Saying sorry in Spanish looks easy until you realise that perdón, lo siento and disculpa are three different words for three different situations. English "sorry" and "excuse me" blur together, but Spanish speakers feel the difference instantly.

Let's break down each word, show where learners mix them up, and give you ready-made phrases — from a light "oops, sorry" to heartfelt condolences.

Perdón — a quick "sorry / excuse me"

This is the all-purpose short apology for something minor: bumping into someone, interrupting, a small slip. It is light and almost automatic.

  • Bumping into someone: ¡Perdón! — Sorry!
  • Interrupting: Perdón, ¿puedo añadir algo? — Sorry, can I add something?
  • Didn't catch it: ¿Perdón? ¿Puede repetir? — Sorry? Can you repeat that?
  • As a verb: Perdona (informal), perdone (formal) — Forgive me / Excuse me.

Lo siento — a heartfelt "I'm sorry"

This one is about genuine regret or sympathy. Lo siento literally means "I feel it" — you use it to express emotion, not to get attention.

  • Real regret: Lo siento, fue culpa mía. — I'm sorry, it was my fault.
  • Sympathy: Lo siento, sé que es difícil. — I'm sorry, I know it's hard.
  • Condolences: Lo siento mucho. — I'm so sorry (for your loss).
  • A regretful no: Lo siento, hoy no puedo. — Sorry, I can't today.
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Disculpa / disculpe — "excuse me" politely

Use this to get someone's attention, ask a question, or make a polite request. Disculpe is formal (usted), disculpa is informal (tú).

  • Getting attention: Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño? — Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
  • Calling a waiter: Disculpe, la cuenta, por favor. — Excuse me, the bill, please.
  • Informal: Disculpa, ¿tienes hora? — Excuse me, do you have the time?
  • As an apology: Disculpa el retraso. — Sorry for the delay.

Con permiso — "excuse me" to pass through

  • Squeezing past people: Con permiso. — Excuse me (coming through).
  • Leaving the table: Con permiso, ahora vuelvo. — Excuse me, I'll be right back.

Comparison: which one when

  • Bumped into someone: perdón — not lo siento.
  • Calling a waiter: disculpe / perdone — not lo siento.
  • Showing sympathy: lo siento — not disculpa.
  • Passing through a crowd: con permiso or perdón.
  • Asking to repeat: ¿Cómo? or ¿Perdón?

How to apologise properly

  • For being late: Siento llegar tarde. — Sorry for being late.
  • Taking the blame: Fue culpa mía. — It was my fault.
  • Promising: No volverá a pasar. — It won't happen again.
  • Stronger: Lo siento de verdad. — I'm truly sorry.

Common mistakes

  • lo siento to get attention: to flag someone down, say disculpe or perdón, never lo siento — it sounds odd.
  • Too formal with friends: with close friends use perdona and disculpa (tú), not disculpe.
  • Word-for-word translation: "sorry" isn't one word — it's a choice between four options depending on the situation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between perdón and lo siento?

Perdón is a quick "sorry" for a small slip (bumping into someone, interrupting). Lo siento expresses genuine regret or sympathy and is not used simply to get attention.

How do I say "excuse me" to a waiter or a stranger?

Use disculpe (formal) or perdone: Disculpe, ¿dónde está la salida?. Do not use lo siento here.

What do I say to offer condolences?

Say Lo siento mucho — "I'm so sorry for your loss." You can strengthen it with Lo siento de verdad.