uy, perdón
/ˈui peɾˈdon/word by word
The Spanish phrase for "oops, sorry" is uy, perdón.
uy, perdón is a casual expression used to apologize for a small, accidental mistake, such as bumping into someone or making a minor verbal slip.
What does it mean word for word?
uy is an interjection used to express a sudden realization, a small shock or a minor mistake, while perdón means "sorry" or "pardon".
Which one should you use?
While uy, perdón is used for minor accidents, lo siento is typically used for expressing genuine sympathy or deeper regret.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase uy, perdón is informal. If you need an informal apology meaning "excuse me" or "sorry", you can also use disculpa.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase uy, perdón, the word perdón functions as an interjection rather than a conjugated verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈui peɾˈdon/
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'oops', which is almost always a mistake, uy can be used sarcastically to react to someone else's failure.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a quick perdón is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a small hand gesture to signal the mistake was unintentional.
- In some Latin American contexts, if you use uy with a specific rising intonation, you might actually be expressing wayward curiosity or suspicion rather than a mistake.
Examples in context
- Uy, perdón, no te vi.Oops, sorry, I didn't see you.
- Uy, perdón, se me cayó el lápiz.Oops, sorry, I dropped my pencil.
- Uy, perdón, olvidé traerte el libro.Oops, sorry, I forgot to bring you the book.
Example conversation
Sofía accidentally bumps into Alejandro in a hallway.
- SofíaUy, perdón, Alejandro.Oops, sorry, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo pasa nada, Sofía.It's nothing, Sofia.
- SofíaEs que iba distraída.It's just that I was distracted.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes.Don't worry.
