Perdón — the everyday sorry
‘Perdón’ (per-DOHN) is the most common quick apology — for bumping into people, interrupting, getting someone’s attention, or small mistakes. It’s also used like ‘excuse me.’
‘Perdóname’ adds ‘me’ — ‘forgive me’ — slightly more personal.
Lo siento — sincere or sympathetic sorry
‘Lo siento’ (loh see-EN-toh) literally means ‘I feel it.’ Use it for genuine regret or when expressing sympathy — bad news, losses, missed plans.
It’s heavier than ‘perdón.’ Don’t use it after bumping into someone — it sounds weirdly dramatic. Save it for moments that actually warrant the weight.
Disculpa / Disculpe — polite sorry
‘Disculpa’ (informal tú) and ‘disculpe’ (formal usted) mean ‘excuse me’ or ‘pardon me.’ Use them to politely interrupt, ask for directions, or apologize formally.
‘Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?’ — ‘Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?’
Stronger and softer versions
When you need to dial the apology up or down:
- Mil disculpas — A thousand apologies (very warm)
- Lo siento mucho — I’m really sorry
- Lo siento muchísimo — I’m so very sorry
- Te pido perdón — I beg your forgiveness (serious)
- Mis condolencias — My condolences (for a death)
- Perdón, ¿eh? — Sorry, eh? (very light, almost playful)
Sorry in Mexico, Spain, and Argentina
All countries use perdón, lo siento, and disculpa — but small regional habits exist:
- Mexico: ‘perdón’ is the everyday default; ‘disculpe’ shows extra politeness with strangers and elders.
- Spain: ‘perdona’ (tú) and ‘perdone’ (usted) are common, plus ‘lo siento’ for sincere apologies.
- Argentina: ‘perdoná’ (voseo) replaces ‘perdona.’ ‘Disculpá’ instead of ‘disculpa.’