por favor, discúlpeme
In Spanish, 'please excuse me' is said as por favor, discúlpeme.
This phrase is a polite expression used to ask for forgiveness for a small mistake or a social lapse. If you are physically trying to pass through a crowd or leave a table, con permiso is often more natural than discúlpeme.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por favor, discúlpeme is composed of por favor (please) and discúlpeme (excuse me).
Which one should you use?
While discúlpeme is a polite way to ask for forgiveness for a lapse, the shorter word perdón is a more common way to say 'pardon me' or 'sorry' when interrupting or bumping into someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone you know well or someone of the same age/status, use por favor, discúlpame instead of discúlpeme.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, perdón can be used not just for mistakes, but as a way to ask someone to repeat something they said.
- Using con permiso when passing through a crowd is considered a necessary social ritual in many cultures rather than just a polite option.
- The word favor shares an ancient root with the English word 'favour', both tracing back to the Latin 'faveo' which means to be well-disposed toward someone.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, necesito pasar.Excuse me, I need to pass.
- Perdone la molestia, ¿podría ayudarme con esto?Excuse the inconvenience, could you help me with this?
- Perdona, ¿me permites pasar?Excuse me, can I pass through?
- Disculpa, necesito hablar contigo un momento.Excuse me, I need to talk to you for a moment.
- Por favor, discúlpeme por el retraso.Please excuse me for the delay.
- Por favor, discúlpeme si le interrumpo.Please excuse me if I interrupt you.
- Por favor, discúlpeme, no quería que se molestara.Please excuse me, I did not want to upset you.
Example conversation
Javier accidentally bumps into Sofía in a hallway.
- JavierPor favor, discúlpeme, no la vi.Please excuse me, I did not see you.
- SofíaNo se preocupe, Javier.Do not worry, Javier.
- JavierLo siento mucho.I am very sorry.
- SofíaEstá bien, no pasa nada.It is okay, it is nothing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries favor, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
