Es tut mir leid, aber
I am sorry, but
Language note: Combining apology with an impending negative statement.
Culture note: Maintain politeness even in negative situations.
Context: The host comes back with news that the initially requested time is fully booked.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Es
[ess]
It
Used as a subject to represent a thing or idea.
Es ist kalt draußen.
It is cold outside.
tut
[toot]
does
Third person singular form of 'do'.
Tut es weh?
Does it hurt?
mir
[meer]
me
Refers to oneself as the object of a verb.
Das gefällt mir.
That pleases me.
leid
[lite]
sorry
Express regret or Sympathy.
Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.
I'm sorry that I'm late.
aber
[AH-behr]
but
Used to introduce a contrast or exception.
Ich würde gehen, aber es regnet.
I would go, but it is raining.
Phrase Parts
Es tut mir leid,
Aber
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