😅⏰🙏

How to Say ‘Sorry I'm late!’ in Italian

Scusa il ritardo!

SKOO-zah eel ree-TAR-doh

[SKOO-zah eel ree-TAR-doh]

💬 Usage Tip: Scusa is the form for someone you call tu; with a stranger or someone senior, say Scusi il ritardo. Italian says "excuse the lateness" rather than "sorry I'm late": scusa + the thing you're apologizing for.

Phrase Breakdown

Scusa

[SKOO-zah]

sorry

Feeling regret or penitence.

Example

Devo dire scusa per il ritardo.

I must say sorry for the delay.

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

ritardo

[ree-TAR-doh]

delay / lateness

A noun meaning 'delay' or 'being late.' Common in travel and reservation situations.

Example

Per un ritardo? Possiamo tenere il tavolo ancora un po'.

For a delay? We can keep the table a little longer.

Guides for Italian learners

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