A2 phrase guide · Spain-focused
How to say sorry in Spanish, from a small interruption to a real apology
Bumping into someone, interrupting a question and taking responsibility for a mistake call for different words. Perdón can be a quick “excuse me”; lo siento expresses regret; disculpa or disculpe can attract attention or apologise, with familiar/formal forms clearly marked.
Start with the situation
A useful phrase does more than translate.
For a small interruption or accidental contact, perdón is often enough. Disculpa addresses one person with tú; disculpe uses usted. Lo siento is a direct expression of regret and can sound more serious, though context still matters. For a fuller apology, add what happened and what you will do next.
Do not use an apology formula to minimise harm. A clear statement—lo siento, me equivoqué—takes responsibility more directly than blaming circumstances. Regional and personal preferences vary, but these distinctions are widely useful in Spain.
Hear the exchange
A short conversation, in context
Irene
Disculpa, llego diez minutos tarde.
Sorry, I’m arriving ten minutes late.
Tomás
No pasa nada. ¿Estás cerca?
It’s okay. Are you nearby?
Irene
Sí. Lo siento; me equivoqué de salida.
Yes. I’m sorry; I took the wrong exit.
Listen for the local detail
Usage notes for Spain
- Perdón and disculpa/disculpe are widely understood in Spain. People may use perdona as a familiar alternative to disculpa.
- Apologies are shaped by tone and relationship. No phrase alone guarantees that an apology will feel sincere; acknowledging the specific action matters.
Look out for
Common mistakes, made clearer
Avoid
Use lo siento for every tiny interruption and every serious harm without distinction.
Use / understand
Use perdón for a small interruption; lo siento for regret and a more substantial apology.
The degree and context of the apology matter.
Avoid
Disculpa when addressing someone formally.
Use / understand
Disculpe for usted; disculpa for tú.
The verb form marks the relationship.
Avoid
Say no era mi intención as the whole apology after causing a problem.
Use / understand
Acknowledge the impact: Lo siento, me equivoqué.
Intent alone does not take responsibility for the outcome.
Five quick checks
Try it before you peek.
- 01
You lightly bump into someone in a queue. Give a brief apology.
Reveal answer and explanation
Perdón.
Perdón works for a minor accidental contact.
- 02
Get a stranger’s attention politely with “Excuse me, may I pass?”
Reveal answer and explanation
Disculpe, ¿puedo pasar?
Disculpe uses the formal singular form.
- 03
Say “I’m sorry I forgot.”
Reveal answer and explanation
Siento haberme olvidado.
Siento + infinitive gives the reason; olvidarse uses a reflexive pronoun.
- 04
Admit “I was wrong” directly.
Reveal answer and explanation
Me equivoqué.
This directly acknowledges a mistake.
- 05
Which is familiar singular: disculpa or disculpe?
Reveal answer and explanation
Disculpa.
Disculpa addresses someone with tú; disculpe is the usted form.
Still wondering
Questions about how to say sorry in spanish, from a small interruption to a real apology
When should I use perdón instead of lo siento?
Perdón often fits a small interruption or accidental contact. Lo siento expresses regret and is more suitable when you want to apologise for a meaningful mistake; context and tone matter.
Is disculpa formal?
Disculpa is familiar singular (tú). Use disculpe for formal usted; both can mean “excuse me” or “sorry” depending on the situation.
Keep the learning connected
Build the language around the phrase.
Vocabulary gives you options; grammar helps you choose the form that fits the person and the moment.