Spanish speakers use several different expressions to apologize or excuse themselves in everyday situations. While these expressions may all translate to “sorry” or “excuse me” in English, each one is used in a slightly different context. In this module, you will learn when to use lo siento, perdón, disculpa, and con permiso in real conversations.
Lo siento is used to express genuine regret or sympathy. It is often used when apologizing for something serious or when showing empathy.
Example Sentences
Lo siento mucho por tu pérdida. – I am very sorry for your loss.
Lo siento, olvidé enviarte el mensaje. – I am sorry, I forgot to send you the message.
Lo siento si causé un problema. – I am sorry if I caused a problem.
Lo siento por llegar tarde a la reunión. – I am sorry for arriving late to the meeting.
Lo siento, no entendí la pregunta. – I am sorry, I did not understand the question.
Perdón is commonly used for small mistakes or when asking someone to repeat something. It is often used similarly to “sorry” or “pardon”.
Example Sentences
Perdón, ¿puedes repetir la información? – Sorry, can you repeat the information?
Perdón por la interrupción. – Sorry for the interruption.
Perdón, pensé que la reunión era mañana. – Sorry, I thought the meeting was tomorrow.
Perdón, no escuché tu pregunta. – Sorry, I did not hear your question.
Perdón por el error en el informe. – Sorry for the mistake in the report.
Disculpa (informal) and disculpe (formal) are used to politely get someone’s attention or apologize in a respectful way.
Example Sentences
Disculpa, ¿dónde está la estación de autobuses? – Excuse me, where is the bus station?
Disculpa, ¿puedes ayudarme un momento? – Excuse me, can you help me for a moment?
Disculpe, ¿este asiento está ocupado? – Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Disculpe, necesito hacer una pregunta. – Excuse me, I need to ask a question.
Disculpa por llegar tarde. – Excuse me for arriving late.
Con permiso is used when asking permission to pass, leave, or move through a space. It is similar to saying “excuse me” when physically moving past someone.
Example Sentences
Con permiso, necesito pasar. – Excuse me, I need to pass.
Con permiso, voy a salir un momento. – Excuse me, I am going to step out for a moment.
Con permiso, ¿puedo entrar? – Excuse me, may I come in?
Con permiso, voy a tomar esta silla. – Excuse me, I am going to take this chair.
Con permiso, necesito hablar con el gerente. – Excuse me, I need to speak with the manager.
Each apology has a specific context depending on the situation.
Example Sentences
Lo siento por el inconveniente. – I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Perdón, ¿qué dijiste? – Sorry, what did you say?
Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño? – Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Con permiso, voy a pasar. – Excuse me, I am going to pass.
Disculpa, no vi tu mensaje. – Sorry, I did not see your message.
In this module, you learned the four most common expressions used for apologies and polite interruptions in Spanish. Lo siento expresses genuine regret, perdón is used for minor apologies, disculpa or disculpe is used to politely get someone’s attention, and con permiso is used when asking permission to pass or move through a space. Understanding these expressions will help you communicate more politely and naturally in Spanish conversations.