Significado
Expressing regret or sadness.
Contexto cultural
Russians value 'искренность' (sincerity). If you say 'Мне очень жаль,' make sure your facial expression matches. A 'fake' smile while saying this can be seen as mocking. In Russian business, admitting a mistake with 'Мне очень жаль' is often respected more than making excuses. It shows character and accountability. On Russian social media (VK, Telegram), people often comment just 'Жаль...' or 'Очень жаль' on posts about celebrities passing away or tragic news events. In big cities like Moscow, 'Мне очень жаль' is becoming more common in service sectors (cafes, boutiques) as a way to sound more 'European' and polite.
The 'That' Connection
Always use 'что' (that) to explain why you are sorry. 'Мне очень жаль, что...' is the most useful sentence starter you'll learn.
Don't say 'Я жаль'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Remember: Emotions in Russian happen TO you, so use 'Мне'.
Significado
Expressing regret or sadness.
The 'That' Connection
Always use 'что' (that) to explain why you are sorry. 'Мне очень жаль, что...' is the most useful sentence starter you'll learn.
Don't say 'Я жаль'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Remember: Emotions in Russian happen TO you, so use 'Мне'.
Soft L is Key
The 'l' in 'жаль' is soft. If you pronounce it with a hard 'l' (like 'ball'), it sounds like a different word or a very thick foreign accent.
Sincerity over Politeness
In Russia, it's better to say nothing than to say 'Мне очень жаль' if you don't mean it. Only use it when you actually feel some level of regret.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form of the pronoun to complete the phrase.
___ очень жаль, что ты не пришёл.
The phrase 'Мне жаль' always uses the Dative case.
Match the situation to the most appropriate phrase.
Your friend's dog died.
This is the standard phrase for expressing sympathy and condolences.
Fill in the missing word to express deep sincerity.
Мне ___ жаль, что так получилось.
'Очень' (very) is the standard intensifier for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
— Я потерял свой кошелёк. — Oh no! ___
When someone shares bad news, you respond with empathy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Мне жаль vs. Извините
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios___ очень жаль, что ты не пришёл.
The phrase 'Мне жаль' always uses the Dative case.
Your friend's dog died.
This is the standard phrase for expressing sympathy and condolences.
Мне ___ жаль, что так получилось.
'Очень' (very) is the standard intensifier for this phrase.
— Я потерял свой кошелёк. — Oh no! ___
When someone shares bad news, you respond with empathy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, 'Жаль' is a common one-word reaction to minor disappointments, like a movie being sold out.
Absolutely. It's very common in texting to show sympathy or apologize for a late reply.
'Жаль' is more formal and used for people/situations. 'Жалко' is more informal and often used for pitying animals or wasting money.
Use 'Мне так жаль' or 'Мне очень-очень жаль' for extra emphasis.
No, 'жаль' is a predicative and never changes its form, regardless of who is speaking.
Yes, it is the most common and appropriate thing to say to someone who is grieving.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
Add 'было': 'Мне было очень жаль'.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Я рад' (I am glad) is the opposite emotion.
Yes! That's its primary use—to show sympathy for someone else's situation.
Frases relacionadas
К сожалению
similarUnfortunately
Извините
similarExcuse me / I'm sorry
Сожалею
synonymI regret
Какая жалость!
builds onWhat a pity!
Сочувствую
similarI sympathize
