
¡Lo Siento! Learn the Different Ways to Say “Sorry” in Spanish

Apologizing is a universal gesture of humility and respect, and it’s no different in the Spanish-speaking world. Whether you’re studying the language or simply want to learn common ways to apologize in Spanish, knowing how to say “sorry” in different contexts can help you navigate conversations with grace and understanding. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to say “sorry” in Spanish, from making excuses to offering heartfelt condolences.
Excuses
Apologies often begin with the need to explain our actions. This helps others understand what happened and shows their opinion matters to us. Here are some phrases you can use to describe what you’ve done to excuse yourself in Spanish:
- Perdona/Perdóname, pero… – “Forgive me, but…”
- Example: Perdóname, pero llegué tarde porque hubo tráfico. (Forgive me, but I was late because there was traffic.)
- Lo siento, es que… – “I’m sorry, it’s just that…”
- Example: Lo siento, es que olvidé tu cumpleaños. (I’m sorry, it’s just that I forgot your birthday.)
- Te pido disculpas, pero… – “I apologize, but…”
- Example: Te pido disculpas, pero no pude encontrar el regalo que querías. (I apologize, but I couldn’t find the gift you wanted.)
Apologies
When you want to offer a straightforward apology, it’s best to use words and phrases that clearly show our intentions. These phrases can help you convey your need to apologize in Spanish or offer a sincere apology:
- Lo siento – “I’m sorry”
- Example: Lo siento por mi comportamiento. (I’m sorry for my behavior.)
- Perdón/Perdóname – “Forgive me”
- Example: Perdón por la confusión. (Forgive me for the confusion.)
- Disculpa/Discúlpame – “I apologize”
- Example: Disculpa por la interrupción. (I apologize for the interruption.)
- ¡Mil disculpas! – “A thousand apologies”
- Example: ¡Mil disculpas! Realmente no fue mi intención lastimarte. (A thousand apologies. I really didn’t mean to hurt you.)
Asking for Forgiveness
When you need to specifically ask for forgiveness, consider these Spanish phrases:
- ¿Me perdonas? – “Will you forgive me?”
- Example: ¿Me perdonas por lo que dije? (Will you forgive me for what I said?)
- ¿Puedes perdonarme? – “Can you forgive me?”
- Example: ¿Puedes perdonarme por mi error? (Can you forgive me for my mistake?)
- ¿Aceptas mis disculpas? – “Do you accept my apologies?”
- Example: ¿Aceptas mis disculpas por hacerte esperar? (Do you accept my apologies for making you wait?)
Condolences
Sometimes, apologizing is about expressing sympathy or condolences. In these situations, the following phrases come in handy:
- Mis condolencias – “My condolences”
- Example: Mis condolencias por tu pérdida. (My condolences for your loss.)
- Mi más sentido pésame – “My deepest sympathies”
- Example: Mi más sentido pésame, él era una gran persona. (My deepest sympathies, he was such a good person.)
- Siento mucho tu pérdida – “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
- Example: Siento mucho tu pérdida, ¿cómo puedo ayudarte? (I’m so sorry for your loss, how can I help you?)
- Te acompaño en el sentimiento – “I share your grief”
- Example: Te acompaño en el sentimiento, no estás solo/a. (I share your grief, you’re not alone.)
Responding to an Apology
Knowing how to respond when someone apologizes to you is just as important as learning how to say sorry. Here are some ways to acknowledge an apology:
- No te preocupes – “Don’t worry”
- Example: No te preocupes, todo está bien. (Don’t worry, everything’s fine.)
- No hay problema – “No problem”
- Example: No hay problema, le puede pasar a cualquiera (No problem, it can happen to anyone)
- Está perdonado – “It’s forgiven”
- Example: Está perdonado, todos cometemos errores. (It’s forgiven, we all make mistakes.)
- Gracias por disculparte – “Thank you for apologizing”
- Example: Gracias por disculparte, aprecio tu sinceridad. (Thank you for apologizing, I appreciate your sincerity.)

Learn Spanish with Langoly!
Learning how to apologize in Spanish takes practice. One of the best ways to prepare for this scenario is to use different resources to study Spanish. For example, apps can quickly teach you essential vocabulary. On the other hand, Spanish books show you how to correctly structure sentences and questions. With podcasts, you can also develop your listening comprehension. Or, if you’d like to learn how native Spanish speakers say sorry, I recommend you watch YouTube videos on this topic.
If you’re looking for a resource to develop your conversational skills, an online course is your best option. We created the Siempre Spanish course to teach you Spanish the way it’s spoken by native speakers. Instead of memorizing phrases, you learn to use language in different common scenarios. Study with interactive activities and the help of native speakers, and become conversational quickly!