For Big vs. Small Apologies

Use 'disculpe' when talking to someone you don't know, an older person, or in a professional setting (the 'usted' form). For friends, family, or people your age (the 'tú' form), you would say 'disculpa'.

Formal vs. Informal 'Excuse Me'

Think of 'disculpe' as your multi-tool for politeness. Use it to start a question with a stranger, to apologize for bumping into someone on the street, or to signal that you need help.

Your Go-To Polite Word

Extremely common. One of the first and most important polite words to learn in Spanish.

'Disculpe' is the command form of 'disculpar' for 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It's a direct but polite way to ask someone to excuse something.

A Command Form

'Disculpe' is also a special verb form (called the present subjunctive) used after phrases that express wishes, doubts, or emotions, like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'No creo que...' (I don't think that...).

A Special Form for Wishes and Doubts

Common in formal commands and sentences expressing wishes or doubts.

Learn the complete meaning of 'disculpe' in Spanish. See examples for how to use it as 'excuse me,' 'pardon me,' and as a formal verb. Understand the difference between disculpe, perdón, and lo siento.

disculpar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations