Common Apologies in Spanish: How to Say Sorry, Excuse Me, and Pardon Me


Learning how to apologize politely in Spanish is just as important as saying hello or thank you. Whether you’re traveling in Spain or Latin America, attending a Spanish class, or interacting with colleagues, knowing the right apology phrases helps you show respect, smooth over mistakes, and navigate social situations gracefully.

This guide will teach you the most common ways to say sorry, excuse me, and pardon me in Spanish, along with pronunciation tips and cultural insights.

1. Saying “Sorry” in Spanish

The simplest way to apologize in Spanish is:

  • Lo siento — Pronounced: lo SYEN-toh

    • Literal meaning: “I feel it”

    • Use it when you make a personal mistake or want to express sympathy.

    • Example: Lo siento por llegar tarde — “I’m sorry for arriving late.”

Variations of “Lo siento”

  1. Lo lamento — Pronounced: lo lah-MEN-toh

    • More formal or heartfelt than lo siento.

    • Example: Lo lamento mucho por tu pérdida — “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  2. Perdón — Pronounced: pehr-DOHN

    • Literally “pardon” or “forgiveness.”

    • Can also mean “sorry” for minor mistakes.

    • Example: Perdón, no quería interrumpir — “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

2. Saying “Excuse Me” in Spanish

When you need to get someone’s attention or move past someone, use:

  • Perdón — Pronounced: pehr-DOHN

    • Works like “excuse me” in English.

    • Example: Perdón, ¿puedo pasar? — “Excuse me, may I pass?”

  • Disculpe — Pronounced: dees-KOOL-peh

    • Polite and formal.

    • Often used in restaurants, stores, or formal situations.

    • Example: Disculpe, ¿sabe dónde está la estación? — “Excuse me, do you know where the station is?”

💡 Tip: Use disculpa (informal) with friends or peers:

  • Disculpa, ¿me prestas tu bolígrafo? — “Excuse me, can I borrow your pen?”

3. Saying “Pardon Me” in Spanish

To politely correct yourself after a small mistake, or to react to sneezes:

  • Con permiso — Pronounced: con per-MEE-so

    • Literally “with permission.”

    • Commonly used when walking through a crowd or leaving a room.

    • Example: Con permiso, necesito pasar — “Pardon me, I need to get through.”

  • Perdón / Disculpe

    • Also used in this context, depending on formality.

💡 Cultural Note: In Spanish-speaking countries, it’s polite to combine verbal apologies with gestures, such as a nod or slight hand movement, especially when moving past someone.

4. Formal vs. Informal Apologies

Situation Informal Formal
Minor bump into someone Perdón Disculpe
Arriving late to a friend’s house Lo siento Lo lamento
Asking to pass through a crowd Con permiso Con permiso / Disculpe
Making a bigger mistake or offense Lo siento mucho Lo lamento mucho

💡 Tip: When in doubt, formal phrases like “Disculpe” or “Lo lamento” are safer, especially with elders, teachers, or in professional settings.

5. Quick Reference Table

English Spanish Pronunciation Notes
Sorry Lo siento lo SYEN-toh Most common for personal apologies
I’m very sorry Lo lamento lo lah-MEN-toh Formal or heartfelt
Excuse me Perdón pehr-DOHN Minor interruptions or bumps
Excuse me Disculpe dees-KOOL-peh Formal situations
Pardon me Con permiso con per-MEE-so Passing through, polite gesture

Conclusion

Mastering common apologies in Spanish helps you communicate politely, avoid misunderstandings, and show respect. From casual encounters to formal situations, knowing when and how to say “sorry,” “excuse me,” or “pardon me” is essential.

Start with “lo siento” and “perdón”, then expand your vocabulary with disculpe, con permiso, and lo lamento to handle a variety of social situations confidently.

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