disculparme
/dees-kool-PAR-meh/
to apologize
When you need to apologize for a mistake, you use disculparme.
disculparme(Verb)
to apologize
?for a mistake or error
,to say sorry
?informal use
to beg forgiveness
?more formal or serious
📝 In Action
Quiero disculparme por el ruido que hice anoche.
A2I want to apologize for the noise I made last night.
Ella se disculpó con su hermana después de la pelea.
B1She apologized to her sister after the fight.
Si no me disculpo, se va a enojar mucho.
B2If I don't apologize, he is going to get very angry.
💡 Grammar Points
The Attached 'Me'
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.
Placement Rule
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.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Disculpar' and 'Disculparme'
Mistake: "Using 'Disculparme a mí' (literally 'to excuse me to myself')."
Correction: The 'me' already includes 'myself,' so simply say 'Disculparme' or 'Me disculpo.' Adding 'a mí' is redundant and unnecessary.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Lo siento'
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.
Asking to excuse oneself from a gathering is another meaning of disculparme.
disculparme(Verb)
to excuse oneself
?asking permission to leave or interrupt
to step away
?temporarily leaving a group
📝 In Action
Voy a disculparme un momento, tengo que tomar una llamada urgente.
B1I am going to excuse myself for a moment; I have to take an urgent call.
Disculparme, ¿puedo pasar?
A2Excuse me (I need to excuse myself), may I pass?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Infinitive
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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Interruptions
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.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: disculparme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'disculparme' to mean 'I need to leave'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'disculpar' and 'disculparme'?
'Disculpar' is the base verb meaning 'to excuse' or 'to pardon' someone else (e.g., 'Disculpa mi error' - Excuse my error). 'Disculparme' is the reflexive form, meaning the action reflects back to you—you are excusing yourself or apologizing.
Is it rude to use 'Disculpa' instead of 'Disculpe'?
Not rude, but different levels of formality. 'Disculpa' uses the 'tú' form and is used with friends or family. 'Disculpe' uses the formal 'usted' form and is best used with strangers, elders, or professionals.