disculpe, por favor
In Spanish, "excuse me, please" is said as disculpe, por favor.
The phrase disculpe, por favor is used to politely interrupt someone to ask a question or to request that someone move out of your way. If you specifically want to request permission to move through a space or ask someone to move aside, you can also use the word permiso.
What does it mean word for word?
The word disculpe is the formal imperative form of the verb disculpar, which literally means "excuse (you)" or "to forgive".
Which one should you use?
While disculpe, por favor is a polite way to get someone's attention, the single word perdón (pardon / sorry) is more commonly used for minor social slips, such as bumping into someone or needing to pass through a crowd.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the person you are addressing. The formal disculpe is used when addressing strangers, elders or people in professional settings. You should switch to the informal disculpa when speaking to someone you know well or someone younger than you.
Did you know?
- The word permiso is also the standard way to ask for the bathroom in a classroom or formal setting, acting as a shorthand for 'may I have permission to leave'.
- The word por in por favor is a direct descendant of the Latin prō, which was used to indicate a purpose or cause.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying permiso while passing through a crowd is not just a request but a social requirement to avoid appearing rude.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, señor. ¿Podría decirme dónde está la oficina de correos más cercana, por favor?Excuse me, sir. Could you please tell me where the nearest post office is?
- Perdona, ¿me dejas pasar, por favor?Excuse me, could you let me pass, please?
- Disculpe, por favor, ¿podría decirme la hora?Excuse me, please, could you tell me the time?
- Disculpe, por favor, necesito pasar.Excuse me, please, I need to pass.
- Disculpe, por favor, ¿esta silla está ocupada?Excuse me, please, is this chair occupied?
Example conversation
Mateo wants to walk past Sofía in a crowded hallway.
- MateoDisculpe, por favor, ¿puedo pasar?Excuse me, please, may I pass?
- SofíaSí, claro, lo siento.Yes, of course, I am sorry.
- MateoGracias, que tenga un buen día.Thank you, have a good day.
- SofíaIgualmente, Mateo.You too, Mateo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries favor, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
