Direct answer
Français · Natural French with readable pronunciation and examples.
désolé
Romanization
desole
Pronunciation
day-zoh-lay
Daily · French
How to say “sorry” in French
Learn how to say "sorry" in French: désolé (desole), with pronunciation, usage notes, examples, and related phrases.
safe
When to use it
Use it in everyday conversation. These phrases are broadly useful for travel, messaging, study, and normal social moments. Désolé is a common apology in French. Use désolée when the speaker is female in standard written French.
Examples
Désolé.
Sorry.
Je suis vraiment désolé.
I am really sorry.
Common mistakes
Do not translate "sorry" word by word; use the full French phrase as a unit.
Use romanization as a pronunciation hint, not as the normal written form.
Check the tone before using it: this version is marked safe.
FAQ
How do you say "sorry" in French?
Say désolé. The romanization is desole, and the pronunciation is day-zoh-lay.
Is désolé formal or casual?
This version is marked safe. Désolé is a common apology in French. Use désolée when the speaker is female in standard written French.
When should I use "sorry" in French?
Use it in everyday conversation. These phrases are broadly useful for travel, messaging, study, and normal social moments. Désolé is a common apology in French. Use désolée when the speaker is female in standard written French.
Same phrase in other languages
Related French phrase guides
Thank You in French
merci · merci
Hello in French
bonjour · bonjour
I Love You in French
je t'aime · je t'aime
Where Is The Bathroom in French
où sont les toilettes ? · ou sont les toilettes?
How Much Is This in French
c'est combien ? · c'est combien?
Can You Help Me in French
pouvez-vous m'aider ? · pouvez-vous m'aider?