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
More everyday phrases
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