A simple storybook illustration showing a person gently touching the shoulder of another person who is standing in their way, indicating a polite request to be allowed to pass through a crowded space.

discúlpeme

dee-SKOOL-peh-meh

Verbal PhraseA1regular ar

Excuse me?Used for interruption or passing,Pardon me?Used to request repetition or clarification

Also:I'm sorry?Used for a minor apology (e.g., bumping into someone)

Quick Reference

infinitivedisculpar

gerunddisculpando

past Participledisculpado

📝 In Action

Discúlpeme, ¿me podría decir dónde está el baño?

Excuse me, could you tell me where the restroom is?

Discúlpeme, creo que este es mi asiento.

Pardon me, I think this is my seat.

¡Ay! Discúlpeme, no lo vi.

Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't see you.

Word Connections

Synonyms

perdón (pardon)
lo siento (I'm sorry)

Common Collocations

disculpar la molestia – to excuse the inconvenience

💡 Grammar Points

Command + Pronoun

This phrase is a command ('Disculpe') directed at a person ('me'). In Spanish, when you give an affirmative command, the small pronouns like 'me' attach directly to the end of the verb.

The Accent Mark

When you attach the pronoun, the original stress of the verb shifts. The accent mark (ú) is needed to keep the emphasis on the correct syllable (the 'u' in 'cúl').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Accent

Mistake: "Disculpeme"

Correction: Discúlpeme. Without the accent, the stress would fall incorrectly on the last syllable, changing how the word sounds.

Using the Wrong Formality

Mistake: "Discúlpame"

Correction: While 'Discúlpame' is correct for friends or family (tú), 'Discúlpeme' is the standard formal way (usted) used when addressing strangers or elders.

⭐ Usage Tips

Interruption vs. Apology

Use 'Discúlpeme' when you need something or need to get past someone. Use 'Lo siento' (I feel it/I'm sorry) for deeper apologies for serious mistakes.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: discúlpeme

Question 1 of 2

Which situation requires the formal 'Discúlpeme' rather than the informal 'Discúlpame'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

disculpa(apology / excuse (noun)) - noun

disculpar(to excuse / to forgive (verb)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'Discúlpeme' and 'Perdón'?

Both mean 'Excuse me' or 'Pardon me.' 'Perdón' is generally simpler, shorter, and slightly more common for quick interruptions or asking to pass. 'Discúlpeme' is a bit more formal and polite, literally asking the other person to excuse you.

Why does 'Discúlpeme' have an accent mark?

The accent mark is necessary because when the pronoun 'me' is added to the two-syllable verb 'Disculpe', the word becomes three syllables long. The accent keeps the emphasis on the second syllable (cúl), matching the original verb stress.