Disculpe
/diskulpe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for saying sorry formally is Disculpe.
Disculpe is a polite way to apologize or to get someone's attention in a formal setting. It can be used to apologize for a minor mistake or to politely interrupt someone to ask a question.
Which one should you use?
Disculpe is used for formal situations, whereas Disculpa is the informal version used with friends or peers. For a slightly more formal or emphatic alternative when seeking attention or asking for pardon, you can use Perdone.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskulpe/
Did you know?
- The word disculpe is actually a command. By using it, you are literally commanding the other person to 'pardon' or 'exculpate' you.
- The word Disculpe is a command form of the verb disculpar, meaning 'to pardon', which shares a distant root with the English word 'culprit'.
- In certain Latin American contexts, disculpe can be used as a polite linguistic cushion to disagree with someone without being aggressive.
Examples in context
- Perdone, señor/ señora. Fue incorrecto de mi parte.Forgive me, sir/ma'am. It was wrong on my part.
- Disculpe, ¿podría decirme qué hora es?Excuse me, could you tell me what time it is?
- Disculpe, creo que esto es suyo.Excuse me, I think this is yours.
- Disculpe la interrupción, señor.Excuse me for the interruption, sir.
Example conversation
Mateo is working in an office and Sofía needs to ask him a question.
- SofíaDisculpe, Mateo, ¿tiene un momento?Excuse me, Mateo, do you have a moment?
- MateoSí, Sofía, dígame.Yes, Sofia, tell me.
- SofíaDisculpe, ¿puede revisar este documento?Excuse me, can you check this document?
- MateoClaro, lo revisaré ahora mismo.Of course, I will check it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
