desafortunadamente
neutral, Mexico
In Mexico "unfortunately" is desafortunadamente, and lamentablemente and por desgracia mean the same. All three fit polite speech and writing.
Meaning: expressing regret about a fact (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| desafortunadamente | neutral, Mexico |
| lamentablemente | neutral |
| por desgracia | neutral |
They usually start a sentence that delivers bad news, as in Desafortunadamente, ya no hay boletos. They are common in customer service.
Which one should you use?
Lamentablemente feels slightly more formal. In casual talk Mexicans often just say ni modo ("too bad") or qué mala onda.
Did you know?
- The phrase ni modo is one of the most common Mexican ways to accept bad luck, and it means roughly "there is no way around it".
Examples in context
- Desafortunadamente, no puedo ir.Unfortunately, I cannot go.
- Lamentablemente, el vuelo se canceló.Unfortunately, the flight was canceled.
- Por desgracia, llegamos tarde.Unfortunately, we arrived late.
Example conversation
Roberto calls a restaurant and speaks with Mesera about a table in Mexico City.
- RobertoBuenas noches, quiero una mesa para cuatro.Good evening, I want a table for four.
- MeseraDesafortunadamente, estamos llenos hoy.Unfortunately, we are full today.
- Roberto¿Y mañana?And tomorrow?
- MeseraMañana sí tenemos lugar.Tomorrow we do have room.
