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How to Say "i'm sorry" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i'm sorry” is “siento” — use 'siento' (most commonly as 'lo siento') to express general regret or apology for something you did or for bad news, similar to 'I feel' or 'I regret'..

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siento

/syen-toh//ˈsjento/

VerbA1Informal to Neutral
Use 'siento' (most commonly as 'lo siento') to express general regret or apology for something you did or for bad news, similar to 'I feel' or 'I regret'.
A person with a sincere, apologetic expression, holding one hand over their heart to show they mean it.

Examples

Lo siento mucho por llegar tarde.

I'm very sorry for arriving late.

Lo siento, no puedo ir a la fiesta.

I'm sorry, I can't go to the party.

Siento mucho frío, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana?

I feel very cold, can you close the window?

Hoy me siento muy feliz.

Today I feel very happy.

A Shape-Shifting Verb (e > ie)

The verb 'sentir' changes its shape in some situations. The 'e' in the middle becomes 'ie' for 'yo', 'tú', 'él/ella', and 'ellos/ellas'. Notice how 'nosotros' (we) keeps the original 'e': 'siento' but 'sentimos'.

Feeling Something vs. Feeling a Certain Way

Use 'sentir' for things you feel (like cold, hunger, happiness). Use 'sentirse' (with 'me', 'te', 'se') to describe your own state. For example, 'Siento alegría' (I feel joy) vs. 'Me siento alegre' (I feel joyful).

Forgetting 'Lo'

Mistake: “To say 'I'm sorry,' a common mistake is just saying 'Siento.'”

Correction: Always say 'Lo siento.' The 'Lo' refers to 'it'—the thing you're sorry about. Think of it as 'I'm sorry about it.'

Mixing up 'sentir' and 'sentarse'

Mistake: “'Me siento triste' (I feel sad).”

Correction: This is correct! But it's easy to confuse with the other 'siento' which means 'I sit'. The little word 'me' is the key to telling them apart.

discúlpame

Imperative Verb PhraseA1Informal
Use 'discúlpame' when informally asking for forgiveness or to get someone's attention, meaning 'excuse me' or 'forgive me', directed at someone you know well.

Examples

Discúlpame, ¿me prestas tu bolígrafo?

Excuse me, can you lend me your pen?

discúlpeme

Verbal PhraseA1Formal
Use 'discúlpeme' for a polite, formal apology or to get the attention of someone you don't know, functioning as 'excuse me' or 'pardon me'.

Examples

Discúlpeme, ¿sabe dónde está la estación de tren?

Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?

lamento

/la-MEN-to//laˈmento/

VerbB1Formal
Use 'lamento' to express a deeper sense of regret or sorrow, often in more formal contexts or when conveying serious bad news.
A person in professional attire standing behind a formal desk, holding a document, with a solemn expression, symbolizing the formal statement 'I regret to inform you.'

Examples

Lamento oír sobre tu pérdida.

I am sorry to hear about your loss.

Lamento informarle que su vuelo ha sido cancelado.

I regret to inform you that your flight has been canceled.

Lamento mucho no haberte llamado antes.

I'm very sorry I didn't call you sooner.

Lamento que te sientas así.

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Using 'Lamentar que' + a Special Verb Form

When you say you regret that someone else does something, the verb that follows 'que' changes its ending. This special form is called the subjunctive. For example: 'Lamento que estés triste.' (I'm sorry that you are sad.)

Formal Regret vs. Everyday Apology

Mistake: “Using 'lamento' when you bump into someone on the street.”

Correction: For small, everyday apologies, use 'perdón' or 'lo siento'. Save 'lamento' for more serious regrets or formal situations, like saying 'I regret to inform you...'

Choosing Between 'Siento' and 'Discúlpame/Discúlpeme'

Learners often confuse 'lo siento' with 'discúlpame/discúlpeme'. Remember that 'lo siento' expresses regret or sorrow, while 'discúlpame/discúlpeme' is used to ask for forgiveness or politely get attention.

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