neutral

¡Qué pena!

How embarrassing / I'm sorry / Excuse me

keh PEH-nah

What does it mean?

"¡Qué pena!" is one of the most uniquely Colombian expressions. Literally "what a shame", it's used to say "how embarrassing", "I'm sorry to bother you", or "excuse me". Colombians say "qué pena con usted" (sorry to bother you) constantly in daily life.

How to use it

Extremely common in Colombia. Use when you're about to ask a favor, interrupt someone, or feel slightly embarrassed.

Example sentences

Sorry to bother you.

Qué pena con usted.

How embarrassing!

¡Qué pena!

Excuse me, sorry to interrupt.

Qué pena, disculpe la interrupción.

Related phrases

Con mucho gusto

With pleasure / You're welcome

Sumercé

You (formal/respectful, Bogotá)

More everyday phrases

Ahorita

In a moment / Right now / Later

Listo

Ready / OK / Done / Sure

Dale

Let's do it / Go ahead / Come on

Sumercé

You (formal/respectful, Bogotá)

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