Inklingo

How to Say "sorry" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sorry” is “perdón” — use this for a quick, general apology when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone or not hearing them.

perdónA1

Use this for a quick, general apology when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone or not hearing them.

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disculpa🔊A1

Use this informal command form when you've made a small mistake or need to politely interrupt someone, similar to saying 'excuse me'.

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disculpe🔊A1

Use this more formal interjection when you need to get someone's attention or apologize for a minor inconvenience, like asking for the time.

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perdona🔊A1

Use this short, informal interjection to apologize for a minor mistake or to get someone's attention in a casual setting.

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cómo🔊A2

Use this informal question to ask someone to repeat themselves when you didn't hear or understand what they said, similar to 'What?' or 'Pardon?'.

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apenado🔊A2

Use this adjective when you feel regret or sympathy towards someone else's situation, like expressing condolences.

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arrepentido🔊B1

Use this adjective when you feel deep regret for something you have done and want to express remorse for your own actions.

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English → Spanish

perdón

InterjectionA1Informal/Neutral
Use this for a quick, general apology when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone or not hearing them.

Examples

¡Perdón! No te había visto.

Sorry! I didn't see you.

disculpa

dis-KOOL-pahdis'kulpa

VerbA1Informal
Use this informal command form when you've made a small mistake or need to politely interrupt someone, similar to saying 'excuse me'.
A character politely tapping another character on the shoulder to interrupt them and ask a question.

Examples

Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la estación de metro?

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

¡Uy, disculpa! No te vi.

Oops, sorry! I didn't see you.

Mi hermana siempre me disculpa cuando llego tarde.

My sister always forgives me when I arrive late.

A Command in Disguise

When you say 'Disculpa' to get someone's attention, you're actually giving a friendly command: '(You) excuse me'. This form, 'disculpa', is for talking to one person you know well (the 'tú' form).

Using 'Disculpa' with Strangers

Mistake: “Disculpa, señor, ¿qué hora es?”

Correction: Disculpe, señor, ¿qué hora es? When talking to an older person, a stranger, or someone in a position of authority, it's more polite to use the 'usted' form, which is 'disculpe'.

disculpe

dis-COOL-pehdis'kulpe

InterjectionA1Formal/Neutral
Use this more formal interjection when you need to get someone's attention or apologize for a minor inconvenience, like asking for the time.
A small blue character has accidentally bumped into a taller yellow character in a public space. The blue character raises one hand in a clear gesture of apology.

Examples

Disculpe, ¿me puede decir la hora?

Excuse me, can you tell me the time?

Disculpe, no entendí. ¿Puede repetirlo?

Pardon me, I didn't understand. Can you repeat that?

¡Ay, disculpe! Fue sin querer.

Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to.

Formal vs. Informal 'Excuse Me'

Use 'disculpe' when talking to someone you don't know, an older person, or in a professional setting (the 'usted' form). For friends, family, or people your age (the 'tú' form), you would say 'disculpa'.

For Big vs. Small Apologies

Mistake: “Using 'disculpe' when you've made a serious mistake.”

Correction: 'Disculpe' is for small things. If you need to make a more serious apology, it's better to use 'lo siento' (I'm sorry) or 'perdón'.

perdona

per-DOH-nahpeɾˈðo.na

InterjectionA1Informal
Use this short, informal interjection to apologize for a minor mistake or to get someone's attention in a casual setting.
A colorful illustration showing a boy politely tapping a girl on the shoulder to get her attention in a simple, brightly lit setting.

Examples

Perdona, ¿sabes dónde está el baño?

Excuse me, do you know where the bathroom is?

¡Uy, perdona! No te vi.

Whoops, sorry! I didn't see you.

A Command Form

This word is the 'tú' command form of 'perdonar' (to forgive). In Spanish, we often use the command form as a quick way to ask for attention.

Informal vs. Formal

Since this is the informal 'tú' form, only use 'perdona' when speaking to friends, family, or people your age. Use 'perdone' (the 'usted' form) when speaking formally.

Using 'Perdona' Formally

Mistake: “Perdona, señor, ¿cuánto cuesta esto?”

Correction: Perdone, señor, ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (Use the formal 'perdone' when addressing strangers or elders respectfully.)

cómo

AdverbA2Informal
Use this informal question to ask someone to repeat themselves when you didn't hear or understand what they said, similar to 'What?' or 'Pardon?'.

Examples

- Pásame la cosa esa. - ¿Cómo?

- Pass me that thingamajig. - What?

apenado

ah-peh-NAH-dohapeˈnaðo

AdjectiveA2Neutral
Use this adjective when you feel regret or sympathy towards someone else's situation, like expressing condolences.
A sad small dog sitting alone in a soft-lit room with its head down.

Examples

Estoy muy apenado por la muerte de tu gato.

I am very sorry about the death of your cat.

Ella se siente apenada por no haber podido ir a tu fiesta.

She feels bad for not being able to go to your party.

Nos quedamos apenados al ver las noticias del desastre.

We were saddened to see the news about the disaster.

Use with 'Estar'

Since being 'apenado' is a temporary feeling or mood, we always use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) rather than 'ser'.

Matching Gender

Remember that this word must match the person feeling the emotion. A man says 'estoy apenado,' while a woman says 'estoy apenada'.

Feeling vs. Being

Mistake: “Soy apenado por las noticias.”

Correction: Estoy apenado por las noticias. Use 'estar' for temporary emotions.

arrepentido

ah-rre-pen-TEE-doharepenˈtiðo

AdjectiveB1Neutral
Use this adjective when you feel deep regret for something you have done and want to express remorse for your own actions.
A sad child sitting on a wooden bench, looking down at a broken toy with a regretful expression.

Examples

Estoy muy arrepentido de lo que te dije ayer.

I am very sorry for what I told you yesterday.

Ella no parece arrepentida por su decisión.

She doesn't seem regretful about her decision.

Si estás arrepentido, deberías pedir perdón.

If you are sorry, you should ask for forgiveness.

Use with 'Estar'

Since being sorry is a feeling or a state of mind, you must use the verb 'estar' (to be) rather than 'ser'.

The 'De' Connection

When you want to say what you are sorry for, always follow this word with 'de' (of/about). For example: 'Arrepentido de mi error'.

Choosing the wrong 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy arrepentido.”

Correction: Estoy arrepentido. Use 'estar' because feelings are considered states, not permanent personality traits.

Apologies vs. Getting Attention

Learners often confuse the simple apology interjections like 'perdón' or 'disculpa' with the act of asking someone to repeat themselves. Remember, 'perdón' and 'disculpa' are for when you've done something wrong or need to interrupt, while 'cómo?' is used when you didn't hear or understand what was said.

Related Translations

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