le mie scuse
The Italian phrase for "my apologies" is le mie scuse.
le mie scuse is a formal way to say sorry for a mistake or a problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the my excuses".
Which one should you use?
While le mie scuse is used to express regret for an action already taken, mi scusi is a formal way to say "excuse me" when you want to get someone's attention. For informal, everyday apologies or to say "excuse me", you can use the single word scusa.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'sorry' can be used for empathy (e.g. 'I am sorry for your loss'), le mie scuse is strictly for admitting a fault and cannot be used to express sympathy.
- While le mie scuse is a formal apology, using the word scusa in a questioning tone can be a way to express disbelief or skepticism, similar to saying 'Excuse me?' or 'What did you just say?' in English.
- The root of the word scuse comes from the Latin verb 'excusare', meaning to free from blame.
Examples in context
- Non accettò le mie scuse.He did not accept my apologies.This sentence shows the use of le mie scuse in a negative context.Tatoeba #3760035 by Guybrush88, translation #297990 by CK
- Tom non accettò le mie scuse.Tom didn't accept my apologies.This sentence shows the use of le mie scuse with a specific subject.Tatoeba #5665905 by Guybrush88, translation #4715812 by CK
- Per favore, accetta le mie scuse.Please accept my apologies.This sentence shows how to ask someone to accept le mie scuse.Tatoeba #6122476 by Guybrush88, translation #1879698 by Asma
- Mi scuso per il ritardo.I apologize for the delay.
- Mi scuso se ho commesso un errore.I apologize if I made a mistake.
- Porgo le mie scuse per l'inconveniente.I extend my apologies for the inconvenience.
- Le porgo le mie scuse più sincere.I extend my most sincere apologies to you.
- Chiedo scusa per la mia reazione.I apologize for my reaction.
- Chiedo scusa per i miei commenti fuori luogo.I apologize for my inappropriate comments.
- Mi dispiace se ti ho ferito.I'm sorry if I hurt you.
- Mi dispiace per la confusione causata.I'm sorry for the confusion caused.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara arrives late to a business meeting with Lorenzo.
- ChiaraBuongiorno Lorenzo, le mie scuse per il ritardo.Good morning Lorenzo, my apologies for the delay.
- LorenzoNon preoccuparti, Chiara, siamo appena iniziati.Don't worry, Chiara, we just started.
- ChiaraGrazie, spero di non aver creato problemi.Thank you, I hope I didn't cause any problems.
- LorenzoTutto bene, prendi pure posto.Everything is fine, please take a seat.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
