Politeness
How to say “sorry / excuse me” in Spanish
Spanish has different words depending on what you want to say. “Lo siento” is a real apology (I'm sorry), “perdón” or “disculpe” gets someone's attention or excuses a small bump, and “con permiso” asks to pass.
In Spanish
Lo siento
I'm sorry
Say it: loh SYEHN-toh
Other ways to say “sorry / excuse me”
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Perdón
Sorry / Excuse me
For small things: bumping into someone, interrupting, not catching what was said.
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Disculpe
Excuse me / Sorry (formal)
To get a waiter's or stranger's attention politely; informal form: disculpa.
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Con permiso
Excuse me (to pass)
When you need to get past someone or enter a room.
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Perdone las molestias
Sorry for the trouble
Formal, for bothering someone.
Example sentences
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Lo siento mucho, llegué tarde.
I'm very sorry, I arrived late.
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Perdón, ¿dónde está el baño?
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
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Disculpe, ¿me trae la carta?
Excuse me, could you bring me the menu?
How to reply
No pasa nada
It's okay / No problem
Good to know
- “Lo siento” says you are truly sorry. Don't use it to get attention: use “perdón” or “disculpe” for that.
- “Lo siento” also expresses sympathy: “lo siento mucho” can be said at a funeral.
Questions about “sorry / excuse me” in Spanish
How do you say “sorry / excuse me” in Spanish?
“sorry / excuse me” in Spanish is “Lo siento” (I'm sorry). It is pronounced loh SYEHN-toh. You can also say “Perdón”, “Disculpe”, “Con permiso”.
How do you pronounce “Lo siento”?
“Lo siento” sounds like loh SYEHN-toh. The capital letters mark the stressed syllable. Tap the speaker on this page to hear it.
What are other ways to say “sorry / excuse me” in Spanish?
“Perdón” (Sorry / Excuse me): for small things: bumping into someone, interrupting, not catching what was said. “Disculpe” (Excuse me / Sorry (formal)): to get a waiter's or stranger's attention politely; informal form: disculpa. “Con permiso” (Excuse me (to pass)): when you need to get past someone or enter a room. “Perdone las molestias” (Sorry for the trouble): formal, for bothering someone.
How do you reply to “Lo siento”?
A natural reply is “No pasa nada” (It's okay / No problem).
Practise it, don't just read it.
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