Are you trying to say sorry in Spanish? Just not finding the right way to deliver it in Spanish? There are a number of ways to apologize or “Say Sorry” in Spanish.
The most popular ways to apologize in Spanish include lo siento and perdon, both meaning “I am sorry”. These two phrases can be used among friends, family, and aquantences to show how truly apologetic you are.
While reading through this article we will take you through a short journey on the correct way to say sorry in Spanish under any circumstances and learn Spanish for different scenarios.
3 Basic Ways to Say “Sorry” in Spanish
1. Lo Siento
There is emotion involved when saying “Lo siento”, meaning this isn’t just a normal apology but one that really emphasizes the heart-felt pain you feel with that person.
The verb for “siento” or “sentir” is another common Spanish verb, whose present tense ends with “ir”. “sentir” is an irregular verb, meaning “to feel”.
| Pronoun | Sentir |
| Yo | Siento |
| Tu | Sientes |
| El/Ella | Sienten |
| Nosotros | Sentimos |
| Ustedes | Sienten |
I am sorry that we had a fight. – Lo siento que tuviéramos una pelea.
I am sorry to hear about the death of your partner. – Lo siento enterarme de la muerte de su pareja.
2. Perdon
“Perdón” is known to be a more general approach to the way we say sorry in Spanish.
| Pronoun | Perdón |
| Yo | me perdono |
| Tu | te perdonas |
| El/Ella | se perdonan |
| Nosotros | nos perdonamos |
| Ustedes | se perdonan |
Sorry for that sneeze. – Perdón por ese estornudo.
I am sorry for interrupting you. – Perdón por interrumpirte.
3. Disculpa
Very similar to “Perdón” the word “Disculpe” can be used in a more trivial approach.
| Pronoun | Disculpa |
| Yo | disculpo |
| Tu | disculpas |
| El/Ella | se disculpan |
| Nosotros | nos disculpamos |
| Ustedes | se disculpan |
I am so sorry I am late for work. – Disculpame por llegar tarde al trabajo.
I made a mistake by adding too much flour, I am sorry. – Me equivoqué al agregar mucha harina, disculpa.
Specific Scenarios to Say “Sorry” in Spanish
I’m sorry for your loss
Lo siento por tu pérdida – Sorry for your loss
Apologizing to someone for a person they lost is never easy. The heartfelt pain that the person has to endure is something that words mostly can’t describe. Remember to know when to use this. Whilst it may not be easy a simple word can speak 1000 words. Expressing yourself at a funeral is the right place for this. This word can also be used on a loved one when perhaps losing a game they were playing, and lost.
Saying sorry to a loved one
Perdón mi amor – Sorry my love
Arguments happen often and finding the right words to say is key to getting over the hurdle. In a scenario whereby you were in the wrong and the argument needs a simple sorry, “perdón” would be the right place to start. In another scenario you’re partner or parents had asked you to take out the trash, however, you forgot. “Perdón” is a good way of expressing an apology for not doing that specific task or chore for them. Additionally, you can add an “i love you” in Spanish, to soften the situation.
Interrupting someone
Perdón por interrumpirte – Sorry to interrupt you
As I am sure you all know it is rude to interrupt someone from speaking or even doing something, “Perdón” can be used to express the apology in this instance as a sign of respect for doing so. A great example can be shown by someone speaking before you have started your sentence, this can be seen as rude and allows for a good old apology “Perdón”. The person interrupted should immediately acknowledge the mistake and accept it. Perhaps you opened a door to a shopping store and went into the store before an elder lady, again a good “Perdón” will give that person a sign of respect and acknowledgment that you were in the wrong.
Regretting something
Me arrepiento de no haber ido contigo esa noche. – I regret not having gone with you that night.
In life, as the days and years pass we all do something that we regret, “Arrepentirse” expresses that feeling in words. It allows acknowledgment and forgiveness. The word expresses more than regret, it allows words to show the emotion of the feeling. Once again there can be plenty of scenarios whereby “Arrepentirse” can be used. Perhaps you had the choice between two jobs and choose the one you thought would best suit you, not long after accepting that job you realize the alternative one was perhaps the better choice. Leaving your familia, or family, gathering after a verbal fight perhaps broke out and you didn’t say goodbye to anyone. The lasting regret “Arrepentirse” can be expressed in words.
Comforting Someone
You may say sorry to someone not because of what you did, but because of something negative happening in their lives. For these types of situation, you can use “lo siento” to show support to a friend or family member for their situations. These situations could include a divorce, a bad accident, a break up, and more.
Bumping Into Someone
Ay perdon! No quise golpearte – I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to bump into you
There are many ways to say sorry for different situations, and one of them, can be for accidentally hurting someone. If you bump into someone into the street, or spill some coffee on a person, you can say “perdón”.
How to Forgive in Spanish
Here are some examples of conversational Spanish to respond back to an apology.
No hay problema – No problem
No hay problema, si no puedes venir con nosotros – There is no problem, if you can’t come with us.
No importa – It’s fine
No importa, no estoy enojada. – It’s fine, I’m not mad.
No te preocupes – Don’t worry about it
No te preocupes, todo saldra bien!. – Don’t worry about it, it will be fine!
Está bien – It’s cool
Está bien, no hay problema que no me hayas visto. – It’s cool, there’s no problem that you didn’t see me.
No es nada – It’s not a big deal
No es nada, nadie se enojo! – It’s not a big deal, nobody got mad!
The above examples should work wonders in helping you reply to an apology in any instance and give you the confidence you need to approach the apology.
“Lo siento”, “disculpa”, and “perdon” are the most common ways to say sorry in Spanish. However, it depends on who you are talking to and the context the conversation is in.
Lamento (Sorry) that We Have to Say Goodbye
Now you know how to say sorry in Spanish and the differences between the words used, try learning to say sorry in Japanese or other languages! It’s important to understand them and again when to use them. Knowing this will increase the confidence you have to speak Spanish and allow you to confront any awkward situations you find yourself in. Improve your Spanish with online Spanish tutors with AmazingTalker!
