Knowing how to apologize is essential in any language, just like saying “please” and “thank you.” Whether it’s bumping into someone on the street, upsetting a friend, or expressing remorse for something unfortunate that happened to a loved one, it’s important to know how to say sorry in Spanish for various reasons.
In this article, we will explore ten different ways to say “I’m sorry” in Spanish that can be used in different situations, each with its own nuances. We will also briefly discuss how to respond to an apology in Spanish.
Let’s get started!
Perdón
The first and most common way to say sorry in Spanish is “perdón,” which is used to convey regret or to apologize. This word is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- Perdón, ¿puedo pasar? – Sorry, can I pass by?
- Perdón por el retraso, había mucha gente. – Sorry for the delay, there were a lot of people.
Lo siento
Another common way to apologize in Spanish is by saying “lo siento,” which literally translates to “I feel it.”. It’s a bit like the American slang of “I feel you.” This phrase is used to express regret or sadness. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Lo siento, no te escuché. – I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.
- Lo siento mucho, que te haya pasado eso. – I’m really sorry that happened to you.
Disculpa
“Disculpa” is another way to apologize in Spanish. It is less formal than “perdón” and “lo siento” and is commonly used in informal situations.
- Disculpa si te ofendí. – I apologize if I offended you.
Perdona
“Perdona” is a formal way to say sorry in Spanish. It is used when addressing someone formally or showing respect.
- Perdona, ¿puedes decirme dónde está la estación de tren? – Excuse me, can you tell me where the train station is?
Mis disculpas
To express apologies in a more formal manner, you can use the phrase “mis disculpas,” which means “my apologies.” This phrase is commonly used in professional or business environments, but it can also be used in other formal settings.
- Mis disculpas por la demora. – My apologies for the delay.
- Permíteme ofrecerte mis disculpas. – Allow me to offer you my apologies.
Estoy arrepentido(a)
If you want to convey a deep sense of regret or remorse, you can say “estoy arrepentido” (masculine) or “estoy arrepentida” (feminine) in Spanish. This phrase is often used in formal situations.
- Estoy arrepentido de no haberte escuchado. – I am sorry for not listening to you.
- Estoy arrepentida de que te haya sucedido eso. – I am sorry that happened to you.
Pido perdón
“Pido perdón” is another way to apologize in Spanish. It means “I apologize” and can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal.
- Pido perdón por mi error y haré todo lo posible por solucionarlo. – I apologize for my mistake, and I will do everything I can to fix it.
Lamento
You can use “lamento” to express regret or sorrow in Spanish. It can be used in formal or informal situations.
- Lamento no haber asistido a la fiesta. – I regret not attending the party.
- Lamento haberte hecho esperar. – I regret having made you wait.
Me disculpo
“Me disculpo” is a straightforward way to say “I apologize” in Spanish. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations.
- Me disculpo por mi comportamiento inapropiado. – I apologize for my inappropriate behavior.
- Me disculpo si te causé algún inconveniente. – I apologize if I caused you any inconvenience.
How to respond to an apology in Spanish
When someone apologizes to you in Spanish, it’s important to know how to respond appropriately. Here are a few common responses:
- No hay problema. – No problem.
- Está bien, no te preocupes. – It’s okay, don’t worry.
- Te perdono. – I forgive you.
- Gracias por disculparte. – Thank you for apologizing.
- Aprecio tus disculpas. – I appreciate your apologies.
Remember, offering and accepting apologies is an essential part of communication and maintaining healthy relationships. By knowing these different ways to apologize in Spanish, you can navigate various situations with politeness and empathy.
Practice using these phrases, and you’ll be able to apologize gracefully in Spanish when the need arises.