Confusing 'Disculpar' and 'Disculparme'

The 'me' means the action reflects back to the speaker. When using the infinitive form like 'disculparme,' the pronoun is always attached to the end.

The Attached 'Me'

When the verb is conjugated (e.g., 'I apologize'), the 'me' moves to the front: 'Me disculpo.' When it follows another verb (e.g., 'I must apologize'), you have a choice: 'Debo disculparme' OR 'Me debo disculpar.'

Placement Rule

While 'Me disculpo' is the verb form, the phrase 'Lo siento' (I feel it/I'm sorry) is often a quicker, more common way to express immediate regret.

Using 'Lo siento'

Extremely common way to say sorry or ask for pardon in everyday situations.

When you use the infinitive 'disculparme' alone, it often functions as a polite request, similar to 'Excuse me' in English, but it carries a slightly more formal tone.

Using the Infinitive

To politely get someone’s attention, you can use the conjugated form: 'Disculpe' (if speaking to 'usted') or 'Disculpa' (if speaking to 'tú'). These are shorter ways to say 'Excuse me.'

Polite Interruptions

Common way to politely interrupt or ask permission to leave a social or professional setting.

Learn how to use the Spanish reflexive verb 'disculparme' to mean 'to apologize' or 'to excuse oneself' politely. Includes full conjugation tables and usage tips for all CEFR levels.

disculparme

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations