Mi dispiace
Mi dispiace is the Italian way to say 'I am sorry'.
Mi dispiace is a common and versatile expression used to apologize for a mistake or to show sympathy for someone's misfortune. While it is used for regret, it is distinct from words used for minor social slips or to get someone's attention.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Mi dispiace translates to 'It displeases me'.
Which one should you use?
Use Scusa or Scusi to get someone's attention or to handle minor social slips. In contrast, use Mi dispiace when you want to express genuine regret or sympathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
There are different ways to structure a sentence depending on what you are apologizing for or about. To express sympathy for a person or a situation, use the preposition per (e.g., Mi dispiace per…). To express regret for a specific action, use the preposition di followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., Mi dispiace di…). If you follow the phrase with a clause starting with che, you must use the subjunctive mood (e.g., Mi dispiace che…).
Did you know?
- The word dispiace comes from the prefix dis- and piacere, which means 'to please'. It is the direct opposite of the famous word piacere used when saying 'I like' something.
- If you say Mi dispiace to a stranger who bumps into you, it can sound strangely heavy, as if you are mourning a profound tragedy rather than just acknowledging a clumsy moment.
- While Mi dispiace expresses your internal feeling of regret, the phrase Chiedo scusa is used when you want to formally request forgiveness for a specific error.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace per te.I am sorry for you.This example shows how to use Mi dispiace to express sympathy for someone.Tatoeba #2520143 by Guybrush88, translation #64682 by CC
- Mi dispiace, devo andare.I am sorry, I've got to go.This example shows how to use Mi dispiace to apologize before leaving.Tatoeba #5198729 by Guybrush88, translation #1745002 by Amastan
- Mi dispiace di disturbarti.I am sorry to trouble you.This example shows how to use Mi dispiace to express regret for an action using the preposition di.Tatoeba #896947 by Guybrush88, translation #54311 by CC
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are talking about a missed appointment.
- LorenzoMi dispiace, Sofia, ho perso l'autobus.I am sorry, Sofia, I missed the bus.
- SofiaNon preoccuparti, Lorenzo, non è un problema.Don't worry, Lorenzo, it is not a problem.
- LorenzoTi ringrazio per la tua pazienza.I thank you for your patience.
- SofiaFigurati, ci vediamo tra dieci minuti.Don't mention it, I'll see you in ten minutes.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
