A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm sorry" in French
The standard French apology for when you've genuinely messed up or inconvenienced someone.
Je suis désolé(e).
zhuh swee DEH-zo-LAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've genuinely caused a problem, like bumping into someone, being late for an appointment, or making a mistake at work. It's a more serious apology than a simple 'pardon'.
Alternatives
- Pardon.For minor bumps or to get attention.
- Excusez-moi.To politely interrupt or pass by someone.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 's' in 'désolé'
The 's' in 'désolé' is pronounced like a 'z' sound, not a hard 's'.
Forgetting the 'e' for female speakers
If you are female, add an 'e' at the end: 'désolée'.
A small cultural note
While 'désolé' is the standard, French culture can sometimes be perceived as less prone to frequent apologies for minor things compared to some English-speaking cultures. Use it when it's truly warranted.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When to use je suis désolé vs pardon?
'Pardon' is for very minor things like a slight bump or asking someone to repeat themselves. 'Je suis désolé' is for when you've actually caused an inconvenience or made a mistake.
How to say sorry if I'm a woman?
If you are female, you add an extra 'e' at the end of the word: 'Je suis désolée'. The pronunciation remains the same.
Is 'je suis désolé' too strong for being late?
It's generally appropriate for being late, especially if it's for a significant appointment or if you're very late. For being just a few minutes late, 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi' might suffice depending on the context.
