ah, perdón
/ˈa peɾˈdon/word by word
The phrase "oh, sorry" in Spanish is translated as ah, perdón.
ah, perdón is used to apologize for small mistakes or minor accidents, such as bumping into someone or accidentally interrupting a conversation. You may also use ay, perdón to express a sudden realization or a small reaction to a minor mishap.
What does it mean word for word?
The word perdón literally means pardon or forgiveness.
Which one should you use?
While ah, perdón is used for minor accidents, lo siento is used to express deeper sympathy or regret for a situation. Additionally, ay, perdón is often used instead of ah, perdón when expressing a sudden reaction to a mishap.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈa peɾˈdon/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of perdón is linked to the concept of 'giving' or 'donating', meaning that every time you say it, you are linguistically asking someone to 'give' you their mercy.
- If you say perdón with a rising intonation at the end, it can transform from an apology into a question asking 'Pardon?', as if you did not hear someone.
- If you say perdón in a crowded space in Spain, it can function as a quick 'excuse me' to move through a crowd, rather than a sincere apology.
Examples in context
- ¡Perdón! ¡No fue mi intención!Sorry! It was not my intention!
- ¡Lo siento mucho! ¿Puedo ayudarte en algo?I'm really sorry! Can I help you with anything?
- Disculpe, tuve un imprevisto en el caminoExcuse me, I had an unexpected issue on my way here
- Ah, perdón, no te vi.Oh, sorry, I didn't see you.
- Ah, perdón, se me cayó el lápiz.Oh, sorry, I dropped my pencil.
- Ah, perdón, ¿era esta tu silla?Oh, sorry, was this your chair?
Example conversation
Mateo accidentally bumps into Elena in a hallway.
- Elena¡Ay! ¿Estás bien, Mateo?Ouch! Are you okay, Mateo?
- MateoSí, ah, perdón, Elena, no quería empujarte.Yes, oh, sorry, Elena, I didn't mean to push you.
- ElenaNo pasa nada, no te preocupes.It's fine, don't worry about it.
- MateoGracias, iré con más cuidado.Thanks, I will be more careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ah, perdón) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ah, perdón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
