sorry
The word "lo siento" is the most common way to express regret or sorrow in Spanish. Think of it as literally saying "I feel it," which conveys a sense of internal emotional weight rather than just a social formality. It is used when you have caused a minor inconvenience or when you are expressing sympathy for someone else’s unfortunate situation. In terms of usage, "lo siento" is generally sincere and carries a slightly heavier emotional tone than "disculpa" or "perdón." While "perdón" is often used for small interruptions or bumping into someone, "lo siento" is better suited for situations where you want to show that you genuinely regret an action or feel bad for the other person’s pain.
In conversation
Accidentally bumping into a friend
¡Ay, lo siento! No te vi.
Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't see you.
No pasa nada, estoy bien.
It's nothing, I'm okay.
Used here as a quick apology for a minor physical mishap.
Expressing sympathy for bad news
Mi perro se enfermó ayer.
My dog got sick yesterday.
Oh, lo siento mucho. ¿Está mejor?
Oh, I'm so sorry. Is he better?
Here, 'lo siento' functions as an expression of empathy rather than an apology for a mistake.
Examples
Lo siento por llegar tarde.
I'm sorry for arriving late.
Lo siento mucho, no fue mi intención hacerte daño.
I am very sorry, it was not my intention to hurt you.
Sé que las palabras no bastan, pero de verdad, lo siento.
I know words aren't enough, but truly, I am sorry.
