I am sorry
Use for minor mistakes, like bumping into someone, or to get someone's attention. It's like saying 'pardon me' or 'excuse me'.
Similar to 'perdón', this is an informal 'excuse me' used with people you would address as 'tú'. Perfect for interrupting or asking a stranger for a small favor.
The formal version of 'disculpa'. Use this with people you would address as 'usted', like an older person or in a professional setting.
I'm sorry, I can't go to the party.
—My grandmother is sick. —Oh, I'm very sorry.
Sorry! I stepped on your foot by accident.
Excuse me, do you know where the bathroom is?
'Lo siento', 'perdón', and 'disculpa/disculpe' are universally understood. 'Lo siento' often implies sympathy or deeper regret, while 'perdón' is for everyday mistakes.
In Spain, 'perdón' is much more common for everyday apologies like bumping into someone. 'Lo siento' is often reserved for more serious situations or expressing condolences, like upon hearing sad news.
It's very common to hear '¡qué pena!' or 'qué pena contigo' to mean 'I'm so sorry' or 'how embarrassing for me'. It's used frequently for minor social errors and inconveniences.
'Con permiso' is frequently used when you need to physically pass someone, a situation where you might say 'excuse me' in English. It's slightly different from 'perdón', which is more of an apology.
Saying 'Soy siento'. — The correct phrase is 'Lo siento'. The verb is 'sentir' (to feel), and 'lo siento' literally means 'I feel it', referring to the regret or sadness. 'Soy' is from the verb 'ser' (to be) and doesn't fit here.
Using 'Lo siento' for everything. — While 'Lo siento' is correct for 'I'm sorry', it can sound too dramatic for small things. If you bump into someone, a simple 'Perdón' is more natural. Use 'Lo siento' for when you genuinely regret something or feel sympathy.
Confusing 'disculpa' and 'disculpe'. — 'Disculpa' is the informal 'tú' command (Excuse me), while 'Disculpe' is the formal 'usted' command. Using the wrong one can sound overly familiar or too distant depending on the context. When in doubt, 'Disculpe' is the safer option.
Using 'estoy embarazado/a' to say 'I'm embarrassed'. — This is a classic false friend. 'Estoy embarazado/a' means 'I'm pregnant'. To say you are embarrassed (perhaps for a mistake you're apologizing for), you should say 'Estoy avergonzado/a' or 'Qué pena'.
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