Italian · Real conversations
Apologize for inconvenience naturally in Italian
An effective apology identifies the inconvenience. You can acknowledge waiting, explain a changed arrangement, or add a concrete step that addresses the problem.
Three ways to say it
Scusa per averti fatto aspettare.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Acknowledge that the other person has had to wait.
Mi dispiace per il cambio di programma.
I'm sorry about the change of plans.
Recognize the effect of a change of plans.
Scusa per il disagio. Ora ti mando il file giusto.
Sorry for the trouble. I'll send the correct file now.
Acknowledge trouble and immediately explain the corrective action.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'keep you waiting' means cause someone to continue waiting; it does not mean keep or own the person. Learn the target-language construction for making someone wait as a complete phrase.
See the difference in context
Arriving after someone has been waiting
Aspetto da dieci minuti.
I've been waiting for ten minutes.
Scusa per averti fatto aspettare.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Acknowledging a changed meeting arrangement
Quindi oggi non ci vediamo?
So we won't meet today?
Mi dispiace per il cambio di programma.
I'm sorry about the change of plans.
Your turn
You sent the wrong file. Apologize for the trouble and say that you will send the correct file now.
Reveal a sample reply
Scusa per il disagio. Ora ti mando il file giusto.
Sorry for the trouble. I'll send the correct file now.
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
