disculpa
/dis-KOOL-pah/
apology
As a noun, disculpa means 'apology.' The image shows a character offering a token of regret.
disculpa(Noun)
apology
?When saying sorry for something
excuse
?A reason or justification for something
,forgiveness
?The act of pardoning someone
📝 In Action
Te debo una disculpa por mi comportamiento de ayer.
A2I owe you an apology for my behavior yesterday.
El director aceptó mis disculpas.
B1The director accepted my apologies.
Su única disculpa fue que tenía mucho trabajo.
B1His only excuse was that he had a lot of work.
💡 Grammar Points
How to Say 'To Apologize'
In Spanish, you don't 'give' an apology, you 'ask for' one. The most common way to say 'I apologize' is 'pido disculpas'. Think of it as asking the other person to forgive you.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'apology' and 'excuse'
Mistake: "Although 'disculpa' can mean 'excuse', it's more about a reason for a mistake. If you mean a flimsy excuse, 'pretexto' is often a better word."
Correction: Use 'disculpa' for a sincere reason ('Mi disculpa es que el tren llegó tarde') and 'pretexto' for a weak excuse ('Puso el pretexto de que le dolía la cabeza').
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural vs. Singular
You can say 'una disculpa' (an apology) or 'mis disculpas' (my apologies). Both are very common. 'Pido disculpas' sounds a little more formal and comprehensive than 'pido una disculpa'.
As a verb or interjection, disculpa means 'Excuse me' (informal) and is used to politely get someone's attention.
disculpa(Verb)
Excuse me
?To get attention or pass by
Sorry
?For a small mistake, like bumping into someone
,Forgive
?As in 'he/she forgives'
📝 In Action
Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la estación de metro?
A1Excuse me, do you know where the subway station is?
¡Uy, disculpa! No te vi.
A1Oops, sorry! I didn't see you.
Mi hermana siempre me disculpa cuando llego tarde.
B1My sister always forgives me when I arrive late.
💡 Grammar Points
A Command in Disguise
When you say 'Disculpa' to get someone's attention, you're actually giving a friendly command: '(You) excuse me'. This form, 'disculpa', is for talking to one person you know well (the 'tú' form).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Disculpa' with Strangers
Mistake: "Disculpa, señor, ¿qué hora es?"
Correction: Disculpe, señor, ¿qué hora es? When talking to an older person, a stranger, or someone in a position of authority, it's more polite to use the 'usted' form, which is 'disculpe'.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Disculpa' vs. 'Perdón' vs. 'Con Permiso'
Use 'disculpa' to get attention. Use 'perdón' if you bump into someone or made a bigger mistake. Use 'con permiso' when you need to physically pass someone in a crowded space.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: disculpa
Question 1 of 2
You accidentally bump into a stranger on the street. What is the most natural thing to say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'disculpa', 'perdón', and 'con permiso'?
Think of it by situation. Use 'disculpa' to get someone's attention before you speak ('Disculpa, ¿tienes hora?'). Use 'perdón' after you've made a small mistake, like stepping on someone's foot. Use 'con permiso' before you need to get by someone in a physical space, like on a crowded bus.
Is it 'disculpa' or 'disculpe'?
It depends on who you're talking to! Use 'disculpa' with friends, family, or people your age (the informal 'tú'). Use 'disculpe' with strangers, older people, or in formal situations like at a bank or a doctor's office (the formal 'usted'). When in doubt, 'disculpe' is always a safe and polite choice.