disculpen
“disculpen” means “Excuse me” in Spanish (When addressing a group formally or politely asking for attention.).
Excuse me, Pardon meAlso: I apologize (plural, formal)
📝 In Action
Disculpen, ¿pueden decirme dónde está el metro?
A1Excuse me (all of you), can you tell me where the subway is?
Por favor, disculpen el retraso. Tuvimos un problema técnico.
A2Please, pardon the delay. We had a technical problem.
Espero que disculpen mi error. No volverá a pasar.
B1I hope you (all formal) excuse my mistake. It won't happen again.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: disculpen
Question 1 of 1
Which situation correctly uses the word 'disculpen'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Latin prefix 'dis-' (meaning separation or reversal) and the Latin word 'culpa' (meaning fault or blame). So, 'disculpar' literally means 'to remove the blame' or 'to un-blame.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'disculpen' and 'perdón'?
'Perdón' is a general noun meaning 'pardon' and is often used as a quick, informal apology or request to pass ('Perdón, ¿puedo pasar?'). 'Disculpen' is the conjugated verb command, specifically asking a group of people to excuse you, making it slightly more formal and targeted.
If I am addressing a mixed group of friends and strangers, should I use 'disculpen'?
Yes. When in doubt, always default to the more formal and polite plural 'disculpen' (or 'perdonen') when addressing a group, especially if strangers are involved. It is always safer.