How to Say "Forgive Me" in Spanish

The direct everyday way to say “forgive me” is perdóname. Use perdóneme when you need to be formal or polite.

The most common way

Forgive me — a direct, personal apology for something you did.

How to say it: Stress the second syllable, per-DÓ-na-me, and keep the d soft between vowels.

formal
Forgive me — polite and formal, addressed to someone you treat with usted.
When to use it: Use it with strangers, customers, or anyone older or more senior you address formally.
common
Sorry / forgive me — a very common short apology or polite attention-getter.
When to use it: Use it for small everyday apologies or to politely get someone’s attention.
casual
Sorry / forgive me — informal and quick, especially common in Spain.
When to use it: Use it with friends or people you address as tú, usually for minor slip-ups.
casual, minor apology
Excuse me / forgive me — a common apology for a small intrusion or mistake.
When to use it: Use it when you bump into someone, interrupt, or make a minor mistake with someone you address as tú.
sincere

I’m asking for your forgiveness — a sincere, explicit apology.
When to use it: Use it after a real mistake when you want to sound genuinely sorry to a friend, partner, or family member.