How to Say Sorry in Italian
Learn how to say sorry in Italian. 'Scusa' (informal) and 'Scusi' (formal) for small apologies; 'Mi dispiace' for genuine regret. Pronunciation and when to use each.
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Quick answer
To say sorry in Italian, use 'Scusa' (SKOO-za) informally or 'Scusi' (SKOO-zee) formally for small apologies and getting attention. For sincere regret or sympathy, say 'Mi dispiace' (mee dee-spee-AH-cheh), meaning 'I'm sorry / it pains me.' Choose 'scusa/scusi' for minor things and 'mi dispiace' for genuine apology or condolence.
Scusa
/SKOO-za/ — Italian
How to Say Sorry in Italian
Apologizing in Italian is mostly about choosing the right word for the situation. There are two everyday families of phrases: the quick “excuse me / sorry” words (scusa and scusi) and the heartfelt “I’m sorry” phrase (mi dispiace). Getting them right makes you sound natural and polite.
Scusa vs. Scusi: Informal and Formal
Italian distinguishes between informal and formal address, and “sorry” follows that rule:
| Word | Form | Use with |
|---|---|---|
| Scusa | Informal (tu) | Friends, family, peers, children |
| Scusi | Formal (Lei) | Strangers, elders, officials, service |
Both come from the verb scusare (to excuse) and cover light apologies as well as “excuse me.” If you bump into a friend, say Scusa; if you bump into a stranger or address a shopkeeper, say Scusi. To apologize to a group, use Scusate.
Mi dispiace: Genuine Regret
When you truly regret something — or want to express sympathy — use Mi dispiace (mee dee-spee-AH-cheh), literally “it pains me.” This is the phrase for real apologies, bad news, and condolences. Saying scusa after someone shares a loss would feel far too casual; mi dispiace carries the emotional weight.
- Mi dispiace per il tuo cane. — I’m sorry about your dog.
- Mi dispiace, è stata colpa mia. — I’m sorry, it was my fault.
Pronunciation Guide
| Italian | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Scusa | SKOO-za | Sorry / excuse me (informal) |
| Scusi | SKOO-zee | Sorry / excuse me (formal) |
| Scusate | skoo-ZA-teh | Sorry (to a group) |
| Mi dispiace | mee dee-spee-AH-cheh | I’m sorry (regret) |
| Permesso | per-MES-so | Excuse me (to pass) |
How Sorry? Dialing the Intensity
| Italian | Meaning | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Scusa / Scusi | Sorry, excuse me | Light, everyday |
| Mi dispiace | I’m sorry | Genuine |
| Mi dispiace tanto / molto | I’m so/very sorry | Strong |
| Mi dispiace davvero | I’m truly sorry | Sincere |
| Mi dispiace di cuore | I’m sorry from the heart | Deep |
| Ti chiedo scusa | I apologize to you | Formal apology |
| Perdonami | Forgive me | Pleading, intimate |
| Le mie condoglianze | My condolences | Bereavement |
Excuse Me vs. Sorry
English uses “sorry” and “excuse me” loosely, but Italian splits them by intent:
- Scusa / Scusi — getting attention, small bumps, asking a question.
- Permesso — asking to pass through a crowd or enter a room.
- Mi dispiace — expressing regret or sympathy.
So on a crowded Italian bus you will hear “Permesso!” as people squeeze past, and “Scusi!” when someone needs the conductor’s attention.
Apologizing Properly
For a real apology, combine the words:
- Scusa, mi dispiace davvero per quello che ho detto. — Sorry, I’m truly sorry for what I said.
- Ti chiedo scusa, è stata colpa mia. — I apologize, it was my fault.
- Perdonami, non volevo ferirti. — Forgive me, I didn’t mean to hurt you.
In short: reach for scusa/scusi for the small stuff, and mi dispiace when you mean it. Match the formality to the person, and your apology will land exactly as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Scusa and Scusi?
'Scusa' is the informal form, used with friends, family, and people your age. 'Scusi' is the formal/polite form, used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Both mean 'sorry' or 'excuse me.' They come from the verb 'scusare' (to excuse), conjugated for informal 'tu' versus formal 'Lei.'
When do you use Mi dispiace instead of Scusa?
'Mi dispiace' (I'm sorry) expresses genuine regret, sympathy, or condolence — for example after bad news, a loss, or a real mistake. 'Scusa/Scusi' is for light apologies and excuse-me situations like bumping someone or asking a question. Saying 'mi dispiace' shows the matter is emotionally serious.
How do you say I'm so sorry in Italian?
'Mi dispiace tanto' or 'Mi dispiace molto' both mean 'I'm so/very sorry.' For a deep apology: 'Mi dispiace davvero' (I'm truly sorry) or 'Mi dispiace di cuore' (I'm sorry from the heart). For condolences: 'Le mie più sentite condoglianze' (my deepest condolences).
How do you pronounce Mi dispiace?
'Mi dispiace' is mee dee-spee-AH-cheh. 'Mi' is 'mee,' 'dispiace' breaks into dee-spee-AH-cheh with stress on 'AH.' The 'ce' is pronounced 'cheh' (soft Italian 'c' before 'e'). It is four syllables said smoothly.
How do you say excuse me in Italian to pass by someone?
Use 'Permesso' (per-MES-so) when passing through a crowd or entering, 'Scusi' to get a stranger's attention politely, or 'Scusa' informally. 'Permesso?' specifically asks permission to pass and is very common on busy streets, buses, and at doorways.