How to Say “Sorry” in Italian

Ways to say it

The words used to express regret or sorrow in Italian depend on whether you are apologizing for a mistake, trying to get someone's attention or expressing a feeling of regret about a situation. While scusa and scusi can function as both an apology and a way to say 'excuse me' to get attention, spiacente is specifically used to express regret regarding a specific fact or situation. If you want to say 'I apologize', you can use Mi scuso, while Chiedo scusa means 'I ask for forgiveness' and Le porgo le mie scuse means 'I offer you my apologies'. The noun scuse refers to the act of saying sorry, and the adjective dispiaciuto describes the state of being grieved or saddened.

Which one should you use?

Scusa and scusi are used for both apologizing for a mistake and for getting someone's attention, much like 'excuse me' in English. In contrast, spiacente is a more formal term used to express regret about a specific fact or situation rather than a casual apology for a minor mistake or a bump. While the other forms are direct expressions, the adjective dispiaciuto is used to describe the feeling of being sorry or saddened.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Scusa is the informal form, used when speaking to friends, family or people you know well. You can also use the informal scusami for a singular person or scusatemi when addressing a group informally. For formal situations, such as speaking to strangers, elders or in professional settings, use scusi. The form mi scusi is a more polite and complete way to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry' when addressing someone formally.

Related words

Grieved, saddened (adj): dispiaciuto.

Act of saying sorry (noun): scuse.

How does it change in a sentence?

When expressing a state of feeling sorry or regretful, the adjective dispiaciuto is used and typically requires the verb essere (to be).

How do you pronounce it?

The word is pronounced /ˈsku.za/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.