Spanish · Real conversations
How to respond to “Lo siento.” in Spanish
An apology can be acknowledged without a long discussion. Choose the reply that reflects how you actually feel.
What you might hear
Lo siento.
I'm sorry.
Choose a reply that fits
Está bien.
That's okay.
Use when you are comfortable reassuring the person.
No te preocupes.
Don't worry about it.
Suitable for a minor issue that needs no further action.
Gracias por decírmelo.
Thanks for telling me.
Acknowledge the explanation without declaring everything resolved.
Aprecio que te disculpes.
I appreciate your apology.
Recognize the apology while leaving room for a further conversation.
Two short exchanges
A minor inconvenience
Lo siento.
I'm sorry.
Está bien.
That's okay.
A more careful apology
Disculpe las molestias.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
No te preocupes.
Don't worry about it.
Your turn
Acknowledge that the person has explained what happened.
Reveal a sample reply
Gracias por decírmelo.
Thanks for telling me.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
