disculpe, señor
The English phrase 'excuse me sir' is translated into Spanish as disculpe, señor.
This phrase is used both to get a man's attention and to apologize for a minor social transgression, such as bumping into him.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the formal command disculpe (excuse/forgive) and the honorific señor (sir/gentleman).
Which one should you use?
While disculpe, señor is the formal version, using disculpa, señor would create a grammatical mismatch because disculpa is the informal 'tú' form and señor is a formal title.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, disculpe, caballero is a common formal way to say 'excuse me sir'. In Mexico, con permiso, señor is used as a formal way to get someone's attention or ask permission to pass. In Spain, perdone, caballero can be used to address someone formally.
Did you know?
- While 'sir' is a standard polite address in English, the Spanish word señor originally implied a position of power as 'lord' or 'master'.
- In some contexts, the difference between disculpe and con permiso is physical: the latter is specifically used when you need to physically move past someone.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, señor, ¿ha estado bebiendo esta noche?Excuse me, sir, have you been drinking tonight?This sentence shows how to use disculpe, señor when asking a question to a man.Tatoeba #10529557 by DJ_Saidez, translation #1923391 by Spamster
- Disculpe, señor, podría ayudarme con una dirección?Excuse me, sir, could you help me with directions?
- Disculpe, señor, ¿sabe dónde está la estación?Excuse me, sir, do you know where the station is?
- Disculpe, señor, creo que se le cayó la cartera.Excuse me, sir, I think you dropped your wallet.
Example conversation
Elena is asking a man for directions in the street.
- MateoDisculpe, señor, ¿está cerca la estación?Excuse me sir, is the station nearby?
- ElenaSí, está a dos calles de aquí.Yes, it is two blocks from here.
- MateoMuchas gracias por su ayuda.Thank you very much for your help.
- ElenaDe nada, tenga un buen día.You're welcome, have a nice day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries señor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
