Inklingo
← Dictionary

disculpas

dees-KOOL-pahs/disˈkulpas/

“disculpas” means “apologies” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

apologies

Also: regrets
NounfA1
A storybook illustration showing a young child with a sad, remorseful expression offering a single, bright red flower to another child, symbolizing an apology.

📝 In Action

Le ofrezco mis más sinceras disculpas por el error.

A2

I offer you my most sincere apologies for the mistake.

Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente causado.

A1

We apologize (literally: We ask for apologies) for any inconvenience caused.

Mil disculpas, se me olvidó por completo.

B1

A thousand apologies, I completely forgot.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • perdón (forgiveness/pardon)
  • lamento (regret)

Common Collocations

  • pedir disculpas – to apologize / to ask for forgiveness
  • ofrecer disculpas – to offer apologies

excuses

Also: justifications
NounfB1
A storybook illustration of a figure standing next to a half-finished simple task, like a stack of blocks, pointing dramatically at a tiny, harmless object, like a butterfly or a sleeping cat, implying it was the reason for failure.

📝 In Action

Ya no quiero escuchar más disculpas; necesito soluciones.

B1

I don't want to hear any more excuses; I need solutions.

Siempre tiene disculpas tontas para llegar tarde.

B2

He always has silly excuses for being late.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pretextos (pretexts)
  • justificaciones (justifications)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • inventar disculpas – to invent excuses
  • disculpas baratas – lame excuses

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "disculpas" in Spanish:

apologies→excuses→justifications→regrets→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: disculpas

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase is the most common way to say 'I apologize' using 'disculpas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
culpaspulpa
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin verb *disculpare*, formed by combining *dis-* (meaning 'apart' or 'away') and *culpa* (meaning 'fault' or 'blame'). Therefore, 'disculpar' literally means 'to take away the fault,' and 'disculpas' are the words used to achieve that.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: discolpaEnglish (via French): exculpate (related root)

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'disculpas' and 'perdón'?

'Perdón' is often used for a quick, direct 'Sorry!' or 'Excuse me.' 'Disculpas' (plural) is usually used when offering a more formal or detailed expression of regret (e.g., 'Le pido disculpas por lo de ayer' - I ask for apologies regarding yesterday's event).

Why is 'disculpas' plural?

While the singular 'disculpa' exists, the plural 'disculpas' is the conventional and idiomatic way Spanish speakers refer to the act or set of words used to apologize. It treats the apology as a collection of words or reasons.