A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "5 ways to say sorry" in Spanish
Learn to say 'I'm sorry' in Spanish with 'Lo siento' and discover other ways to express regret.
Lo siento
loh see-EN-tohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use 'Lo siento' when you've made a mistake or caused inconvenience. It's a general apology for when you feel regret.
Alternatives
- PerdónUse this for minor bumps or interruptions, like 'excuse me'.
- DisculpaSimilar to 'perdón', but can also be used to get someone's attention.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'sentir' with 'to send'
'Sentir' means 'to feel', so 'lo siento' literally means 'I feel it'.
Overusing 'lo siento'
For very small things, 'perdón' or 'disculpa' might be more natural.
A small cultural note
Spanish speakers tend to apologize more readily than English speakers, especially for minor inconveniences.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between lo siento and perdón?
'Lo siento' expresses deeper regret for something you've done. 'Perdón' is for minor offenses or to get attention.
How do I say I'm very sorry in Spanish?
You can intensify 'Lo siento' by saying 'Lo siento mucho' (I'm very sorry).
When should I use 'disculpa' vs 'perdón'?
They are often interchangeable for minor apologies. 'Disculpa' can also be used to politely interrupt someone.
