Inklingo

How to Say "sorry" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sorry” is “perdón” — use this when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone, or to get someone's attention politely. It's a very common and versatile option..

perdónA1

Use this when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone, or to get someone's attention politely. It's a very common and versatile option.

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disculpa🔊A1

Use the verb form 'disculpa' (informal 'you') when you've made a small mistake or need to interrupt someone politely, like asking for directions.

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disculpe🔊A1

This is the formal 'usted' version of 'disculpa,' used to apologize for a minor inconvenience or to get the attention of someone you don't know well.

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perdona🔊A1

This is a short, informal way to say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' to someone you know well or in a casual situation, often used when asking a quick question.

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cómo🔊A2

Use 'cómo' when you didn't hear or understand something and need the other person to repeat it. It's like saying 'What?' or 'Pardon?' informally.

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English → Spanish

perdón

InterjectionA1informal
Use this when you've made a minor mistake, like bumping into someone, or to get someone's attention politely. It's a very common and versatile option.

Examples

¡Perdón! No te había visto.

Sorry! I didn't see you.

disculpa

/dis-KOOL-pah//dis'kulpa/

VerbA1informal
Use the verb form 'disculpa' (informal 'you') when you've made a small mistake or need to interrupt someone politely, like asking for directions.
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-peh//dis'kulpe/

InterjectionA1formal
This is the formal 'usted' version of 'disculpa,' used to apologize for a minor inconvenience or to get the attention of someone you don't know well.
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-nah/peɾˈðo.na/

InterjectionA1informal
This is a short, informal way to say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' to someone you know well or in a casual situation, often used when asking a quick question.
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 'cómo' when you didn't hear or understand something and need the other person to repeat it. It's like saying 'What?' or 'Pardon?' informally.

Examples

- Pásame la cosa esa. - ¿Cómo?

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

Choosing Between 'Perdón', 'Disculpa', and 'Perdona'

Learners often confuse 'perdón,' 'disculpa,' and 'perdona.' Remember that 'perdón' is a general apology for mistakes, while 'disculpa' (and its formal 'disculpe') is often used to politely get attention or interrupt. 'Perdona' is a more casual, direct request for forgiveness or attention.

Related Translations

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