disculpe
polite, everyday
In Ecuador disculpe is the polite everyday way to say sorry or excuse me, and perdón is just as common. Lo siento is for a more serious apology.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| disculpe | polite, everyday |
| Perdón | everyday |
| Lo siento | sincere |
Ecuadorians often use the formal disculpe even in light situations, such as stepping on someone's foot or asking a question in a shop.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With elders or strangers use usted: Disculpe, ¿me podría ayudar? With friends the tú form disculpa is fine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In casual talk you may hear chuta as an exclamation of dismay, as in Chuta, disculpa. Friends might call each other ñaño or ñaña, which is a Quechua word for brother and sister.
Did you know?
- The word ñaño comes from Quechua and is used among friends in Ecuador as a warm word for "bro".
Examples in context
- Disculpe, no fue mi intención.Sorry, I did not mean to.
- Perdón, ¿me repite la dirección?Sorry, can you repeat the address?
- Chuta, disculpa, se me olvidó.Oh no, sorry, I forgot.
Example conversation
Paola arrives late to meet her friend Ñaño Carlos at a café in Quito.
- PaolaChuta, disculpa la demora.Oh no, sorry for the delay.
- CarlosTranquila, apenas llegué.No worries, I just got here.
- PaolaGracias. Pidamos un café.Thanks. Let us order a coffee.
