Sorry in Italian: How to apologize in 29 different ways

Everyone — yes, even Italians — can make mistakes that may warrant an apology. Fortunately, the Italian language has no shortage of ways to say “I’m sorry” or otherwise ask for forgiveness. Should you need to apologize to someone the next time you’re in Italy, it’s best to learn a few variants that may apply in different circumstances.

The simplest and most common apology in Italian is a quick and effective “Scusa.” This term and its variations should cover the majority of slip-ups, but let’s explore a few alternative ways to say “I’m sorry” in Italian.

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“Scusa” 

A heartfelt “Scusa!” can go a long way. With this simple word, you can apologize for most situations you find yourself in or disruptions you may have caused. Here are some variants that may come in handy:

ItalianEnglishContext
ScusaSorryInformal; one of the most common ways of apologizing
Scusa per il ritardoSorry for being late
ScusamiI am sorryInformal, reflexive form; used when addressing a single person
ScusatemiI am sorryInformal, reflexive form; used when addressing a group
(Ti/vi) Chiedo scusaI apologize (to you)Slightly less informal; the indirect object pronouns change depending on whether the object is singular (ti) or plural (vi)
Mi scusiI am sorry Formal, reflexive form; used when addressing a single person
ScusateI am sorry Formal; used when addressing a group
Ti/vi devo delle scuseI owe you an apologyUsually formal;  the indirect object pronouns change depending on whether the object is singular (ti) or plural (vi)

“Mi dispiace”

Mi dispiace” is another way to apologize in Italian. It derives from the reflexive verb dispiacersi and its connotations are slightly distinct from the scusa variations above. “Mi dispiace” tends to carry a bit more regret or empathy, specifically as it refers to a bad situation that the speaker has no control over. Here are some variants:

ItalianEnglish
Mi/ci dispiace moltoI am/we are so sorry
Mi/ci dispiace per l’accadutoI am/we are sorry for what happened
Mi/ci dispiace per l’inconvenienteI am/we are sorry for the inconvenience
Mi/ci dispiace per la tua perditaI am/we are sorry for your loss
Mi/ci dispiace di non farcela a venireI am/we are sorry that we aren’t able to make it

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“Excuse me” in Italian

Elsewhere on the spectrum of apologies, Italian offers plenty of ways to translate “Excuse me.” You may use one of these variants the next time you want to politely catch someone’s attention:

ItalianEnglishContext
PermessoExcuse meAsking someone to let you through or move aside
ScusiExcuse meSame as above
Permesso, posso passare?Excuse me, may I pass by?Same as above
PregoExcuse meIn a situation where you are giving someone space to move
Scusa, puoi ripetere?Excuse me, could you repeat?
Scusi, questo posto è libero?Excuse me, is this place free?

Alternative ways to say “I’m sorry” in Italian

With the basics covered, here are some additional phrases to practice. The expressions below are more colorful — maybe even a tad dramatic — and you can try them out when the context allows for it.

ItalianEnglishContext
Perdonami Forgive meInformal
Ti/vi chiedo perdono (per…)I ask you for forgivenessMore formal; with this phrase, you ask to be forgiven for something you have caused.
Non accadrà piùIt won’t happen again
È colpa miaIt’s my fault
Voglia scusarmi (per/ma…)I apologizeUse in formal contexts, usually adding the reason for your apology.
Voglia scusarmi, ma devo andare. (I apologize, but I need to go.)
Chiedo veniaI ask you for forgivenessOld-fashioned way to ask for forgiveness. It can also be used ironically.
Non l’ho fatto appostaI didn’t do it on purpose
Errore mioMy bad
Non volevo offenderti/viI didn’t mean to offend you
Sono mortificato/aI am mortifiedReserved for very serious situations

Navigate the nuances and pick your apology

From formal expressions to more casual apologies, Italian offers a rich variety of words and phrases to communicate regret and seek forgiveness. The nuances of the language play a crucial role in the effectiveness of your chosen apology, so it’s essential that you consider the context. Ultimately, being willing to admit one’s own fault, express genuine regret and make amends is at the heart of fostering genuine and long-lasting relationships.

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Valentina Rampazzo

Valentina Rampazzo

Valentina Rampazzo is an Italian Content Manager and writer. She has lived in five countries across Europe and speaks as many languages. She is based in Berlin where she works at Lingoda. She also collaborates with a Portuguese association focused on helping the integration of migrants through languages by writing for their blog. Apart from writing, she enjoys cooking and experimenting with plant-based food, loves traveling and has a hard time saying no to cuddle time with her black cat.