How to Say “Sorry” in Spanish

Ways to say it

Spanish uses different words for "sorry" depending on whether you are expressing deep regret, making a minor mistake or seeking attention. lo siento is used to express genuine regret or empathy for a situation. perdón is more commonly used for minor social transgressions, such as bumping into someone or needing to interrupt a conversation. perdón can also be used as a standalone interjection to ask someone to repeat what they said, similar to "Pardon?" in English.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase lo siento literally translates to "I feel it".

Which one should you use?

While lo siento expresses empathy or genuine regret, perdón is used for minor mistakes or interruptions. disculpe/perdone (usted) is a more formal way to apologize and is typically followed by the preposition por.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

For formal situations, use disculpe/perdone (usted) to say "excuse me" or "pardon me" when addressing a stranger or someone in a position of authority. The term Lamentamos is the formal way to say "we're sorry" and is commonly used by companies or organizations. In informal settings, Perdóname is a way to ask for forgiveness.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Colombia, the informal phrase Perdona is commonly used instead of lo siento to say sorry.

Related words

Grieved, saddened (adj): apenado.

Poor, regrettable (adj): pobre.

How does it change in a sentence?

Because lo siento uses the verb sentir (to feel), you cannot use it to mean "I am sorry" in the sense of being "sorry" (adjective) about a person's character. It expresses the feeling of the situation.

How do you pronounce it?

/lo ˈsjento/