Imagine the power of an apology transcending borders and languages. Learning how to say “sorry” in another language is more than just picking up a phrase — it’s an invitation to connect, to bridge cultural gaps, and to show respect. Whether you’ve accidentally bumped into someone in Paris or spilled coffee on a colleague in Tokyo, knowing how to apologize in their native tongue can make all the difference.
How to Say Sorry in Spanish: Lo Siento
Spanish offers a rich variety of ways to express an apology. “Lo siento,” which translates to “I feel it,” is the classic choice for heartfelt regret.
- Lo siento por el error. (I’m sorry for the mistake.) 🙇
- Perdón, no quise hacerlo. (Sorry, I didn’t mean to do it.) 🙏
- Disculpa por interrumpir. (Sorry for interrupting.) 🗣️
- Lo siento mucho. (I’m very sorry.) 💔
- Mil disculpas. (A thousand apologies.) 🫶
- Perdóname, por favor. (Forgive me, please.) 🛐
- Lo siento si te molesté. (I’m sorry if I upset you.) 😔
- No fue mi intención, lo siento. (It wasn’t my intention, I’m sorry.) 😓
- Perdón por el retraso. (Sorry for the delay.) ⏰
- Lo siento de corazón. (I’m sorry from the heart.) ❤️
Spanish apologies are often paired with warm expressions or gestures to add sincerity. Embrace these nuances for authentic communication.
How to Say Sorry in French: Je Suis Désolé(e)
French is a language of elegance, and its apologies are no different. “Je suis désolé(e)” is a direct yet polite way to express regret.
- Je suis désolé(e) pour mon erreur. (I’m sorry for my mistake.) 😔
- Pardon, je ne voulais pas te blesser. (Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.) 💐
- Excusez-moi pour l’interruption. (Excuse me for the interruption.) 🛎️
- Désolé pour le désagrément. (Sorry for the inconvenience.) 📋
- Pardonnez-moi, s’il vous plaît. (Forgive me, please.) 🙏
- Mes excuses les plus sincères. (My sincerest apologies.) 🖊️
- Je suis profondément désolé(e). (I’m deeply sorry.) 😢
- Pardon pour le retard. (Sorry for the delay.) ⏳
- Désolé, c’était involontaire. (Sorry, it was unintentional.) 🤷
- Mille excuses pour cette situation. (A thousand apologies for this situation.) 😟
A French apology carries weight when spoken with sincerity and respect. Remember, adding “s’il vous plaît” for formality can go a long way.
How to Say Sorry in German: Es Tut Mir Leid
German is a language of precision, and their apology phrase, “Es tut mir leid,” directly translates to “It causes me sorrow.” It’s heartfelt and genuine, perfect for expressing regret.
- Es tut mir leid für die Unannehmlichkeiten. (I’m sorry for the inconvenience.) 🛠️
- Entschuldigung, das war mein Fehler. (Apologies, that was my mistake.) 😓
- Verzeihung, ich wollte das nicht. (Forgiveness, I didn’t mean that.) 🫣
- Es tut mir wirklich leid. (I’m truly sorry.) 💔
- Entschuldigung, ich habe es nicht gemerkt. (Sorry, I didn’t notice it.) 🤷
- Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig. (I sincerely apologize.) 🤝
- Verzeihen Sie mir bitte. (Please forgive me.) 🛐
- Es war ein Versehen, es tut mir leid. (It was an oversight, I’m sorry.) 🛑
- Entschuldigung, ich bin zu spät. (Sorry, I’m late.) 🕰️
- Ich bedaure es zutiefst. (I deeply regret it.) 😔
When apologizing in German, your sincerity is key. Pair the words with a steady tone and make eye contact to convey genuine regret.
How to Say Sorry in Italian: Mi Dispiace
Italian apologies, much like the language itself, are expressive and filled with emotion. “Mi dispiace” literally means “It displeases me,” showing heartfelt regret.
- Mi dispiace per il ritardo. (I’m sorry for the delay.) 🕰️
- Scusa, non volevo disturbarti. (Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.) 🛎️
- Mi dispiace davvero. (I’m truly sorry.) 🫶
- Ti chiedo scusa per l’errore. (I apologize for the mistake.) 🛠️
- Mi dispiace per l’incomprensione. (I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.) 🤔
- Scusami, è stato un errore. (Forgive me, it was a mistake.) 😓
- Mi dispiace di averti deluso. (I’m sorry for disappointing you.) 💔
- Scusa per l’interruzione. (Sorry for the interruption.) 🛑
- Mi dispiace profondamente. (I deeply regret it.) 😢
- Chiedo perdono per il mio comportamento. (I ask forgiveness for my behavior.) 🙏
In Italian culture, apologies are often accompanied by expressive hand gestures, which add depth to the words. Feel free to channel that passion for a heartfelt apology.
How to Say Sorry in Japanese: ごめんなさい (Gomen Nasai)
In Japan, apologies are a vital aspect of social interactions, reflecting humility and respect. “Gomen nasai” is a formal and polite way to say “sorry.”
- ごめんなさい、遅れました。(Gomen nasai, okuremashita. – Sorry, I’m late.) ⏰
- ごめん、間違えました。(Gomen, machigaemashita. – Sorry, I made a mistake.) 😅
- 本当に申し訳ありません。(Hontou ni moushiwake arimasen. – I’m truly sorry.) 🙇♀️
- ごめん、迷惑をかけました。(Gomen, meiwaku wo kakemashita. – Sorry for causing trouble.) 🫤
- 許してください。(Yurushite kudasai. – Please forgive me.) 🙏
- ごめん、つい忘れてしまいました。(Gomen, tsui wasurete shimaimashita. – Sorry, I completely forgot.) 🤦
- 大変申し訳ございませんでした。(Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen deshita. – I deeply apologize.) 🛐
- すみません、それは私の責任です。(Sumimasen, sore wa watashi no sekinin desu. – Sorry, that’s my responsibility.) 🤝
- ごめんね、傷つけるつもりはなかった。(Gomen ne, kizutsukeru tsumori wa nakatta. – Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.) 😔
- ごめんなさい、本当に反省しています。(Gomen nasai, hontou ni hansei shiteimasu. – Sorry, I’m truly reflecting on this.) 🧘
Japanese apologies often include a bow, with its depth indicating the level of remorse. When in doubt, a slight bow paired with “Gomen nasai” works wonders.






How to Say Sorry in Chinese: 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)
In Mandarin, “对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)” is the go-to phrase for apologizing. It conveys regret and respect, suitable for a variety of situations.
- 对不起,我迟到了。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídào le. – Sorry, I’m late.) 🕰️
- 抱歉,这是我的错。(Bàoqiàn, zhè shì wǒ de cuò. – Sorry, this is my fault.) 😞
- 请原谅我。(Qǐng yuánliàng wǒ. – Please forgive me.) 🙏
- 对不起,我不应该这样做。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù yīnggāi zhèyàng zuò. – Sorry, I shouldn’t have done this.) 😓
- 抱歉给您带来麻烦了。(Bàoqiàn gěi nín dàilái máfan le. – Sorry for causing you trouble.) 😔
- 对不起,我没有意识到。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ méiyǒu yìshí dào. – Sorry, I didn’t realize.) 🤷♂️
- 非常抱歉,给您添麻烦了。(Fēicháng bàoqiàn, gěi nín tiān máfan le. – I’m deeply sorry for bothering you.) 🙇♀️
- 对不起,我真的后悔了。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ zhēn de hòuhuǐ le. – Sorry, I truly regret it.) 😢
- 请接受我的道歉。(Qǐng jiēshòu wǒ de dàoqiàn. – Please accept my apology.) 🫶
- 对不起,我会改正的。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ huì gǎizhèng de. – Sorry, I’ll correct it.) 🤝
In Chinese culture, the level of formality in your apology matters. Using “Duìbùqǐ” with a slight nod or bow shows genuine remorse.
How to Say Sorry in Hindi: माफ़ कीजिए (Maaf Keejiye)
In Hindi, “माफ़ कीजिए (Maaf Keejiye)” is the polite way to apologize. It conveys respect and regret, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations. Whether it’s a minor mistake or a heartfelt apology, this phrase is versatile.
- माफ़ कीजिए, मैं देर हो गया। (Maaf Keejiye, main der ho gaya. – Sorry, I’m late.) 🕰️
- मुझसे गलती हो गई। (Mujhse galti ho gayi. – I made a mistake.) 😞
- कृपया मुझे क्षमा करें। (Kripya mujhe kshama karein. – Please forgive me.) 🙏
- माफ़ कीजिए, मैंने ध्यान नहीं दिया। (Maaf Keejiye, maine dhyaan nahi diya. – Sorry, I didn’t notice.) 🤷
- मुझे क्षमा करें, मैंने ऐसा नहीं सोचा था। (Mujhe shama karein, maine aisa nahi socha tha. – Forgive me, I didn’t think of it this way.) 🤔
- माफ़ करें, मैं अपनी गलती मानता हूँ। (Maaf karein, main apni galti maanta hoon. – Sorry, I admit my mistake.) 🤝
- माफ़ कीजिए, मैंने आपको परेशान किया। (Maaf Keejiye, maine aapko pareshaan kiya. – Sorry, I troubled you.) 😓
- मैं सचमुच क्षमाप्रार्थी हूँ। (Main sachmuch kshamapraarthi hoon. – I’m truly apologetic.) 🙇♂️
- माफ़ कीजिए, यह मेरी ज़िम्मेदारी है। (Maaf Keejiye, yeh meri zimmedari hai. – Sorry, it’s my responsibility.) 🛠️
- मुझे अपने किए पर पछतावा है। (Mujhe apne kiye par pachhtava hai. – I regret what I did.) 😔
In Hindi-speaking cultures, apologies often come with an expression of humility. Pairing “Maaf Keejiye” with a gentle tone and sincere expression adds depth.
How to Say Sorry in Arabic: أنا آسف (Ana Asif)
Arabic apologies, such as “أنا آسف (Ana Asif)” for men and “أنا آسفة (Ana Asifa)” for women, reflect respect and accountability. It’s a phrase that resonates deeply in the rich tapestry of Arabic culture.
- أنا آسف على التأخير. (Ana Asif ala al-ta’khir. – I’m sorry for the delay.) ⏰
- أنا آسف على الإزعاج. (Ana Asif ala al-iz’aja. – Sorry for the inconvenience.) 😞
- سامحني، كان خطأي. (Samihni, kan khata’i. – Forgive me, it was my mistake.) 😓
- أرجوك تقبل اعتذاري. (Arjook taqabal a’tidhari. – Please accept my apology.) 🙏
- أنا آسف، لم أقصد ذلك. (Ana Asif, lam aqsid dhalik. – Sorry, I didn’t mean that.) 🤷♂️
- أنا آسف جدًا لهذا. (Ana Asif jiddan li hatha. – I’m very sorry for this.) 💔
- أرجوك أن تسامحني. (Arjook an tasamihni. – Please forgive me.) 🛐
- أنا نادم على ما فعلت. (Ana nadim ala ma fa’alt. – I regret what I did.) 😔
- أنا آسف إذا أزعجتك. (Ana Asif idha az’ajtuk. – Sorry if I disturbed you.) 🤔
- أتحمل كامل المسؤولية. (Atahammal kamil al-masoolia. – I take full responsibility.) 🤝
In Arabic-speaking cultures, apologies are often accompanied by a soft and empathetic tone, emphasizing the importance of the apology.
How to Say Sorry in Russian: Извините (Izvinite)
In Russian, “Извините (Izvinite)” is a polite way to apologize, often used in formal contexts. It conveys sincerity and is adaptable to a variety of situations.
- Извините за опоздание. (Izvinite za opozdanie. – Sorry for being late.) 🕰️
- Простите, я не хотел. (Prostite, ya ne khotel. – Forgive me, I didn’t mean to.) 🤔
- Извините за мою ошибку. (Izvinite za moyu oshibku. – Sorry for my mistake.) 😞
- Прошу прощения. (Proshu proshcheniya. – I beg your pardon.) 🙇♀️
- Извините, что вас побеспокоил. (Izvinite, chto vas pobespokoil. – Sorry for bothering you.) 🛑
- Простите, это моя вина. (Prostite, eto moya vina. – Forgive me, it’s my fault.) 💔
- Мне жаль, что так получилось. (Mne zhal’, chto tak poluchilos’. – I’m sorry it turned out this way.) 😔
- Извините за неудобства. (Izvinite za neudobstva. – Sorry for the inconvenience.) 🤷♂️
- Пожалуйста, извините меня. (Pozhaluysta, izvinite menya. – Please forgive me.) 🙏
- Я сожалею о случившемся. (Ya sozhaleyu o sluchivshemsya. – I regret what happened.) 😓
In Russian culture, a firm handshake or a sincere nod often complements verbal apologies, reinforcing your regret.
How to Say Sorry in Portuguese: Desculpa
In Portuguese, “Desculpa” is the go-to word for apologies. It’s versatile, covering everything from casual situations to heartfelt moments.
- Desculpa pelo atraso. (Sorry for the delay.) ⏰
- Foi mal, meu erro. (My bad, my mistake.) 😅
- Me desculpe, não foi intencional. (I’m sorry, it wasn’t intentional.) 🤷♂️
- Peço desculpas por isso. (I apologize for this.) 🙏
- Desculpa por qualquer inconveniente. (Sorry for any inconvenience.) 🛠️
- Perdão, eu exagerei. (Forgive me, I went overboard.) 😔
- Desculpa, eu deveria ter avisado. (Sorry, I should have let you know.) 💡
- Lamento muito o que aconteceu. (I deeply regret what happened.) 💔
- Por favor, aceite minhas desculpas. (Please accept my apologies.) 🛐
- Desculpa, não era minha intenção. (Sorry, it wasn’t my intention.) 🤝
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, apologies often carry warmth and an empathetic tone, making “Desculpa” both heartfelt and effective.
Tips for Using Apologies Effectively Across Cultures
Apologies are universal, but how they’re received can differ vastly depending on cultural norms. Mastering the art of apologizing across cultures isn’t just about words—it’s about showing respect, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Understand the Cultural Context
- Some cultures value directness, while others may prefer a more indirect or humble approach. For example, in Japanese culture, an apology often involves a bow to express sincerity, while in Western cultures, maintaining eye contact conveys honesty.
- In collectivist cultures like China or India, apologizing might extend to saving “face” for the group, not just the individual.
Use Non-Verbal Cues
- Body language matters. A sincere tone, a soft voice, and appropriate gestures (like bowing in Japan or placing a hand on the heart in the Middle East) can amplify the impact of your apology.
- Avoid overly dramatic gestures unless they are part of the cultural norm—it could come off as insincere.
Learn the Local Words for Sorry
Knowing how to apologize in the local language is a strong sign of effort and respect. Use proper pronunciation and ensure you understand the meaning of the words you’re using.


Timing Is Everything
- Apologizing too soon might seem rushed, while delaying it could appear dismissive. Assess the situation and apologize at the right moment for maximum impact.
Be Sincere
- Authenticity transcends language barriers. A heartfelt apology, even if slightly grammatically incorrect, will be appreciated more than a perfect but robotic one.
Practical Example Table: Apology Etiquette Across Cultures
Culture | Key Phrase | Etiquette |
---|---|---|
Japan | ごめんなさい (Gomen Nasai) | Bow while apologizing. |
Germany | Es Tut Mir Leid | Maintain eye contact. |
Middle East | أنا آسف (Ana Asif) | Hand on heart, sincere tone. |
India | माफ़ कीजिए (Maaf Keejiye) | Use respectful language. |
Common Mistakes When Apologizing in a Foreign Language
Even with the best intentions, apologizing in a foreign language can go awry. These common pitfalls can detract from your sincerity or create misunderstandings.
Using the Wrong Words
- Some phrases might sound apologetic but have a different meaning. For instance, saying “Lo siento” in Spanish works well for regret, but in formal contexts, “Perdón” or “Disculpe” might be more appropriate.
Mispronunciation
- A minor pronunciation error can change the meaning entirely. For example, in Mandarin, “Duìbuqǐ” (sorry) can sound like gibberish if not pronounced with the right tones.
Over-Apologizing
- In cultures like Germany or the US, repeatedly apologizing for a minor mistake can seem insincere or awkward.
Ignoring Non-Verbal Communication
- Apologies without matching gestures or tone can feel hollow. Avoid rigid or overly casual body language, as it may come across as dismissive.
Failing to Adapt to the Situation
- Using a formal apology in a casual context—or vice versa—might seem out of place. Tailor your language and tone to the environment and relationship.
Practical Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Research the cultural norms and etiquette before attempting an apology.
- Practice pronunciation with a native speaker or language app.
- Observe how locals apologize to gain insight into appropriate gestures and phrases.
- Keep your apology concise and to the point.
- When in doubt, combine verbal and non-verbal elements for a comprehensive apology.
Wrapping Up the Art of Saying Sorry Across Languages
Mastering how to say sorry in different languages is more than just memorizing words—it’s about embracing cultural nuances, showing genuine respect, and connecting sincerely with others. Whether you’re saying Lo siento in Spanish, Es tut mir leid in German, or ごめんなさい in Japanese, the heart behind your apology speaks loudest. By avoiding common mistakes and understanding cultural contexts, your apologies will resonate deeper and foster stronger relationships around the globe. Keep practicing, stay mindful, and watch how a simple “sorry” can bridge worlds.
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