Saying Sorry in Spain
Everyday apologies in Spain, from bumping into someone to spilling juice at a friend's flat.
In Spain 'perdona' or 'perdón' covers small bumps and interruptions, while 'lo siento' is for real regret; the usual reply is 'no pasa nada'. Use 'perdone' with older strangers. The cards follow one evening in Madrid: a rush out of the metro, arriving late to meet a friend, a spilled glass of juice and a neighbour knocking about the music.
- 1
Perdona, no era mi intención.
Sorry, I didn't mean to.
- 2
Perdón, culpa mía.
Excuse me, my bad.
- 3
Siento llegar tarde, el metro se ha quedado parado.
Sorry I'm late, the metro got stuck.
- 4
¿Llevas mucho rato esperando?
Have you been waiting long?
- 5
No te preocupes, no pasa nada.
Don't worry, it's fine.
- 6
Lo siento muchísimo.
I'm really sorry.
- 7
No volverá a pasar.
It won't happen again.
- 8
Se me ha caído el zumo en el sofá.
I've spilled the juice on the sofa.
- 9
Espera, ya lo limpio yo.
Hang on, I'll clean it up.
- 10
Te lo pago, claro.
I'll pay for it, of course.
- 11
Perdona, me he equivocado.
Sorry, I got it wrong.
- 12
No me había dado cuenta.
I hadn't noticed.
- 13
Perdona que te moleste.
Sorry to bother you.
- 14
¿Está la música demasiado alta?
Is the music too loud?
- 15
Ahora mismo la bajamos.
We'll turn it down right now.
- 16
Te debo una disculpa.
I owe you an apology.
- 17
Perdone, ¿me deja pasar?
Excuse me, could you let me through?
- 18
Perdona, no te estaba escuchando.
Sorry, I wasn't listening.
- 19
Bueno, te perdono.
Okay, I forgive you.
- 20
Tranquilo, le puede pasar a cualquiera.
Relax, it could happen to anyone.