Inklingo

How to Say "apologies" in Spanish

English → Spanish

disculpas

dees-KOOL-pahsdisˈkulpas

nounA1general
Use 'disculpas' when you are expressing regret or saying sorry for something you did wrong.
A storybook illustration showing a young child with a sad, remorseful expression offering a single, bright red flower to another child, symbolizing an apology.

Examples

Le ofrezco mis más sinceras disculpas por el error.

I offer you my most sincere apologies for the mistake.

Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente causado.

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

Mil disculpas, se me olvidó por completo.

A thousand apologies, I completely forgot.

Always Plural for the Act

When referring to the act of apologizing, Spanish usually uses the plural form 'disculpas' (apologies), even though English often uses the singular 'an apology.' Just remember the plural form is the most common way to say sorry.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer disculpas.”

Correction: The correct verb is 'pedir' (to ask for) or 'ofrecer' (to offer): 'Pedir disculpas.' (To apologize).

excusas

ehx-KOO-sahseksˈkusas

nounA1general
Use 'excusas' when referring to justifications or reasons given for an action, often implying they are not good enough.
A small, cartoonish figure standing next to a task they clearly failed, like a poorly built stack of blocks. The figure is holding three different, flimsy objects (a feather, a twig, and a puff of smoke) in their hands, offering them as substitute explanations, symbolizing excuses.

Examples

No quiero escuchar más excusas, simplemente hazlo.

I don't want to hear any more excuses, just do it.

Siempre tiene una lista de excusas para llegar tarde.

He always has a list of excuses for arriving late.

Sus excusas no fueron muy convincentes para el jefe.

His excuses were not very convincing for the boss.

Gender and Number

Since the singular noun is 'la excusa' (feminine), the plural form 'excusas' is also feminine and requires feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'las excusas ridículas').

Using 'Hacer' instead of 'Poner'

Mistake: “Hacer excusas”

Correction: Poner excusas. In Spanish, we typically 'put' or 'set forth' excuses, rather than 'make' them.

Disculpas vs. Excusas

The most common mistake is using 'excusas' when you actually mean to apologize and express regret. Remember, 'disculpas' is for saying sorry, while 'excusas' are justifications or reasons, often used negatively.

Related Translations

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