If you are learning Russian, you may wonder whether to say мне жаль or извини. Although both are often translated as “I’m sorry,” they have different meanings.
Мне жаль expresses sympathy or regret when something unfortunate happens to someone else.
Examples:
Мне жаль, что ты заболел.
I’m sorry you got sick.
Мне очень жаль.
I’m very sorry.
Извини (informal) and извините (formal or plural) are used when you are apologizing for something you did or politely getting someone’s attention.
Examples:
Извини, я опоздал.
Sorry I’m late.
Извините, можно спросить?
Excuse me, may I ask a question?
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