Scusa, scusi, scusami… Getting these Italian words right is a bit of a challenge, because you really need to know the context. They change depending on whether you speak formally or informally, and they can mean “sorry” or “excuse me.” Also, they don’t express “I’m sorry” in every situation. So, how can you understand the difference?
Rosetta Stone can help you clarify which word is right for “I’m sorry” in Italian in any situation. Learn to use scusa, scusi, mi dispiace and other less obvious ways to say “sorry” in Italian like a native speaker (pride aside).
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Scusa/scusi
Scusa and scusi are the second and third persons of the verb scusare, and the direct translations of “sorry” in Italian. However, they work differently from the English “sorry” and can often mislead language students.
Scusare is a regular -ARE verb in Italian that translates to several different English verbs. When it is transitive, it means “to excuse,” “to pardon,” or “to forgive” someone or something; when it’s intransitive, it means “to apologize.” That’s why, in Italian, you use the imperative tense of scusare to say both “excuse me” and “sorry.” You only need to replace this verb’s endings or pronominal form to switch between informal and formal tone.
For example, suppose you want to say “sorry” in Italian. In that case, you can use scusa/scusami with friends, family, or kids, and scusi/mi scusi with strangers, older people, or in professional settings.
- Scusa! Ho rovesciato l’acqua. = Sorry! I spilled the water. (informal)
- Ti ho pestato il piede? Scusami! = Did I step on your foot? I’m sorry! (informal)
- Scusi, non pensavo di offenderla. = Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. (formal)
- Mi scusi per l’attesa. Ero al telefono. = Sorry for keeping you waiting. I was on the phone. (formal)
However, if you want to ask a question or get someone’s attention, like a bartender when ordering your steaming Italian coffee, you can use the same phrases to mean “excuse me.”
- Scusa, che cosa hai detto? = Excuse me, what did you say? (informal)
- Scusami, è libero quel posto? = Excuse me, is that seat free? (informal)
- Scusi, che ore sono? = Excuse me, what time is it? (formal)
- Mi scusi, sa dov’è la stazione? = Excuse me, do you where is the train station? (formal)
Chiedo scusa
In a professional setting or when you want to sound extra polite, use the verb chiedere (to ask) with scusa (excuse/forgiveness). The present tense chiedo scusa translates to “I apologize,” “excuse me,” or “I’m sorry,” in formal and informal situations.
- Chiedo scusa per il disguido. = I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
- Chiedo scusa, questo locale fa l’aperitivo? = Excuse me, does this place serve aperitivo?
You can also add Italian pronouns to make it clear who you are addressing. Either way, you will sound very polite.
- Ti chiedo scusa. = I’m sorry. (informal)
- Le chiedo scusa. = I’m sorry. (formal)
The verb porgere (to offer) is a stylish alternative to chiedere in these sentences if you want to sound more refined. It’s a bit trickier because you must handle the irregular verb porgere, the correct pronouns (ti/le = to you), and Italian adjectives (like mie = my). But it’s a fun challenge!
- Ti/le porgo le mie scuse. = I offer you my apologies. (informal/formal)
- Vorrei porgerti/porgerle le mie scuse.* = I would like to offer you my apologies. (informal/formal)
Remember: Chiedere (to ask) is always followed by scusa (singular), while porgere (to offer) is followed by scuse (plural).
Mi dispiace
To say “I’m sorry” in Italian like you would in English, you say mi dispiace. This Italian expression and its variation mi spiace are less well-known than the previous ones. They are typically used by native speakers since scusa and mi scusi are easy to pronounce and commonly known.
Mi dispiace covers many situations when you cannot use scusa/scusi, like to express regret, sympathy, or condolences. Mi spiace means the same, but it is more conversational. It doesn’t suit circumstances where you need to show sympathy, but it works perfectly in lighter situations. These two expressions are also a great way to politely say “no” in Italian when refusing an invitation or expressing condolences.
- Mi dispiace. Non so che cosa significa. = I’m sorry. I do not know what that means.
- Mi dispiace. Non possiamo. Siamo occupati venerdì. = I’m sorry. We can’t. We are busy on Friday.
- Mi dispiace per la tua/sua perdita. = I’m sorry for your loss. (informal/formal)
- Mi spiace. Siamo chiusi il lunedì. = I’m sorry. We close on Mondays.
- Mi spiace che tu non stia bene. = I’m sorry that you’re not feeling well.
Both mi dispiace and mi spiace fit informal and formal conversations. Since they don’t change depending on the context, you can define the tone with other Italian parts of speech, like verb endings or pronouns.
- Mi dispiace, Enrico. Non posso incontrarti per pranzo. = I’m sorry, Henry. I am not able to meet you for lunch. (informal)
- Mi dispiace, la Sua valigia è troppo grande. Non può portarla sull’aereo. Deve registrarla. = I’m sorry, your suitcase is too big to take with you on the plane. You have to check it. (formal)
The corresponding adjective spiacente (sorry) is also quite common. For example, when you call a wrong phone number in Italy, you’ll often hear this automatic reply:
- Siamo spiacenti, il numero da lei chiamato non è attivo. = Sorry, the number you called isn’t active.
Perdonami/ti chiedo perdono
A bit more dramatic, perdonami (forgive me) which is the imperative of the verb perdonare (to forgive) paired with the pronoun mi (me). Italians use it in all kinds of personal situations to express a heartfelt apology.
- Perdonami, non lo farò più. = Forgive me, I won’t do it again.
It sounds more intense if you pair it with the verbs pregare (to beg) and chiedere (to ask), so save it for when you really want to show remorse.
- Ti prego, perdonami. = I beg you, forgive me.
- Ti chiedo perdono./Ti chiedo di perdonarmi. = I ask for your forgiveness.
Italian grammar tip: Don’t get tricked by the similarity between perdonami and “pardon me.” In Italian, this verb never means “excuse me.”
Sono mortificato/a
When situations get serious or you do something you’re ashamed of, you can express your regret by saying sono mortificato (I am mortified/I’m so sorry).
This expression works in familiar or professional settings and doesn’t change based on the level of formality. But it does, depending on your gender:
- Sono mortificato. (male speaker) = I’m sorry/I’m mortified.
- Sono mortificata. (female speaker) = I’m sorry/I’m mortified.
Chiedo venia
Venia is a Latin word meaning “grace” or “pardon,” so, chiedere venia literally means “to ask for forgiveness.” This expression is used as a set phrase to say “I’m sorry,” “my apologies,” “excuse me,” or simply “sorry” in Italian.
It’s formal and a bit old-fashioned, but Italians still use it. Think of it more as a social courtesy than an apology, as it works best when the “fault” is minor—for example, if you interrupt someone, step into a conversation, or arrive a little late to a meeting.
- Chiedo venia per il ritardo, il traffico era terribile. = Sorry for being late, the traffic was terrible.
- Chiedo venia. L’ho interrotta. = My apologies. I interrupted you.
- Chiedo venia, sapete a che ora passa il treno? = Excuse me, do you know what time the train comes? (plural you)
How to say ‘sorry’ in Italian without explicitly asking for forgiveness
Apologies can get you out of many tricky situations, but saying “I’m sorry” isn’t the only way to take responsibility. If you want to acknowledge your mistake or show that you intend to make things right without actually saying “sorry,” plenty of Italian phrases let you imply it naturally.
| Italian | English |
| Ammetto di aver sbagliato | I admit I was wrong. |
| Come posso rimediare? | How can I make it right? |
| È colpa mia. | It’s my fault. |
| Errore mio. | My mistake. |
| Ho agito male. | I acted poorly. |
| Ho fatto un errore imperdonabile. | I made an unforgivable mistake. |
| Ho sbagliato. | I made a mistake. |
| Mea culpa. | my fault/my bad |
| Non era mia intenzione. | It wasn’t my intention. |
| Non l’ho fatto apposta. | I didn’t do it on purpose. |
| Non si ripeterà più. | It won’t happen again. |
| Non volevo offenderti/offenderla. | I didn’t mean to offend you (informal/formal) |
| Potrai/potrà perdonarmi? | Can you forgive me? (informal/formal) |
| Riconosco che ho esagerato. | I acknowledge that I overreacted. |
Cultural tips for apologizing in Italian
Using the right phrase to say “sorry” in Italian is only part of the picture. To sound more natural, Italian adverbs like molto (very), tanto (a lot), davvero (really), and veramente (truly) are your allies. You’ll also hear intensified forms like tantissimo and moltissimo (very, very much) when the speaker wants to show stronger emotion or empathy.
- Scusa tanto per il ritardo. = I am so sorry for being late.
- Scusa, davvero. = Really, sorry about that.
- Mi dispiace tantissimo per questo contrattempo. = I’m very, very sorry about this inconvenience.
- Sono realmente dispiaciuta. = I’m really sorry.
- Ti chiedo veramente scusa. = I truly apologize.
Adjectives and Italian slang can also add nuance to your apologies, especially in casual conversations.
- Ti porgo le mie sincere scuse. = I offer you my sincere apologies. (formal, polished)
- Mi spiace un sacco. = I’m really, really sorry. (very informal, slangy)
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