A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Im sorry" in Italian
The standard Italian way to say 'I'm sorry' for apologies, regrets, or sympathy.
Mi dispiace
mee dees-PYAH-chehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've made a mistake, like bumping into someone or being late. It's also perfect for expressing sympathy when someone shares bad news.
Alternatives
- ScusaBetter for very minor oopsies or when using the informal 'tu' form.
- ScusiUse this when addressing someone formally with 'Lei'.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Sono dispiaciuto'
While grammatically correct, 'Mi dispiace' is the much more common and natural phrasing for everyday apologies.
Pronounce the 'sc'
The 'sc' in 'dispiace' sounds like 'sh' in 'shoe', not like 'sk'.
A small cultural note
Italians tend to apologize readily for minor inconveniences, so don't be shy about using 'Mi dispiace' even for small things.
Frequently asked
When do I use mi dispiace vs scusa?
'Mi dispiace' is more general for apologies and sympathy. 'Scusa' is for minor personal mistakes or when you're already using the informal 'tu'.
How to say I'm sorry for bad news?
You can say 'Mi dispiace' to express sympathy, for example, 'Mi dispiace sentire questo' (I'm sorry to hear that).
Is mi dispiace formal or informal?
'Mi dispiace' is considered neutral and works in most situations, whether you're talking to friends or strangers.
