English–French

“sorry” in French

French

Alsodésolé · pardon

Pronunciation

IPA/navʁe/

Example

Je suis navré.

I'm sorry.

Illustration for navré (sorry)

How to say “sorry” in French

“Sorry” in French is navré.

A formal expression of regret that suggests more weight than a routine apology.

Full entry for navré: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with navré

Nous sommes navrés de la gêne occasionnée.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Tips for using navré

  • Navré sounds more formal than désolé in many everyday apologies, while pardon is usually shorter and less emotionally marked.

Other French words for “sorry”

Je suis désolé.

I am sorry.

Pardon, je suis en retard.

Sorry, I'm late.

“sorry” in other languages