French · Greetings & Essentials
"I'm sorry" in French: je suis désolé(e)
je suis désolé(e)
Sorry in French is often je suis désolé for a man and je suis désolée for a woman. Pardon and excusez-moi handle small bumps and polite interruptions. Keep désolé(e) for a real apology.
Late to meet a friend
Je suis désolé, le métro avait du retard.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce je suis désolé(e)
Say it
day-zoh-LAY
/de.zɔ.le/
Day-zoh-LAY. Désolée sounds similar with a slightly longer final feel. Soft s in the middle. Je suis is zhuh swee.
"I'm sorry" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| je suis désolé(e) | I am sorry Clear apology; agree the ending. | Clear apology; agree the ending. |
| pardon | sorry / excuse me Bumping into someone, small slips. | Bumping into someone, small slips. |
| excusez-moi | excuse me Getting attention or polite sorry with vous. | Getting attention or polite sorry with vous. |
| je m'excuse | I apologize Heard often; some prefer je suis désolé(e) as clearer. | Heard often; some prefer je suis désolé(e) as clearer. |
How to use je suis désolé(e) in real life
- 1Late to meet a friend
Je suis désolé, le métro avait du retard.
I'm sorry; the metro was delayed.
Désolé for a masculine speaker.
- 2Cancelling plans
Je suis désolée, je ne pourrai pas venir.
I'm sorry; I won't be able to come.
Désolée for a feminine speaker.
- 3Spilling a drink
Oh, je suis désolé ! Je nettoie tout de suite.
Oh, I'm sorry! I'll clean it up right away.
Pair the apology with an action.
Mistakes English speakers make with je suis désolé(e)
Incorrect: Je suis désolé (said by a woman who uses feminine forms).
Correct: Je suis désolée.
The adjective agrees: désolé / désolée.
Incorrect: Je suis sorry.
Correct: Je suis désolé / désolée. / Pardon.
Use French apology phrases, not English sorry.
Good to know
Pardon is the sidewalk reflex. For missing a dinner or hurting someone, je suis désolé(e) plus a reason sounds more sincere. Excusez-moi opens requests: Excusez-moi, où est… ?
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Apologizing for a missed call
ChatPal
Tout va bien ? Tu n'as pas répondu.
Everything okay? You didn't answer.
You
Je suis désolé, mon téléphone était en silencieux.
I'm sorry; my phone was on silent.
ChatPal
Ce n'est pas grave.
No worries.
You
Quand même, je suis désolé pour l'inquiétude.
Still, I'm sorry for the worry.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"I'm sorry" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I'm sorry" in French
What is the difference between pardon and je suis désolé ?
Pardon is quick and light. Je suis désolé(e) is a fuller apology.
How do I choose désolé or désolée?
Match your gender presentation in French: masculine désolé, feminine désolée.
How do I say excuse me to pass by?
Pardon or excusez-moi.
Can I say je m'excuse?
People do, but je suis désolé(e) is the clearest "I'm sorry" for learners.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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