disculpas
/diskulpas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for apologies is disculpas.
Disculpas is a noun used to refer to expressions of regret for a mistake or a fault. While it is a noun, you will often see it used in the phrase pedir disculpas, which means to apologize (literally, "to ask for apologies"). Note that disculpas is a noun, whereas the phrase lo siento is a verb phrase used to say "I am sorry" or "I regret it."
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have specific ways to express apology or forgiveness: in Mexico, Perdóname is used for "Forgive me" or "I'm sorry". In Argentina, Disculpá is common for "I apologize" or "Excuse me". And in Spain, the term Pido perdón means "I apologize" or "I ask for forgiveness."
How does it change in a sentence?
The term disculpas is the plural form used for "apologies." If you wish to refer to a single apology, use the singular form disculpa.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskulpas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying lo siento is considered too heavy for minor accidents because it literally means 'I feel it', implying you are sharing the other person's pain.
- The Argentine variation disculpá follows a unique grammatical system called voseo, which changes where the stress falls on the verb compared to standard Spanish.
- In formal Spanish writing, apologies are often described with the verb presentar, treating disculpas like a formal document or gift being handed to someone.
Examples in context
- No necesito tus disculpas.I don't need your apologies.This sentence shows how to use disculpas in a negative context.Tatoeba #13460789 by Seael, translation #8761720 by Amastan
- Mis más sinceras disculpas.Sincere apologies.This sentence demonstrates how to offer sincere disculpas.Tatoeba #12566372 by frankowro, translation #268954 by ozkozturk
- Por favor, acepta nuestras más sinceras disculpas.Please accept our heartfelt apologies.This sentence shows a polite way to ask someone to accept your disculpas.Tatoeba #5624865 by albrusgher, translation #247549 by CM
- Disculpe, ¿puede decirme la hora?Excuse me, can you please tell me the time?
- Perdone, no era mi intención ofenderla.I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to offend you.
- Lamento mucho haber llegado tarde a la reunión.I am very sorry for arriving late to the meeting.
- Lo siento, no pude asistir a tu fiesta.I'm sorry, I couldn't attend your party.
- Perdón por la confusión, pensé que era tu libro.Sorry for the confusion, I thought it was your book.
- Mil disculpas por mi retraso, el tráfico estaba terrible.A thousand apologies for my delay, the traffic was terrible.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena forgot to call Daniel for their meeting.
- ElenaDaniel, te pido disculpas por olvidar la llamada.Daniel, I apologize for forgetting the call.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Elena, no pasa nada.Don't worry, Elena, it's nothing.
- ElenaGracias, mis disculpas por el inconveniente.Thank you, my apologies for the inconvenience.
- DanielEstá bien, podemos hablar ahora.It's okay, we can talk now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
