"I'm sorry"

[jbsegal]

English needs seperate terms for "It is my fault and I apologize" and "I am unhappy in sympathy with your unhappiness".

Am I just showing a lacuna in my vocabulary?

Comments

[dpolicar]

Not unique to you. You certainly _can_ say "I apologize" and "I sympathize", but mostly people don't.

Oddly, many people seem to use "I'm sorry to hear that" for "I sympathize", which always makes me want to say "Well then I apologize for telling you!"
"I'm sorry that happened" would make more sense, but sounds awkward.

"Oh, honey" in the right tone of voice sometimes works.