What is an authentic way to say "I'm sorry"?

Question

I know that you could say "lo siento" for I'm sorry, but that seems very gringo. Also, perdón could be used if you bumped into someone, right? But I'm confused as to what you would say to someone if you were sorry for something you had done that you now regret. Would this still be lo siento, or would you go more in depth?

Answer 1

...just give her flowers, and say 'lo siento'.

Gringo, or not --- that works everywhere

indeed! jeje, wonderful adivice getting my vote;) - 00494d19, May 17, 2010

Good to know that works. Thanks! - 004851b3, May 17, 2010

Answer 2

I don't think there is a short and easy answer for this. What exactly you can and should say depend on the country where you are, and the context. It's not the same way at all if you are addressing an offended would-be girlfriend, her father, her grandmother, her little brother, or her dog!

And until you are closer to that level of fluidity with the language, you won't be too inadequately server by "lo siento" or "perdón".

Answer 3

I'm sure there are more ways, but....

lo lamento- I regret it

lo siento- I am sorry (literally: I feel it)

te pido perdón [informal] (I ask/request your pardon)

Answer 4

Simply "Perdóname"

Answer 5

lo siento-literaly "i feel sorry"

Hi Lizzy. Don't forget to use "I' for the pronoun. Glad you have joined the forum. :-) - Delores--Lindsey, May 17, 2010

Answer 6

¡Cuanto lo siento! I'm so sorry!

No te puedes hacer una idea de cuánto lo siento. I can't tell you how sorry i am.