Disculpe
/diskulpe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Disculpe is used to say excuse me.
Disculpe is used as an apology or as a way to get someone's attention during a minor intrusion.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Disculpe is the formal imperative form of the verb disculpar, which means to excuse or to pardon. It literally translates to excuse or pardon (you).
Which one should you use?
While Disculpe is used to get someone's attention or for a minor intrusion, Perdón is more commonly used for a direct apology after a mistake or when asking someone to repeat something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Dominican Spanish, Disculpe is a common way to say excuse me in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use Disculpe to show respect to strangers or elders, while Disculpa is used when speaking to someone you know well or someone of equal social status.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskulpe/
Did you know?
- The verb disculpar comes from the Latin word culpa, meaning 'fault'. This makes it a linguistic cousin to the English word 'culprit'.
- In some regions, using the formal Disculpe with a close friend or a child can be interpreted as sarcasm or a sign that the speaker is suddenly very angry.
- While disculpe is a polite way to get attention, in some Spanish-speaking regions, saying con permiso is the standard way to physically move through a crowd or leave a room.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿cómo se llama?Excuse me. What's your name?This sentence shows how to use Disculpe when asking for someone's name.Tatoeba #2343178 by Shishir, translation #933745 by CK
- Disculpe, tengo una pregunta.Excuse me, I have a question.This sentence shows how to use Disculpe when you have a question.Tatoeba #1502847 by wallebot, translation #1445889 by johnd
- Disculpe, ¿dónde está el café?Excuse me, where is the café?This sentence shows how to use Disculpe when asking for directions to a location.Tatoeba #1399960 by marcelostockle, translation #403093 by Ramses
- Disculpe, ¿podría decirme cómo llegar a la plaza central?Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the central square?
- Permiso, ¿puedo pasar?Excuse me, may I pass?
- Disculpa, ¿puedo pedirte un favor?Excuse me, can I ask you a favor?
- Perdona, ¿puedo interrumpirte un momento?Excuse me, can I interrupt you for a moment?
- Perdone, ¿sabe dónde puedo encontrar un buen restaurante por aquí?Excuse me, do you know where I can find a good restaurant around here?
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel accidentally bumps into Lucía in a crowded hallway.
- Lucía¡Oiga, tenga cuidado!Hey, watch out!
- DanielDisculpe, no la vi venir.Excuse me, I didn't see you coming.
- LucíaNo pasa nada, pero vaya con cuidado.It's okay, but please be careful.
- DanielLo siento mucho, Lucía.I am very sorry, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
