mi scuso
The English phrase "I apologize" is expressed in Italian as mi scuso.
mi scuso is a formal expression used to state that you are sorry for a mistake or a wrongdoing.
What does it mean word for word?
This is a reflexive construction where mi means "myself" and scuso means "I excuse". Literally, it translates to "I excuse myself".
Which one should you use?
While mi scuso is a standard way to apologize, it carries a more formal and deliberate tone than the common colloquial ways to say "sorry", such as scusa or scusi. Another formal alternative you may encounter is chiedo scusa.
Did you know?
- The root of scuso is linked to the idea of 'unburdening' or 'releasing', which is why an apology is viewed as a way to lift a weight or a debt from a situation.
- Using mi scuso in a very casual setting with close friends can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic, as the formality creates a psychological distance.
- While 'I apologize' sounds like you are asking for forgiveness, the reflexive mi scuso literally translates to 'I excuse myself', making the speaker the one performing the action of granting an excuse.
Examples in context
- Mi scuso per lui.I apologize for him.This sentence is useful for showing how to apologize on behalf of someone else using mi scuso.Tatoeba #5720487 by Guybrush88, translation #3917909 by CH
- Mi scuso per lei.I apologize for her.Tatoeba #5720488 by Guybrush88, translation #3917910 by CH
- Mi scuso di nuovo.I apologize again.This sentence is useful for expressing a repeated apology using mi scuso.Tatoeba #2563311 by Guybrush88, translation #2245610 by CK
- Mi scuso per il mio comportamento inappropriato.I apologize for my inappropriate behavior.
- Chiedo scusa per il ritardo nella consegna del rapporto.I apologize for the delay in delivering the report.
- Mi dispiace se ti ho deluso.I'm sorry if I let you down.
- Scusa per il ritardo, il traffico era terribile!Sorry for being late, the traffic was terrible!
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo is apologizing to Martina for being late to their meeting.
- MatteoMartina, mi scuso per il ritardo.Martina, I apologize for the delay.
- MartinaNon preoccuparti, Matteo.Don't worry, Matteo.
- MatteoÈ stato un mio errore.It was my mistake.
- MartinaVa bene, iniziamo subito.It's okay, let's start immediately.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
