If you’ve ever felt unsure about the right way to apologize in Spanish, you’re not alone. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish While “sorry” seems straightforward in English, Spanish offers several different ways to apologize, each with its own nuance. Using the wrong one can make your apology sound too formal, too casual, or even slightly off.
This article will guide you through five essential ways to say “sorry” in Spanish. By the end, you’ll know not only the words themselves but also when, why, and how to use them. Whether you’re a beginner learning basic phrases or someone aiming to sound natural with native speakers, this will give you confidence in any situation.
The Importance of Apologies in Spanish
Apologies are more than just words. They carry cultural weight and help build trust, smooth over conflicts, and maintain good relationships. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish In Spanish-speaking cultures, politeness and respect are often emphasized in daily interactions. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish Saying sorry appropriately isn’t just about grammar—it’s about showing you care. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish
In English, “sorry” works in almost every context. You can use it for sympathy (“I’m sorry to hear that”), for mistakes (“Sorry I’m late”), or even just to get someone’s attention. In Spanish, however, different words and expressions cover these situations. That’s why knowing the right phrase matters.
Losiento– The Classic “I’m Sorry”
When most people learn Spanish, lo siente is the first apology phrase they encounter. Literally, it means “I feel it,” but in practice, it’s used to express regret, sadness, or sympathy.
When to Use Lo siento:
- Expressing genuine regret:
- Lo siento mucho por lo que pasó. (I’m really sorry for what happened.)
- Showing sympathy:
- Lo siento, no sabía que tu abuela estaba enferma. (I’m sorry, I didn’t know your grandmother was sick.)
Variations:
- Lo siento mucho – I’m very sorry
- Lo siento muchísimo – I’m so, so sorry
- Lo lamento – I regret it (a bit more formal, used in deeper or serious contexts)
Example in Real Life:
Imagine you accidentally spill coffee on your friend’s book. Saying lo siente mucho communicates true regret and concern.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t use lo siento just to ask someone to repeat themselves or to excuse yourself in a crowd. That’s where perdón or disculpa works better.
Perdón– The Polite “Excuse Me” or “Forgive Me”
Perdón is one of the most flexible apology words in Spanish. It comes from the verb perdonar (to forgive). Depending on tone and context, it can mean “excuse me,” “sorry,” or “pardon.”
When to Use Perdón:
- Minor mistakes or accidents:
- Perdón, no te vi. (Sorry, I didn’t see you.)
- Polite interruptions:
- Perdón, ¿puedo hacerte una pregunta? (Excuse me, can I ask you a question?)
- In crowds or public spaces:
- ¡Perdón! (Pardon me!)
Variations:
- Perdona – informal (talking to a friend)
- Perdone – formal (talking to a stranger or elder)
- Perdóneme – very polite or emphatic
Example in Real Life:
You’re walking through a busy market and need to squeeze past someone. Saying perdón is the polite way to move forward.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t overuse perdón for serious mistakes. Saying perdón after hurting someone emotionally may feel too casual. In those cases, lo siento or discúlpame works better.
Disculpa/ Discúlpame – The Apologetic “Excuse Me”
If you want to directly ask for forgiveness, disculpa (informal) or discúlpeme (formal) is the phrase to use. It’s stronger than perdón and often implies personal responsibility.
When to Use Disculpa:
- Minor inconveniences with accountability:
- Disculpa por llegar tarde. (Sorry for arriving late.)
- Polite requests:
- Disculpe, ¿sabe la hora? (Excuse me, do you know the time?)
Variations:
- Discúlpame – Forgive me (informal, more heartfelt)
- Discúlpeme – Forgive me (formal)
- Disculpen – To a group
Example in Real Life:
You accidentally bump into someone in a hallway. Instead of just perdón, saying discúlpame shows you recognize the mistake and take ownership. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t mix up disculpa with lo siento. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish While both are apologies, lo siente shows empathy, while disculpa admits fault.
Conpermiso– The Courteous “Excuse Me” Before Acting
Literally, con permiso means “with permission.” It’s less about apologizing after something happens and more about being polite before doing something.
When to Use Con permiso:
- Moving past people in a crowd:
- Con permiso (as you walk by)
- Leaving the table:
- Con permiso, voy al baño. (Excuse me, I’m going to the bathroom.)
Variations:
- None are really needed, though you can add a smile or gentle tone to make it warmer.
Example in Real Life:
At a family gathering, you stand up from the dinner table and say con permiso. It’s respectful, acknowledging others before you leave.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t use con permiso when you’ve already done something wrong. It’s about asking for space or permission, not apologizing for a mistake.
Lolamento– The Formal and Deep “I Regret It”
While less common in everyday conversation, lo lamento is used to express deep sorrow or regret, often in formal or serious situations. It’s closer to “I regret it” or “I’m deeply sorry” in English.
When to Use Lo lamento:
- Expressing condolences:
- Lo lamento mucho por tu pérdida. (I’m very sorry for your loss.)
- Formal apologies:
- Lo lamento, no podremos asistir al evento. (I regret to inform you that we cannot attend the event.)
Variations:
- Lamento mucho que… – I deeply regret that…
- Lamento informarle… – I regret to inform you…
Example in Real Life:
If you’re a manager canceling an important meeting, lo lamento strikes the right balance of seriousness and professionalism. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish
Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid using lo lamento for small mistakes. Saying it when you accidentally step on someone’s foot may sound overly dramatic.
Common Mistakes English Speakers Make
- Using lo siente for everything (even when perdón or con permiso is better).
- Mixing up sympathy with apologies (sometimes “sorry” in English means sympathy, not an actual apology).
- Forgetting formality levels—using disculpa with a boss instead of disculpe.
- Over-apologizing. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish In some Spanish-speaking cultures, constant apologizing can seem insincere.
Tips for Mastering Apologies in Spanish
- Match the tone to the situation. Small mistake? Use perdón. Deep regret? Use lo siento or lo lamento.
- Pay attention to formality. Friends? Use disculpa. Strangers or elders? Use disculpe.
- Listen to natives. Notice how Spanish speakers naturally apologize in daily life.
- Practice role-play. Pretend you’re in real scenarios—late to a meeting, stepping on someone’s foot, or offering condolences. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish
Comparison Table: Spanish Ways to Say Sorry
| Phrase | Best For | Level of Formality |
| Lo siente | Regret, sympathy, and genuine apologies | Neutral |
| Perdón | Minor mistakes, interruptions, crowds | Neutral |
| Disculpa | Accountability, polite requests | Informal/Formal |
| Con permiso | Polite action before moving/interrupting | Neutral |
| Lo lamento | Deep regret, condolences, formal contexts | Formal |
FAQs About Saying Sorry in Spanish
- Q: Is lo siento always the best choice?
Not always. While it works in many cases, it’s not natural for minor situations like asking someone to repeat themselves. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish - Q: What’s the difference between perdón and disculpa?
Perdón is softer and often used for small mistakes, while disculpa takes more responsibility. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish - Q: Can I just say “sorry” in English when speaking Spanish?
Some people may understand, but it won’t sound natural. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish Using Spanish phrases shows respect and cultural awareness. - Q: Do all Spanish-speaking countries use these the same way?
The words are understood everywhere, but some regions favor one more than another. For example, in Mexico, perdón is very common in everyday interactions. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish - Q: What about saying sorry in formal writing?
Phrases like Lamento informarle or Le pido disculpas are standard in formal letters or business communication. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish
Conclusion: Apologizing with Confidence
Apologies in Spanish are more than just translations of “sorry.” Each phrase—lo siente, perdón, disculpa, con permiso, lo lamento—carries its own shade of meaning. Knowing when to use each one helps you sound natural, polite, and culturally aware.
The next time you bump into someone, interrupt a conversation, or need to express deep sympathy, you’ll have the right words at your fingertips. The key is to match the phrase to the situation and the relationship. With a little practice, apologizing in Spanish will feel as natural as saying sorry in English. 5 ways to say sorry” in spanish