excusa
/eks-KOO-sah/
excuse
When you offer an excusa (excuse), you give a reason for a fault.
excusa(noun)
excuse
?reason given for a fault
pretext
?a false reason used to hide the real motive
,justification
?a valid reason
📝 In Action
Su excusa para no venir fue que su perro estaba enfermo.
A1His excuse for not coming was that his dog was sick.
No tengo ninguna buena excusa para mi error.
A1I don't have any good excuse for my mistake.
Usó el tráfico como excusa para llegar tarde a la reunión.
B1He used the traffic as a pretext for arriving late to the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'excusa' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'una excusa ridícula'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Disculpa vs. Excusa
'Disculpa' is often used when asking for forgiveness ('Pido disculpas'), while 'excusa' is the reason you give for the mistake.
When someone excusa (excuses) another, they pardon them for a fault or shortcoming.
excusa(verb)
(He/She/It) excuses
?3rd person singular present tense of 'excusar'
,(You formal) excuse
?2nd person singular formal present tense of 'excusar'
forgives
?when referring to pardoning a fault
📝 In Action
Ella siempre excusa la mala conducta de su hijo.
A2She always excuses her son's bad behavior.
Usted excusa a los demás, pero nunca se excusa a sí mismo.
B1You excuse others, but you never excuse yourself.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
To say 'to excuse oneself' or 'to apologize for oneself,' use the reflexive form: 'excusarse'. For example, 'Me excusé por mi error' (I excused myself for my mistake).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'excusa' for 'Must'
Mistake: "Using 'excusa' where 'debe' is needed (e.g., 'Ella excusa estudiar' for 'She must study')."
Correction: This is incorrect. Use 'excusar' only for forgiving or justifying. For obligation, use 'deber' or 'tener que'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: excusa
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es la mejor traducción de 'Ella siempre tiene una excusa nueva'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'excusa' a positive or negative word?
It is usually neutral, but it often carries a negative connotation, implying the reason given might be weak or false (a 'lame excuse').