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How to Say "i excuse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perdono

/per-DOH-noh//peɾˈðono/

VerbA1General
Use 'perdono' when you are forgiving someone for a minor fault or offense, often implying a personal release from resentment.
A stylized illustration showing two friendly figures standing close together. One figure is gently placing a hand on the other's shoulder, symbolizing a gesture of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Examples

Yo te perdono de corazón.

I forgive you from the heart.

Si me pides disculpas, yo te perdono.

If you apologize to me, I forgive you.

Perdono fácilmente los errores de mis hijos.

I easily forgive my children's mistakes.

Identifying the 'I' form

The '-o' ending on an '-ar' verb like 'perdonar' almost always means the person doing the action is 'yo' (I). 'Perdono' means 'I forgive'.

Using 'Te' or 'Le'

When you forgive a person, you often use a small word like 'te' (you, informal) or 'le' (him/her/you, formal) right before the verb: 'Yo te perdono' (I forgive you).

Forgetting the 'I'

Mistake: “"Perdono tú." (I forgive you.)”

Correction: "Yo te perdono." or simply "Te perdono." The 'yo' (I) is usually dropped because the verb ending already tells you who is speaking.

disculpo

/dees-KOOL-poh//disˈkulpo/

VerbA2General
Use 'disculpo' when you are pardoning someone else for something they did, often an action or behavior that inconvenienced you.
An adult comfortingly places a hand on the shoulder of a small child who looks remorseful, symbolizing the act of granting forgiveness or pardon.

Examples

Yo disculpo su tardanza porque el tráfico estaba terrible.

I excuse their lateness because the traffic was terrible.

No te preocupes por el error, yo te disculpo.

Don't worry about the mistake, I forgive you.

Disculpo a mi hermana porque sé que no lo hizo con mala intención.

I excuse my sister because I know she didn't do it with bad intentions.

Action on Others

The form 'disculpo' means 'I excuse' or 'I pardon' someone else. You must specify who you are forgiving (e.g., 'disculpo a él').

The Reflexive Difference

To apologize or excuse yourself (like saying 'I'm sorry'), you must use the reflexive form: 'Me disculpo' (I apologize/I excuse myself).

Confusing 'I excuse' and 'I apologize'

Mistake: “Using 'Disculpo' when you mean 'I apologize' ('I excuse myself').”

Correction: Use 'Me disculpo' when you are the one saying sorry. 'Disculpo' is only for forgiving others.

Choosing between forgiving and excusing

Learners often confuse 'perdono' and 'disculpo'. Remember that 'perdono' is more about personal forgiveness for a fault, while 'disculpo' is about excusing someone else's action or behavior, often a minor inconvenience.

Related Translations

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