How to Apologize in Italian for Minor Mistakes: Formal and Informal
Learn to say sorry in Italian for small things like bumping into someone or arriving late. Practice formal and informal apologies and how to respond naturally.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Italian, apologizing for minor everyday mistakes is simple, but the choice between formal and informal language matters. You will learn the most common phrases for saying sorry when you bump into someone, arrive late, or make a small error. You will also learn how to respond when someone apologizes to you. This lesson covers only minor offenses; serious apologies require different language and are not covered here.
By the end, you can…
- apologize informally to friends and formally to strangers or people in authority.
- respond appropriately when someone apologizes to me.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Scusa!
Sorry! (informal)
SKOO-zah
Use with friends, family, peers, or people you know well. Common when bumping into someone.
Scusi!
Sorry! (formal)
SKOO-zee
Use with strangers, older people, or anyone you address formally. Also used to get attention politely.
Mi dispiace.
I'm sorry.
mee dee-SPYAH-cheh
A sincere apology for a minor mistake or for being late. Works in both formal and informal contexts.
Scusa per il ritardo.
Sorry I'm late. (informal)
SKOO-zah pehr eel ree-TAR-doh
Use with friends or colleagues you know well when you arrive late.
Non è niente.
It's nothing. / No problem.
nohn eh NYEHN-teh
A common response to an apology, meaning the offense is not important.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The verb scusare (to excuse) gives you two key forms: scusa (informal) and scusi (formal). Use scusa with people you call tu, and scusi with people you call Lei. For a more sincere apology, use mi dispiace (I'm sorry), which does not change with formality. To apologize for being late, say scusa per il ritardo (informal) or scusi per il ritardo (formal). Example: Scusa, sono in ritardo. (Sorry, I'm late.)
When to use it
Use scusa or scusi for quick, minor apologies like bumping into someone or interrupting. Use mi dispiace when you want to sound more sincere, such as when you have kept someone waiting. If someone apologizes to you, reply with non è niente (it's nothing) or si figuri (formal: don't mention it). Avoid using scusa with a professor, a boss, or an elderly stranger; use scusi instead.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, mi dispiace! Non l'ho vista.
Sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't see you.SKOO-zee, mee dee-SPYAH-cheh! nohn loh VEE-stahNon è niente, stia tranquillo.
It's nothing, don't worry.nohn eh NYEHN-teh, STEE-ah trahn-KWEEL-lohScusa per il ritardo!
Sorry I'm late! (informal)SKOO-zah pehr eel ree-TAR-dohFigurati, siamo appena arrivati.
No worries, we just arrived.fee-GOO-rah-tee, SYAH-moh ahp-PEH-nah ar-ree-VAH-teeA little context goes a long way
In Italy, the choice between informal scusa and formal scusi depends on your relationship and the situation. Using the wrong one can sound too casual or overly distant. When in doubt with strangers, use the formal scusi. A smile and a sincere tone often matter as much as the words.
One thing to watch for
Using scusa with a stranger or someone older.
Try this instead: Use scusi in formal situations. For example, say Scusi, mi dispiace instead of Scusa, mi dispiace when addressing an elderly person or an official.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You accidentally bump into an older woman on the bus. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Scusi!
Scusi is the formal apology, appropriate for someone you don't know, especially an older person. Scusa would be too informal here.
2Your friend is waiting for you and you arrive 20 minutes late. How do you apologize informally?
Show a sample answer
Scusa per il ritardo!
This uses the informal scusa and specifies the reason (il ritardo). You could also say Mi dispiace per il ritardo, which is also correct.
3Someone says Scusa! to you for a small mistake. How do you reply informally?
Show a sample answer
Non è niente.
Non è niente means 'it's nothing' and is a common informal response. Figurati is another informal option.
For minor apologies, use scusa with friends and scusi with strangers or in formal situations. Add mi dispiace for sincerity, and reply with non è niente or figurati when someone apologizes to you.
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