In this lesson, we will learn how to say another Spanish basic expression: I’m sorry. Here we’ve rounded up with a list of most common ways and expressions that you can use to say “I’m sorry” in different contexts in Spanish. How do you say sorry in Spanish? How to translate I’m sorry to Spanish? Just keep reading to find the answer!
How do you say I’m sorry in Spanish?
1. Saying “I’m sorry” to apologize
If you want to apologize to someone for something that you've done which has upset them or caused them difficulties, you would say:
- Lo siento
- Lo lament
- Perdone
- Perdón
For example:
Lo siento por llegar tarde – Sorry for being late
Oye, me empujaste. - ¡Lo siento! - Hey, you pushed me. - I'm sorry!
2. Saying I’m sorry to express your sympathy or condolences for something serious such as illness or a death
You could say
- Lo siento mucho
- Siento
- Lamento
- Mi más sentido pésame
For examples:
Ayer se murió mi abuelita. - Mi más sentido pésame.
My granny died yesterday - I'm sorry
You can also learn how to say hi in Spanish.
Note: Siento and Lamento must be followed by a phrase that answers the question "for what".
For examples:
Mi abuelo falleció ayer - My grandfather died yesterday.
Siento la pérdida de tu abuelo - I feel sympathy for your loss
Recommended post: How to say have a nice day in Spanish?
3. Saying I’m sorry to ask someone repeat something
I’m sorry = Could you repeat that?
You could say:
- Perdón
- Perdone
- Cómo
- Mande
- Cómo fue
For examples:
Ya son las cinco. - ¿Perdón? - Que ya son las cinco.
It's five o'clock already. - I'm sorry? - It's five o'clock already.
4. Saying I’m sorry to ask that someone excuse you for a moment
I'm sorry = Can I have a moment?
You could say:
- Permítame
For examples:
Permítame, señor. Tengo que atender a otro cliente.
I'm sorry, sir. I need to help another customer.
5. Saying I’m sorry to get someone’s attention
I'm sorry = Can I have your attention?
- Disculpe
- Perdón
For example:
Disculpe, señora. ¿Me podría decir la fecha?
I'm sorry, ma'am. Could you tell me the date?
6. Saying I’m sorry to object or to express your disagreement
- Un momento
For examples:
El café es asqueroso. - ¡Un momento! Es el café es lo mejor que hay.
Coffee is disgusting. - I'm sorry?! Coffee is the best thing in the world.
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