French Conversation · Level 136
30 words
French word
navré
Pronunciation
IPA/navʁe/
Meaning
- adjectivesorry
Example
Je suis navré.
I'm sorry.
More examples
Nous sommes navrés de la gêne occasionnée.
We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.
Core concept
A formal expression of regret that suggests more weight than a routine apology.
Common phrases
être navré de
be sorry for ___
très navré
very sorry
profondément navré
deeply sorry
Similar words
désolé: An everyday way to apologize, including in conversations with friends.
embarrassé: A feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness that prompts an apology.
peiné: Feeling sorry for someone over an unfortunate situation.
Definition in French
Exprime des excuses ou un regret sincère, généralement employé dans un registre soutenu.
Word origin
Navré developed from navrer, an Old French verb meaning to wound, so its modern meaning preserves the idea of being deeply affected by harm.
Usage tips
- Navré sounds more formal than désolé in many everyday apologies, while pardon is usually shorter and less emotionally marked.