disculparse
/diskulpaɾse/from spelling rules
To apologize in Spanish is to disculparse.
The verb disculparse is used to express regret or to excuse oneself. For minor social slips or to get someone's attention, you can use the polite third-person singular form disculpe to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry'.
Meaning: to express regret (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb disculparse is composed of disculpar (to excuse) and the reflexive pronoun se (oneself), literally meaning 'to excuse oneself'.
Which one should you use?
While disculparse is used for general apologies or social slips, the phrase pedir perdón is used for more serious or profound requests for forgiveness.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase Mil disculpas is frequently used to convey apologies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form disculpe is the third-person singular imperative, used politely to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. The form disculpen is the plural version.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskulpaɾse/
Did you know?
- Spanish distinguishes between disculpar (to excuse a mistake) and perdonar (to forgive a sin), making the choice of word a statement on the gravity of the act.
- Depending on the region, disculpa can be used as a noun to mean 'an excuse' or 'a pretext' to avoid doing something.
- Using disculpe can function as a 'social lubricant' to initiate a conversation with a stranger, acting more as a greeting than a genuine apology.
Examples in context
- No hace falta disculparse.There's no need to apologize.This sentence is useful for expressing that an apology is unnecessary.Tatoeba #1707612 by marcelostockle, translation #448957 by CK
- Él podría por lo menos disculparse.He might at least apologize.This sentence is useful for suggesting that someone should apologize.Tatoeba #454984 by Shishir, translation #51284 by CH
- Tom no necesita disculparse con Mary.Tom doesn't have to apologize to Mary.This sentence is useful for stating that someone does not need to apologize to a specific person.Tatoeba #1434127 by marcelostockle, translation #1029186 by CK
- Disculpe, no me di cuenta de que estaba ocupado/a.I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were busy.
- Lamento mucho la confusión causada.I deeply regret the confusion caused.
- Perdón por llegar tarde.Sorry for being late.
- Perdóname si te lastimé.Forgive me if I hurt you.
- Mil disculpas por mi error.A thousand apologies for my mistake.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo forgot to call Elena on her birthday.
- MateoSiento mucho haber olvidado tu cumpleaños.I am very sorry for forgetting your birthday.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, está bien.Don't worry, Mateo, it's okay.
- MateoAun así, quiero disculparse formalmente contigo.Still, I want to apologize formally to you.
- ElenaAcepto tus disculpas, no pasa nada.I accept your apologies, it's nothing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
