# Do other languages have a word for "I am sorry that happened to you" **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 28, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766 "2018-02-28T18:46:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/21 "2018-03-01T17:27:05Z")
> **[Uff da](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uff_da)** > > Uff da! (sometimes also spelled oof-da, oofda, oofala, oof-dah, oofdah, huffda, uff-da, uffda, uff-dah, ufda, ufdah, or uf daa)\[citation needed\] is a Scandinavian exclamation or interjection used to express dismay, typically upon hearing bad news. Of Norwegian origin, the phrase was brought by Scandinavian Americans to the Upper Midwest, New England, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States during the 19th century, where its meaning was broadened to express also surprise, astonishment, ... it is a Midwest thing… Yiddish “oy” is very useful. ---
**Author:** ![BwanaBob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bwanabob/32/2985_2.png) [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/22 "2018-03-01T17:28:50Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > The French have _“C’est dommage”_ as a general expression of sympathy/disapprobation. But it’s not restricted to the context of “I’m sorry that happened to you”. Doesn’t c’est dommage mean “That’s a shame”? In which case we already have a clear English phrase for this situation. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/23 "2018-03-01T17:50:09Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I’ve always thought that this is an odd thing to say in English. “Oh, that’s terrible.” “What a bummer.” “That’s awful.” > > Why “I’m sorry”? Doesn’t make sense to me. It’s short for I’m sorry for your lost or I’m sorry to hear about that. It needs to be taken in context, not literally. Words/phrases can have multiple meanings and usually it depends upon the context in which they are used. ---
**Author:** ![hibernicus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hibernicus/32/2802_2.png) [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/24 "2018-03-01T18:32:16Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > Here are some claims that it’s impossible to say “I’m sorry” in certain languages: > > [Do any languages not have a term of apology, such as sorry?](http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question126250.html) > > [Language Log » No word for 'sorry' in Tagalog](http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=8626) Language Log tends to take a dim view of claims that “Language X has no word for Y”. They’ve featured (and rubbished) many such claims over the years. Often it is literally true that the language doesn’t have a single word corresponding to the concept. But it doesn’t follow that the speakers of that language lack understanding of the concept or have any difficulty expressing it, or that the absence of the word reveals anything in particular about their culture. ---
**Author:** ![hibernicus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hibernicus/32/2802_2.png) [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/25 "2018-03-01T18:35:55Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I’ve always thought that this is an odd thing to say in English. “Oh, that’s terrible.” “What a bummer.” “That’s awful.” > > Why “I’m sorry”? Doesn’t make sense to me. Because “I’m sorry” expresses sympathy while the others are mere commentary. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/26 "2018-03-01T18:46:23Z")
Portuguese: _que pena_ Like several others here, it’s like saying “what a pity” ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/27 "2018-03-01T18:50:31Z")
On the bright side, [the ambiguity can be used in your favor](https://xkcd.com/945/). ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/28 "2018-03-01T20:25:26Z")
I don’t know, but it might well be that “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” originally had distinct meanings with only the latter implying some blame. Languages change all the time. For example, it seems now the standard response to “Thank you” is becoming “No problem” rather than “You’re welcome.” You could ask similar questions about that. “No problem” makes sense if I am thanking you when you agree to do a favor for me. On the other hand, it sounds strange when a store clerk replies “No problem” after a “Thank you” concluding a transaction. It’s their job; there certainly shouldn’t be a problem. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/29 "2018-03-01T21:39:35Z")
The (diaspora) Irish I learned as a child would be “Bad craic”. Is this not used in the US (or does it have another meaning)? I’m taking about an 80-mile diaspora, so there may well be a difference. j ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/30 "2018-03-02T01:45:49Z")
> [@hibernicus](#): > > Because “I’m sorry” expresses sympathy while the others are mere commentary. I disagree. I think they all express sympathy. “I’m sorry,” however, is these days more commonly meant as and understood as an acceptance of blame or responsibility. Yes, of course, words can have different meanings, but I see no reason to use “I’m sorry” in these circumstances when it’s ambiguous what might be meant. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/31 "2018-03-02T02:20:18Z")
I’m sorry is just too empty and meaningless these days. I was taught to engage in the conversation, acknowledge what they are feeling. Bill: I lost my phone. Me: That must be so inconvenient. Have you tried to locate it with find my phone? ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/32 "2018-03-02T05:06:53Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > In Japanese the word you’re looking for is “[zannen](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%AE%8B%E5%BF%B5)”. I prefer “taihen!” “Zannen” does mean “that’s too bad” but it sounds a bit prim and uninvolved emotionally to me. “Ara, taihen!” means, roughly, “Oh man, that’s terrible!” It’s more conversational and feeling. Just my opinion as a non-native speaker. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/33 "2018-03-02T10:12:11Z")
It’s not too early. “Lost my phone.” “Thoughts and prayers.” ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/34 "2018-03-02T16:15:18Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Yeah, that does happen. I think it’s the same general problem, they don’t want you to apologize, they want the person that harmed them to apologize. The concepts of sympathy and apology are too heavily entwined in people’s minds. I think it’s a childish attitude and for some reason a lot of people never develop a mature sense of this. I think you’re right about them wanting an apology from whomever (or whatever) wronged them. But I don’t think the problem is that sympathy and apology are too intertwined in people’s minds, I think they’re too intertwined in the language. Both have roots in “I’m sorrowful”, or “that makes me sad”, it’s just what you are sad about differs. In one case you are saddened that something bad happened and wish it hadn’t or you could do something to fix it. In the other, you are saddened by what you did and wish you could fix it. Thus, the ambiguity of the word. > [@scr4](#): > > How about “I’m sorry to hear that,” “That’s too bad,” “That’s unfortunate,” “That sucks,” etc. “I’m sorry to hear that” = _I don’t want to hear about your problems_ “That’s too bad” can seem dismissive > [@Kimstu](#): > > Nope, AFAIK, the French _“C’est dommage”_ or _“Quel dommage”_ is never used as a form of direct apology. “That’s too bad” or “What a pity” or “Very unfortunate” would be much closer to the sense of the original than “I’m sorry”. Sorry, you said “But it’s not restricted to the context of “I’m sorry that happened to you”.” Thus my misunderstanding. > [@OldGuy](#): > > For example, it seems now the standard response to “Thank you” is becoming “No problem” rather than “You’re welcome.” Might be a regional thing, but the standard response to “Thank you” here seems to be “thank _you_.” ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/35 "2018-03-02T20:55:03Z")
I do think that saying “I’m sorry” expresses a sense of sorrow, of sadness at a thing, without adopting (or shedding) blame, in contrast with apologizing. Or at least that it used to have more of this meaning. People seem increasingly to use “sorry” and expression of apology interchangeably, though – about which I’m sorry. It’s a shame we’ve somewhat lost the ability to express the concept neatly, especially in those times when lawyerly language would provide an intrusive solution. I still use these two different expressions accordingly, but take pains that they might not be misunderstood if it’s important. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/36 "2018-03-02T21:35:03Z")
> [@BwanaBob](#): > > Doesn’t c’est dommage mean “That’s a shame”? In which case we already have a clear English phrase for this situation. > [@minor7flat5](#): > > Portuguese: _que pena_ > Like several others here, it’s like saying “what a pity” And Spanish _que lastima._ ---
**Author:** ![I\_wasn\_t\_truly\_absent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4da419/32.png) [@I\_wasn\_t\_truly\_absent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_wasn_t_truly_absent)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2018, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/37 "2018-03-03T04:28:15Z")
[quote=“OldGuy, post:28, topic:809766”] I don’t know, but it might well be that “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” originally had distinct meanings with only the latter implying some blame. Languages change all the time. sorry has come to mean excuse me (get out of my way please) and excuse me ( hey you) and excuse me (what did you say) I’ve even heard it used as a challenge issued to something unacceptable but a harsh disbelieving tone must be applied ( what the f are you doing you f-er) the natives in my country are polite, savage and quite apologetic ---
**Author:** ![Cub\_Mistress](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea666f/32.png) [@Cub\_Mistress](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cub_Mistress)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2018, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766/38 "2018-03-03T13:31:53Z")
A phrase I have heard here in the South is “I hate it (or that) for you.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766.md?page=1)