Inklingo

How to Say "i forgive" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i forgive” is “perdono” — use 'perdono' when you are actively forgiving someone for a significant offense or wrongdoing, often implying a deep emotional release..

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perdono

/per-DOH-noh//peɾˈðono/

VerbA1General
Use 'perdono' when you are actively forgiving someone for a significant offense or wrongdoing, often implying a deep emotional release.
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' to excuse a minor offense or inconvenience, similar to saying 'I excuse' or 'I overlook' in English.
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 'Perdono' and 'Disculpo'

Learners often confuse 'perdono' and 'disculpo' by using 'disculpo' for serious offenses. Remember that 'perdono' carries a deeper sense of absolution suitable for significant issues, while 'disculpo' is for minor things you can easily overlook.

Related Translations

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