Inklingo

How to Say "pardon" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pardon” is “perdón” — use this word when asking for forgiveness for a personal offense or when referring to a general act of forgiving.

English → Spanish

perdón

nounA2
Use this word when asking for forgiveness for a personal offense or when referring to a general act of forgiving.

Examples

Te pido perdón si te ofendí.

I ask for your forgiveness if I offended you.

cómo

adverbA2informal
Use this informal word to politely ask someone to repeat themselves when you didn't hear or understand them.

Examples

- Pásame la cosa esa. - ¿Cómo?

- Pass me that thingamajig. - What? / Pardon?

perdonen

pehr-DOH-nenpeɾˈdonen

verbA2formal
Use this formal plural form to get the attention of a group or to politely interrupt, similar to 'excuse me'.
A person standing with open palms and a gentle expression before a group of people who are smiling and reaching out to offer a hug.

Examples

Perdonen, ¿saben dónde está la estación?

Excuse me (everyone), do you know where the station is?

Perdonen la tardanza, había mucho tráfico.

Forgive the lateness (everyone), there was a lot of traffic.

Espero que me perdonen por lo que dije.

I hope they (or you all) forgive me for what I said.

Addressing a Group

Use 'perdonen' when you are speaking to two or more people. If you are only talking to one friend, use 'perdona' instead.

Two Roles for One Word

This form works as both a command ('Everyone, excuse me!') and in sentences about feelings ('I hope they forgive me').

Don't Mix Up 'Perdonan' and 'Perdonen'

Mistake: “Using 'perdonan' to ask for an excuse.”

Correction: Use 'perdonen'. 'Perdonan' (with an 'a') simply describes a fact, like 'They forgive easily.' 'Perdonen' (with an 'e') is the form used for requests and wishes.

amnistía

nounB2formal
Use this term for a broad, official forgiveness granted by a government for past political offenses.

Examples

El gobierno decidió conceder una amnistía a los presos políticos.

The government decided to grant an amnesty to political prisoners.

gracia

GRAH-syahˈɡɾa.θja

nounC1very formal
Use this word in very formal or historical contexts when referring to a formal act of forgiveness or a plea for mercy, often from royalty.
A simple illustration of a child gently helping a tiny kitten reach a bowl of milk, representing an act of kindness or favor.

Examples

Pidió al rey que le concediera la gracia del perdón.

He asked the king to grant him the favor of a pardon.

La gracia de Dios lo mantuvo fuerte durante la prueba.

The grace of God kept him strong during the trial.

Formal Context

This meaning is generally reserved for formal, legal, or theological discussions. Use other words like 'favor' or 'ayuda' for everyday requests.

Asking 'What?' vs. Asking for Forgiveness

The most common mistake is confusing 'cómo' (What? / Pardon?) with 'perdón' (forgiveness). Remember, 'cómo' is for when you don't hear something, while 'perdón' is for when you need to apologize or ask for forgiveness.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.