Italian for Deeper Regret: Saying Sorry and Making Amends
Learn intermediate Italian to express sincere regret and make amends, using phrases like 'Mi dispiace di non avertelo detto' and 'Voglio rimediare'.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Apologizing for a small mistake is one thing, but expressing deep regret for something that hurt someone and then making amends requires different language. In Italian, you move beyond 'scusa' and 'mi dispiace' to structures that show reflection and a desire to repair the relationship. This lesson teaches you how to say 'I regret not telling you' and how to offer concrete amends, using the passato prossimo, the infinitive, and expressions like 'rimediare' and 'fare ammenda'. You'll also learn to distinguish between a quick apology and a heartfelt one, and to avoid common errors like using the wrong auxiliary or a too-casual tone.
By the end, you can…
- express deep regret for a past action using 'mi dispiace di' + infinitive and 'mi rammarico'.
- make amends by offering to repair a relationship with phrases like 'voglio rimediare' and 'come posso farmi perdonare?'
- distinguish between a simple apology and a sincere expression of regret in Italian.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Mi dispiace di non avertelo detto.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
mee dee-SPYAH-cheh dee nohn ah-vehr-TEH-loh DEHT-toh
Use when you regret not sharing information earlier; 'avertelo' combines 'avere' + 'te' + 'lo'. The subject is implied.
Mi rammarico di non esserti stato vicino.
I regret not having been there for you.
mee rahm-MAH-ree-koh dee nohn ehs-SEHR-tee STAH-toh vee-CHEE-noh
More formal and literary than 'mi dispiace'; often used in writing or serious conversation. 'Esserti stato' agrees with the speaker's gender.
Voglio rimediare.
I want to make amends.
VOH-lyoh ree-meh-DYAH-reh
Direct and sincere. 'Rimediare' implies fixing the damage, not just saying sorry. Can be followed by 'a' + noun: 'Voglio rimediare al mio errore.'
Come posso farmi perdonare?
How can I make it up to you?
KOH-meh POHS-soh FAHR-mee pehr-doh-NAH-reh
Asks the other person what they need. 'Farsi perdonare' means to earn forgiveness. Use with someone you've genuinely hurt.
Ti chiedo scusa per averti deluso.
I apologize for disappointing you.
tee KYEH-doh SKOO-zah pehr ah-vehr-TEE deh-LOO-zoh
'Chiedo scusa' is more formal than 'scusa'. 'Per averti deluso' uses the infinitive to specify the reason. Agree 'deluso' with the person's gender.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To express regret about a past action, use 'mi dispiace di' or 'mi rammarico di' + past infinitive. The past infinitive is formed with 'avere' or 'essere' + past participle: 'di non avertelo detto' (not having told you), 'di essere stato scortese' (having been rude). For reflexive verbs, the pronoun attaches to the infinitive: 'di essermi arrabbiato' (having gotten angry). Example: 'Mi dispiace di non aver mantenuto la promessa.' (I'm sorry I didn't keep the promise.)
When to use it
Use these deeper expressions when your action had real consequences and you want to show awareness. 'Scusa' is fine for bumping into someone, but for breaking a trust, say 'Mi dispiace di averti ferito' (I'm sorry I hurt you) or 'Mi rammarico per come sono andate le cose' (I regret how things went). Then offer amends: 'Voglio rimediare' or 'Cosa posso fare per farmi perdonare?' In formal contexts, 'Le chiedo scusa' is appropriate. Avoid 'mi dispiace per' + noun for personal regret; it sounds like sympathy for an event, not responsibility.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Marco, mi dispiace di non avertelo detto prima.
Marco, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier.MAR-koh, mee dee-SPYAH-cheh dee nohn ah-vehr-TEH-loh DEHT-toh PREE-mahLo so, ma mi hai fatto sentire escluso.
I know, but you made me feel left out.loh soh, mah mee eye FAHT-toh sehn-TEE-reh ehs-KLOO-zohHai ragione. Voglio rimediare. Come posso farmi perdonare?
You're right. I want to make amends. How can I make it up to you?eye rah-JOH-neh. VOH-lyoh ree-meh-DYAH-reh. KOH-meh POHS-soh FAHR-mee pehr-doh-NAH-rehBasta che la prossima volta mi coinvolgi. E magari offrimi un caffè.
Just involve me next time. And maybe buy me a coffee.BAH-stah keh lah PROHS-see-mah VOL-tah mee koyn-VOHL-jee. eh mah-GAH-ree ohf-FREE-mee oon kahf-FEHA little context goes a long way
In Italian, sincerity is often shown through tone and concrete offers rather than elaborate words. A simple 'mi dispiace' with a specific reason and a proposal to fix things is often valued more than long apologies. Gestures and a warmer tone may accompany amends in some southern regions, while a direct 'come posso rimediare?' is common in the north. Avoid over-apologizing, which can seem insincere.
One thing to watch for
Using 'mi dispiace per non avertelo detto' instead of 'mi dispiace di non avertelo detto'.
Try this instead: After 'mi dispiace', use 'di' before an infinitive to express personal regret: 'Mi dispiace di non avertelo detto.' Use 'per' with a noun: 'Mi dispiace per il ritardo' (I'm sorry for the delay).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I regret not having been honest with you' using 'mi rammarico'?
Show a sample answer
Mi rammarico di non essere stato onesto con te.
'Mi rammarico di' + past infinitive 'essere stato onesto' expresses deep regret. If the speaker is female, use 'stata onesta'. 'Mi dispiace di non essere stato onesto' is also correct but less formal.
2What phrase asks 'How can I make it up to you?' and why is it useful?
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Come posso farmi perdonare?
It directly asks the other person what they need, showing willingness to make amends. 'Cosa posso fare per farmi perdonare?' is a valid alternative.
3Correct this sentence: 'Mi dispiace per averti deluso.'
Show a sample answer
Mi dispiace di averti deluso.
With a personal infinitive, 'di' is standard. 'Per' would be used with a noun, e.g., 'Mi dispiace per la delusione.'
For deeper regret, use 'mi dispiace di' or 'mi rammarico di' + past infinitive, then offer amends with 'voglio rimediare' or 'come posso farmi perdonare?'. Keep it sincere and concrete.
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