désolé pour le dérangement
To say sorry for any inconvenience in French, use désolé pour le dérangement.
The phrase is common in customer service, such as signs in shops or notices about building work.
What does it mean word for word?
It literally means sorry for the disturbance.
Which one should you use?
Veuillez accepter mes excuses pour les désagréments que cela a pu causer is a very formal written apology for any trouble caused.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal written messages, such as a business email or a public notice, Veuillez nous excuser pour le dérangement is more common than the direct désolé.
How does it change in a sentence?
A woman speaking writes désolée pour le dérangement.
Did you know?
- While désolé means 'sorry', its root comes from the word solitude. It literally describes a person who has been made 'solitary' or 'desolate' by grief or regret.
- In French, the word dérangement can refer to a psychiatric disorder or a mental breakdown. In certain contexts, it describes insanity rather than a simple inconvenience.
- In very formal French administration, the phrase nous vous prions de nous excuser is used. This grammatically shifts the action so that the recipient is being asked to grant forgiveness rather than the speaker simply apologizing.
Examples in context
- Je vous présente mes excuses pour le retard de ma réponse. Je comprends que cela soit gênant et je m'efforce de vous donner une réponse le plus rapidement possible.I apologize for the delayed response. I understand that it can be inconvenient, and I am striving to provide you with an answer as soon as possible.
- Désolé pour le dérangement, je reviens tout de suite.Sorry for the inconvenience, I will be right back.
Example conversation
Lucas is visiting Manon's apartment and knocks loudly on the door.
- LucasManon, je suis désolé pour le dérangement.Manon, I am sorry for the inconvenience.
- ManonCe n'est rien, Lucas, entre !It's nothing, Lucas, come in!
- LucasMerci de m'accueillir si tard.Thank you for welcoming me so late.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, je suis ravie de te voir.Don't worry, I am delighted to see you.
