Es tut mir leid
/ˌʔɛs ˈtuːt ˌmiːɐ ˈlaɪ̯t/
In German, "I am sorry" is expressed as Es tut mir leid.
This phrase is used to apologize or to express sympathy when you have done something wrong or when you feel bad for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "It does me sorrow" or "It causes me regret".
Which one should you use?
While Es tut mir leid expresses personal regret or sympathy, the noun Entschuldigung is more commonly used as a quick "Excuse me" to get someone's attention or for minor social slips.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun mir is in the dative case because the "sorrow" is being done to the person feeling it.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌʔɛs ˈtuːt ˌmiːɐ ˈlaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word leid shares an ancient root with the Latin verb 'laedō', which means to strike or to betray.
- While 'I am sorry' is a state of being in English, the German Es tut mir leid describes an external force or situation performing an action upon you.
Examples in context
- Es tut mir leid. Ich muss gehen.I am sorry, I've got to go.This is useful for announcing that you must leave.Tatoeba #1745888 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1745002 by Amastan
- Es tut mir leid, dass du warten musstest.I am sorry that you had to wait.This is useful for apologizing for making someone wait.Tatoeba #10404234 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10390626 by Objectivesea
- Es tut mir leid, wenn ich dich gestört habe.I am sorry if I disturbed you.This is useful for apologizing for a potential disturbance.Tatoeba #985901 by Valodnieks, translation #64436 by CK
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich dich enttäuscht habe.I am sorry that I disappointed you.
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich dich verletzt habe.I am sorry that I hurt you.
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät gekommen bin.I am sorry that I arrived late.
- Entschuldigung für meinen respektlosen Kommentar.Apologies for my disrespectful comment.
- Verzeih mir für meine Unachtsamkeit.Forgive me for my carelessness.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix accidentally broke Hannah's favorite vase.
- FelixEs tut mir leid, Hannah, ich habe deine Vase zerbrochen.I am sorry, Hannah, I broke your vase.
- HannahDas ist wirklich schade, Felix.That is a real shame, Felix.
- FelixIch kaufe dir eine neue.I will buy you a new one.
- HannahDas ist lieb von dir, danke.That is sweet of you, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry es tut mir leid.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Es, es, leid, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
