When someone apologizes in Spanish, you can accept it in different ways depending on whether you are speaking informally or formally. In this workshop, you will listen to real recorded lines and practice responding. You will learn to say that something is okay, that there is no problem, that you appreciate the apology, and how to move the conversation forward. You will also practice choosing the right response for a friend or for a stranger. All native examples come from the recordings, so you can hear the exact pronunciation and rhythm. By the end, you will be able to accept an apology naturally and continue the conversation.
Informal ways to accept an apology
When a friend or family member apologizes, you can use informal language. One common phrase is «Está bien, no te preocupes.», which means 'It's okay, don't worry.' The word 'te' shows you are speaking to someone you know well. Another friendly option is «No pasa nada.», which means 'It's no big deal' or 'Nothing happened.' This is very casual and reassuring. You can also say «Te agradezco la disculpa.», which means 'I appreciate your apology.' This is warm and sincere, and it still uses 'te' for informal situations. Notice that all these phrases use tú forms. Use them with people you know well, like friends, classmates, or family. They help the other person feel that the mistake is not a big problem.
Formal ways to accept an apology
When you speak with a stranger, a client, or an older person, you should use formal language. The phrase «No se preocupe, está bien.» means 'Don't worry, it's okay.' Here, 'se' is the formal pronoun for usted. This shows respect and keeps a polite tone. You can use this in shops, offices, or any situation where you do not know the person well. Compare it with the informal «Está bien, no te preocupes.»: the only change is 'te' to 'se', but it makes a big difference in politeness. If you want to say you appreciate the apology in a formal way, you can still use «Te agradezco la disculpa.», but be aware that it is more neutral and can work in both informal and slightly formal contexts. The key is to match the pronoun to the person you are speaking with.
Continuing the conversation after accepting an apology
After you accept an apology, it is natural to move on. In the recorded dialogue, one person says «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.», which means 'Hey, sorry for arriving late.' The other person responds with «Está bien, no te preocupes.», meaning 'It's okay, don't worry.' Then the first person says «Gracias. ¿Empezamos?», which means 'Thanks. Shall we start?' And the second person answers «Sí, sigamos.», which means 'Yes, let's move on.' This shows how you can accept an apology and then suggest starting an activity or continuing with the plan. You do not need to stay on the apology. A simple acceptance and a suggestion to continue is enough. Practice these lines so you can use them smoothly in real conversations.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Está bien, no te preocupes.
It's okay, don't worry.
eh-STAH byehn, noh teh preh-oh-KOO-pehs
No pasa nada.
It's no big deal / Nothing happened.
noh PAH-sah NAH-dah
Te agradezco la disculpa.
I appreciate your apology.
teh ah-grah-DEH-skoh lah dees-KOOL-pah
No se preocupe, está bien.
Don't worry, it's okay.
noh seh preh-oh-KOO-peh, eh-STAH byehn
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.
Hey, sorry for arriving late.Está bien, no te preocupes.
It's okay, don't worry.Gracias. ¿Empezamos?
Thanks. Shall we start?Sí, sigamos.
Yes, let's move on.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: Accept a friend's apology
Imagine a friend arrives late to a study session. Your friend says: «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.». You want to accept the apology informally and then suggest starting.
Your task: First, listen to «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.» and repeat it. Then, respond with an informal phrase from the recordings that means 'It's okay, don't worry.' After that, ask 'Shall we start?' using the recorded line. Finally, listen to the model response «Está bien, no te preocupes.» and the follow-up «Gracias. ¿Empezamos?» and «Sí, sigamos.» to check your answers.
Reply comprehension: Choose the right response
You will hear two apologies. One is from a friend, and one is from a stranger. You need to choose the correct way to accept each apology.
Your task: Listen to «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.» (informal apology). Which response is correct: «Está bien, no te preocupes.» or «No se preocupe, está bien.»? Then imagine a stranger apologizes without adding a model line. Which response is appropriate: «Está bien, no te preocupes.» or «No se preocupe, está bien.»? Say your chosen response out loud. After that, check your answers: for the friend, use «Está bien, no te preocupes.»; for the stranger, use «No se preocupe, está bien.».
Recall and role-play: Accept and continue
Work with a partner or imagine both sides. One person apologizes for being late, and the other accepts and suggests starting. Use only phrases from the recordings.
Your task: Person A says «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.». Person B responds with «Está bien, no te preocupes.». Person A says «Gracias. ¿Empezamos?». Person B says «Sí, sigamos.». Then switch roles: Person B apologizes with «Oye, perdón por llegar tarde.», Person A accepts with «Está bien, no te preocupes.», and so on. Try to do it without looking at the text. If you forget, listen to the recordings again.
Common questions
What is the difference between 'No te preocupes' and 'No se preocupe'?
'No te preocupes' is informal and uses the pronoun 'te' for tú. You use it with friends, family, or people you know well. 'No se preocupe' is formal and uses 'se' for usted. You use it with strangers, clients, or older people to show respect. Both mean 'Don't worry,' but the choice depends on who you are talking to.
Can I use 'Te agradezco la disculpa' in both formal and informal situations?
'Te agradezco la disculpa' uses 'te', so it addresses someone with tú. It means 'I appreciate your apology' and is warm and sincere, with a slightly more formal tone than the shortest casual replies. In a formal situation, use the recorded 'No se preocupe, está bien.' instead.
Sources and further reading
- spanish: accept apologyChecked September 2026
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