désolé que
The English phrase "sorry that" is expressed in French as désolé que.
désolé que is an expression used to apologize or show regret regarding a specific situation or fact.
Which one should you use?
You should use désolé que when the phrase is followed by a clause containing a subject and a verb. In contrast, use désolé de when the phrase is followed by an infinitive verb, such as in désolé de vous déranger (sorry to disturb you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase désolé que must be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
Did you know?
- The word désolé literally means 'desolated' or 'devastated'. This gives the phrase a heavier emotional weight than the English 'sorry', implying the speaker is genuinely distressed by the situation.
- While désolé is the standard translation for 'sorry', French speakers often use pardon or excusez-moi for minor social slips. Using désolé in those moments can sound overly dramatic or deeply emotional to a native speaker.
- The word que in this phrase is a linguistic chameleon, tracing its roots back to several different Latin words including 'quid', 'quam', and 'quem'.
Examples in context
- Je suis désolé que tu sois en retard.I am sorry that you are late.
- Je suis désolé que tu sois malade.I am sorry that you are sick.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
