Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say "I'm Sorry" in Spanish
Lo Siento · phrase · loh SYEN-toh
"I'm sorry" translates to "lo siento" in Spanish, which literally means "I feel it." For lighter apologies, "perdón" or "disculpa" work well, while "lo lamento" expresses deeper, more formal regret.
loh SYEN-toh
Lo siento mucho, no quise hacerte daño.
I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
I'm Sorry in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for i'm sorry, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| lo siento | i'm sorry | loh SYEN-toh | Default, widely understood |
| perdón | i'm sorry | Universal (seeking forgiveness) | |
| disculpa | i'm sorry | Universal (informal excuse me / sorry) | |
| perdóname | i'm sorry | Universal (forgive me, direct) | |
| lo lamento | i'm sorry | Universal (formal, deep regret) |
How Native Speakers Use Lo Siento
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Heartfelt apology
Lo siento de verdad; sé que te fallé.
I'm truly sorry; I know I let you down.
A sincere personal apology acknowledging a mistake.
Expressing sympathy
Lo siento mucho por la pérdida de tu abuela.
I'm very sorry about the loss of your grandmother.
Offering condolences, where "lo siento" conveys empathy rather than personal fault.
Quick informal apology
Perdón, no te vi al cruzar la puerta.
Sorry, I didn't see you when I walked through the door.
A brief, everyday apology for a minor incident.
Formal regret
Lamento informarle que su solicitud ha sido denegada.
I regret to inform you that your application has been denied.
Formal written or spoken communication expressing official regret.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Lo Siento
Using "soy sorry" or mixing languages
Incorrect: Soy sorry por llegar tarde.
Correct: Lo siento por llegar tarde.
Mixing English into a Spanish apology is a common beginner habit. Use the complete Spanish phrase "lo siento" followed by "por" and the reason.
Confusing "lo siento" with "disculpe" for asking permission
Incorrect: Lo siento, ¿me puede decir la hora?
Correct: Disculpe, ¿me puede decir la hora?
"Lo siento" implies regret or emotional sympathy. When you need to politely get someone's attention, "disculpe" (formal) or "disculpa" (informal) is the appropriate choice.
Lock in I'm Sorry Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Lo Siento used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using lo siento in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Lo siento mucho, no quise hacerte daño. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About I'm Sorry in Spanish
- When should I use "lo siento" versus "perdón"?
- "Lo siento" carries emotional weight and is best for genuine apologies or expressing sympathy. "Perdón" is lighter and works for everyday slip-ups like bumping into someone or interrupting a conversation.
- What does "lo siento" literally translate to?
- It literally means "I feel it," from the verb "sentir" (to feel). The pronoun "lo" refers to the situation or pain being acknowledged, so the phrase conveys that you share in the other person's feeling.
- How do I intensify my apology in Spanish?
- Add adverbs like "mucho" (a lot) or "de verdad" (truly): "Lo siento mucho" or "Lo siento de verdad." For the deepest regret, switch to "lo lamento profundamente," which sounds solemn and formal.