Published on April 11, 2024
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.
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:
| Italian | English | Context |
| Scusa | Sorry | Informal; one of the most common ways of apologizing |
| Scusa per il ritardo | Sorry for being late | |
| Scusami | I am sorry | Informal, reflexive form; used when addressing a single person |
| Scusatemi | I am sorry | Informal, reflexive form; used when addressing a group |
| (Ti/vi) Chiedo scusa | I apologize (to you) | Slightly less informal; the indirect object pronouns change depending on whether the object is singular (ti) or plural (vi) |
| Mi scusi | I am sorry | Formal, reflexive form; used when addressing a single person |
| Scusate | I am sorry | Formal; used when addressing a group |
| Ti/vi devo delle scuse | I owe you an apology | Usually formal; the indirect object pronouns change depending on whether the object is singular (ti) or plural (vi) |
“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:
| Italian | English |
| Mi/ci dispiace molto | I am/we are so sorry |
| Mi/ci dispiace per l’accaduto | I am/we are sorry for what happened |
| Mi/ci dispiace per l’inconveniente | I am/we are sorry for the inconvenience |
| Mi/ci dispiace per la tua perdita | I am/we are sorry for your loss |
| Mi/ci dispiace di non farcela a venire | I am/we are sorry that we aren’t able to make it |
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:
| Italian | English | Context |
| Permesso | Excuse me | Asking someone to let you through or move aside |
| Scusi | Excuse me | Same as above |
| Permesso, posso passare? | Excuse me, may I pass by? | Same as above |
| Prego | Excuse me | In 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? |
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.
| Italian | English | Context |
| Perdonami | Forgive me | Informal |
| Ti/vi chiedo perdono (per…) | I ask you for forgiveness | More formal; with this phrase, you ask to be forgiven for something you have caused. |
| Non accadrà più | It won’t happen again | |
| È colpa mia | It’s my fault | |
| Voglia scusarmi (per/ma…) | I apologize | Use in formal contexts, usually adding the reason for your apology. Voglia scusarmi, ma devo andare. (I apologize, but I need to go.) |
| Chiedo venia | I ask you for forgiveness | Old-fashioned way to ask for forgiveness. It can also be used ironically. |
| Non l’ho fatto apposta | I didn’t do it on purpose | |
| Errore mio | My bad | |
| Non volevo offenderti/vi | I didn’t mean to offend you | |
| Sono mortificato/a | I am mortified | Reserved for very serious situations |
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.
