesciato l’acqua. = Sorry! I spilled the water. (casual)
- Ti ho pestato il piede? Scusami! = Did I step in your foot? I’m sorry! (casual)
- Scusi, non pensavo di offenderla. = Sorry, I didn’t imply to offend you. (formal)
- Mi scusi per l’attesa. Ero al telefono. = Sorry for protecting you ready. I used to be on the cellphone. (formal)
Nevertheless, if you wish to ask a query or get somebody’s consideration, like a bartender when ordering your steaming Italian espresso, you need to use the identical phrases to imply “excuse me.”
- Scusa, che cosa hai detto? = Excuse me, what did you say? (casual)
- Scusami, è libero quel posto? = Excuse me, is that seat free? (casual)
- Scusi, che ore sono? = Excuse me, what time is it? (formal)
- Mi scusi, sa dov’è la stazione? = Excuse me, do you the place is the prepare station? (formal)
Chiedo scusa
In an expert setting or if you need to sound further well mannered, use the verb chiedere (to ask) with scusa (excuse/forgiveness). The current tense chiedo scusa interprets to “I apologize,” “excuse me,” or “I’m sorry,” in formal and casual conditions.
- Chiedo scusa per il disguido. = I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
- Chiedo scusa, questo locale fa l’aperitivo? = Excuse me, does this place serve aperitivo?
You can too add Italian pronouns to make it clear who you might be addressing. Both method, you’ll sound very well mannered.
- Ti chiedo scusa. = I’m sorry. (casual)
- Le chiedo scusa. = I’m sorry. (formal)
The verb porgere (to supply) is a classy various to chiedere in these sentences if you wish to sound extra refined. It’s a bit trickier since you should deal with the irregular verb porgere, the right pronouns (ti/le = to you), and Italian adjectives (like mie = my). However it’s a enjoyable problem!
- Ti/le porgo le mie scuse. = I give you my apologies. (casual/formal)
- Vorrei porgerti/porgerle le mie scuse.* = I wish to give you my apologies. (casual/formal)
Keep in mind: Chiedere (to ask) is at all times adopted by scusa (singular), whereas porgere (to supply) is adopted by scuse (plural).
Mi dispiace
To say “I’m sorry” in Italian such as you would in English, you say mi dispiace. This Italian expression and its variation mi spiace are much less well-known than the earlier ones. They’re sometimes utilized by native audio system since scusa and mi scusi are simple to pronounce and generally recognized.
Mi dispiace covers many conditions if you can’t use scusa/scusi, like to specific remorse, sympathy, or condolences. Mi spiace means the identical, however it’s extra conversational. It doesn’t go well with circumstances the place it’s good to present sympathy, but it surely works completely in lighter conditions. These two expressions are additionally an effective way to politely say “no” in Italian when refusing an invite or expressing condolences.
- Mi dispiace. Non so che cosa significa. = I’m sorry. I have no idea what meaning.
- Mi dispiace. Non possiamo. Siamo occupati venerdì. = I’m sorry. We are able to’t. We’re busy on Friday.
- Mi dispiace per la tua/sua perdita. = I’m sorry in your loss. (casual/formal)
- Mi spiace. Siamo chiusi il lunedì. = I’m sorry. We shut on Mondays.
- Mi spiace che tu non stia bene. = I’m sorry that you simply’re not feeling nicely.
Each mi dispiace and mi spiace match casual and formal conversations. Since they don’t change relying on the context, you may outline the tone with different Italian components of speech, like verb endings or pronouns.
- Mi dispiace, Enrico. Non posso incontrarti per pranzo. = I’m sorry, Henry. I’m not in a position to meet you for lunch. (casual)
- Mi dispiace, la Sua valigia è troppo grande. Non può portarla sull’aereo. Deve registrarla. = I’m sorry, your suitcase is simply too massive to take with you on the airplane. You must test it. (formal)
The corresponding adjective spiacente (sorry) can be fairly widespread. For instance, if you name a unsuitable cellphone quantity in Italy, you’ll usually hear this computerized reply:
- Siamo spiacenti, il numero da lei chiamato non è attivo. = Sorry, the quantity you known as isn’t lively.
Perdonami/ti chiedo perdono
A bit extra dramatic, perdonami (forgive me) which is the crucial of the verb perdonare (to forgive) paired with the pronoun mi (me). Italians use it in all types of non-public conditions to specific a heartfelt apology.
- Perdonami, non lo farò più. = Forgive me, I gained’t do it once more.
It sounds extra intense in the event you pair it with the verbs pregare (to beg) and chiedere (to ask), so reserve it for if you actually need to present regret.
- Ti prego, perdonami. = I encourage you, forgive me.
- Ti chiedo perdono./Ti chiedo di perdonarmi. = I ask in your forgiveness.
Italian grammar tip: Don’t get tricked by the similarity between perdonami and “pardon me.” In Italian, this verb by no means means “excuse me.”
Sono mortificato/a
When conditions get critical otherwise you do one thing you’re ashamed of, you may categorical your remorse by saying sono mortificato (I’m mortified/I’m so sorry).
This expression works in acquainted or skilled settings and doesn’t change primarily based on the extent of ritual. However it does, relying in your gender:
- Sono mortificato. (male speaker) = I’m sorry/I’m mortified.
- Sono mortificata. (feminine speaker) = I’m sorry/I’m mortified.
Chiedo venia
Venia is a Latin phrase which means “grace” or “pardon,” so, chiedere venia actually means “to make an apology.” This expression is used as a set phrase to say “I’m sorry,” “my apologies,” “excuse me,” or just “sorry” in Italian.
It’s formal and a bit old style, however Italians nonetheless use it. Consider it extra as a social courtesy than an apology, as it really works finest when the “fault” is minor—for instance, in the event you interrupt somebody, step right into a dialog, or arrive a bit late to a gathering.
- Chiedo venia per il ritardo, il traffico period terribile. = Sorry for being late, the visitors was horrible.
- Chiedo venia. L’ho interrotta. = My apologies. I interrupted you.
- Chiedo venia, sapete a che ora passa il treno? = Excuse me, have you learnt what time the prepare comes? (plural you)
Tips on how to say ‘sorry’ in Italian with out explicitly asking for forgiveness
Apologies can get you out of many tough conditions, however saying “I’m sorry” isn’t the one option to take accountability. If you wish to acknowledge your mistake or present that you simply intend to make issues proper with out really saying “sorry,” loads of Italian phrases allow you to indicate it naturally.
| Italian | English |
| Ammetto di aver sbagliato | I admit I used to be unsuitable. |
| Come posso rimediare? | How can I make it proper? |
| È colpa mia. | It’s my fault. |
| Errore mio. | My mistake. |
| Ho agito male. | I acted poorly. |
| Ho fatto un errore imperdonabile. | I made an unforgivable mistake. |
| Ho sbagliato. | I made a mistake. |
| Mea culpa. | my fault/my unhealthy |
| Non period mia intenzione. | It wasn’t my intention. |
| Non l’ho fatto apposta. | I didn’t do it on function. |
| Non si ripeterà più. | It gained’t occur once more. |
| Non volevo offenderti/offenderla. | I didn’t imply to offend you (casual/formal) |
| Potrai/potrà perdonarmi? | Are you able to forgive me? (casual/formal) |
| Riconosco che ho esagerato. | I acknowledge that I overreacted. |
Cultural suggestions for apologizing in Italian
Utilizing the appropriate phrase to say “sorry” in Italian is simply a part of the image. To sound extra pure, Italian adverbs like molto (very), tanto (quite a bit), davvero (actually), and veramente (really) are your allies. You’ll additionally hear intensified types like tantissimo and moltissimo (very, very a lot) when the speaker desires to indicate stronger emotion or empathy.
- Scusa tanto per il ritardo. = I’m so sorry for being late.
- Scusa, davvero. = Actually, sorry about that.
- Mi dispiace tantissimo per questo contrattempo. = I’m very, very sorry about this inconvenience.
- Sono realmente dispiaciuta. = I’m actually sorry.
- Ti chiedo veramente scusa. = I really apologize.
Adjectives and Italian slang may add nuance to your apologies, particularly in informal conversations.
- Ti porgo le mie honest scuse. = I give you my honest apologies. (formal, polished)
- Mi spiace un sacco. = I’m actually, actually sorry. (very casual, slangy)
Studying Italian is about working towards in real-world conditions, as a result of nobody speaks like a textbook. With the Rosetta Stone App, you get it multi functional place: programs, reside classes, tales, a phrasebook, and even an audio companion—at all times proper in your pocket.
