dispiace molto
The English phrase 'very sorry' is expressed in Italian as dispiace molto.
dispiace molto is an expression used to show a strong feeling of regret or sadness about a situation. If you are following the phrase with a noun, such as a mistake or a delay, you use the preposition per (e.g., mi dispiace molto per l'errore). If you are following the expression with an infinitive verb, such as 'to hear', you use the preposition di (e.g., mi dispiace molto di avere mentito).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'it displeases much'. It is built from the verb dispiacere, which means to cause regret or displeasure and the adverb molto, meaning much or very.
Which one should you use?
Use mi dispiace molto to express regret or sympathy for a situation. You should not use scusa molto, as that would incorrectly imply you are asking for forgiveness for a personal offense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is constructed using the third-person singular form of the verb dispiacere.
Did you know?
- The word molto comes from the Latin multus, which originally traced back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'crumbled' or 'crumpled'.
- While mi dispiace molto expresses regret, Italians often accompany a sincere apology with a hand gesture where the palm is placed over the heart to emphasize their emotional distress.
- Using dispiacere allows a speaker to express sympathy for a tragedy they did not cause, avoiding the potential admission of guilt that the English word 'sorry' can sometimes imply.
Examples in context
- A me dispiace molto.I'm very sorry.This sentence shows how to express that you are very sorry using dispiace molto.Tatoeba #2520150 by Guybrush88, translation #275979 by CK
- Mi dispiace molto per l'errore.I'm very sorry about the mistake.This sentence demonstrates how to express regret about a noun using dispiace molto.Tatoeba #2510566 by Guybrush88, translation #20859 by CK
- Mi dispiace molto di avere mentito.I'm very sorry I lied.This sentence illustrates how to use dispiace molto followed by an infinitive verb.Tatoeba #6449136 by Guybrush88, translation #6440346 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina tells Matteo that she cannot attend his birthday party.
- MartinaNon posso venire alla tua festa, mi dispiace molto.I cannot come to your party, I am very sorry.
- MatteoPeccato! Speravo di vederti, Martina.That's a shame! I hoped to see you, Martina.
- MartinaMi dispiace molto, ma devo lavorare.I am very sorry, but I have to work.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, Matteo capisce.Don't worry, Matteo understands.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries molto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
