spiacere

to displease

verb spyah-CHEH-reh Rare

Also means

to be sorry

Usage Note

Spiacere works like piacere — it is an impersonal verb that takes an indirect object: mi spiace = I am sorry / it displeases me. It takes essere as auxiliary: mi è spiaciuto dirtelo (I was sorry to tell you). Mi spiace is the most natural Italian equivalent of 'I'm sorry' in casual apology; mi dispiace is equally common and interchangeable.

Examples

"Mi spiace non poterti aiutare."

Natural Translation

I'm sorry I can't help you.

Literal Translation

To-me displeases not being-able-to help you.

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