je suis désolé
je suis désolé is the French way to say I am sorry.
This phrase is an expression used to apologize or to express regret regarding a mistake or a sad situation. When you want to follow the phrase with an action you are sorry for, use the preposition de followed by the infinitive verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word désolé functions as an adjective, which means its spelling changes to agree with the gender of the person speaking. If the speaker is female, the adjective must include an extra e at the end, making it je suis désolée.
Did you know?
- The word désolé shares an ancestor with the English word 'desolate', meaning it describes a state of being left alone or abandoned.
- In some contexts, désolé can be used as a polite way to decline an invitation, similar to saying 'I'm afraid I can't' in English.
- While je suis désolé is a common way to say 'I am sorry', in a formal setting or when bumping into someone, a French person is much more likely to say pardon or excusez-moi.
Examples in context
- Je suis désolé pour toi.I am sorry for you.This example shows how to express sympathy for someone.Tatoeba #10857 by sacredceltic, translation #64682 by CC
- Je suis désolé pour hier soir.I am sorry about last night.This sentence shows how to apologize for a specific time in the past.Tatoeba #3093166 by Blabla, translation #8969276 by Nylez
- Je suis désolée de te déranger.I am sorry to trouble you.This sentence shows how to apologize for an action using the phrase je suis désolé.Tatoeba #896946 by Aiji, translation #54311 by CC
- Veuillez m'excuser pour mon retard.Please excuse me for my lateness.
- Désolé(e), j'ai renversé ton café.Sorry, I spilled your coffee.
- Pardon, je ne t'avais pas vu(e).Sorry, I didn't see you.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about a missed appointment.
- LucasJe suis désolé d'avoir oublié notre rendez-vous.I am sorry for forgetting our appointment.
- EmmaCe n'est pas grave, Lucas.It is not a big deal, Lucas.
- LucasJe suis vraiment désolé, Emma.I am truly sorry, Emma.
- EmmaNe t'inquiète pas, tout va bien.Don't worry, everything is fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
