How to Say Sorry in Italian: Casual and Formal
Italian gives you a few clean ways to say sorry, and the choice mostly comes down to how well you know the person and whether you feel real regret. Here are the words, how to pronounce them, and exactly when to use each.
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What's in this guide
The quick answer
To a friend, say Scusa (SKOO-za). To someone you address formally, say Scusi (SKOO-zee). Both mean sorry or excuse me and cover the everyday small stuff: bumping someone, interrupting, a minor mistake.
When you genuinely feel bad, the phrase is Mi dispiace (mee dees-PYAH-cheh), literally it displeases me. That is the one for apologies with weight, and also for sympathy, the way English uses I'm sorry to hear that.
Casual ways to say sorry
With friends and family, Scusa is your default. It uses the informal tu form and sounds warm and normal. You can stretch it for emphasis: Scusami (SKOO-za-mee, forgive me / excuse me) attaches me and feels slightly more personal.
For a quick, light apology you will also hear Scusa tanto (sorry so much) or simply Ops, scusa after a small slip. Among young people an English sorry shows up in texting too, but Scusa is far more natural in speech.
Formal and polite apologies
When you use the polite Lei form with strangers, shopkeepers, or older people, switch to Scusi (SKOO-zee) or Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee). This is the version to use in shops, restaurants, and offices.
A more formal, complete apology is Chiedo scusa (KYEH-do SKOO-za), meaning I ask your pardon. In writing or in a serious moment you might say Le chiedo scusa using the polite form. All of these read as courteous and correct.
Using Mi dispiace correctly
Mi dispiace is about feeling, not just politeness. Use it when you regret something you did, or when you feel for someone. You can intensify it: Mi dispiace molto (I'm very sorry) or Mi dispiace tanto (I'm so sorry).
A useful distinction: if you step on someone's foot, that is Scusa or Scusi, a quick excuse-me. If you forgot their birthday or broke something of theirs, that is Mi dispiace, because you are expressing real regret. Italians often combine them: Scusa, mi dispiace davvero (sorry, I'm really sorry).
Italian sorry phrases at a glance
- Scusa (SKOO-za) — sorry / excuse me, informal (to a friend)
- Scusi (SKOO-zee) — sorry / excuse me, formal (to a stranger)
- Scusami (SKOO-za-mee) — excuse me / forgive me, informal and personal
- Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee) — excuse me, formal
- Mi dispiace (mee dees-PYAH-cheh) — I'm sorry (genuine regret)
- Mi dispiace molto (mee dees-PYAH-cheh MOL-to) — I'm very sorry
- Chiedo scusa (KYEH-do SKOO-za) — I apologize, formal
- Perdonami (per-DOH-na-mee) — forgive me, stronger and emotional
Match the weight of the moment: quick slip takes Scusa or Scusi, real regret takes Mi dispiace.
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Common mistakes English speakers make
The biggest trap is mixing up Scusa and Scusi. Saying Scusa to a shopkeeper is not rude exactly, but it sounds overly familiar. If in doubt with a stranger, use Scusi.
Second, do not use Mi dispiace to squeeze past someone in a crowd. It means you regret something, so it sounds odd as an excuse-me. Use Scusa or Permesso (may I pass) instead.
Third, the sc in Scusa is a soft sk sound before u, so say SKOO-za. And the c in dispiace is a soft ch: dees-PYAH-cheh, not dis-PYAH-kay.
How to respond to an apology
When someone apologizes to you, easy replies include Non c'è problema (no problem), Non fa niente (it's nothing), and Figurati (don't mention it, informal) or Si figuri (formal). A warm Tranquillo or Tranquilla (relax, it's fine) is common too.
These little responses keep a conversation moving and make you sound natural. They are worth learning alongside the apologies themselves, because you will use them just as often.
Make it automatic
Apologies happen fast, so you want Scusa, Scusi, and Mi dispiace ready without thinking. The trick is to say them out loud with the right vowels and soft consonants until they feel smooth, because Italian rewards clear, open sounds.
Try a few quick scenes aloud: nudging someone on a bus, asking a waiter a question, telling a friend you are late. Say the fitting phrase for each. Rehearsing these short exchanges with a speaking partner, even an AI one, builds the reflex so the right word comes out the moment you need it.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to say sorry in Italian?
Scusa to a friend and Scusi to someone formal. Both mean sorry or excuse me and cover most everyday situations.
What is the difference between Scusa and Mi dispiace?
Scusa is a quick excuse-me for small slips. Mi dispiace expresses real regret and is what you say when you have actually done something wrong or feel for someone.
Is Scusa formal or informal?
Scusa is informal, used with friends and family. For strangers, shopkeepers, and older people, use the formal Scusi or Mi scusi.
How do I say I'm very sorry in Italian?
Say Mi dispiace molto or Mi dispiace tanto. For a formal apology you can also say Chiedo scusa.