Inklingo

How to Say "to forgive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perdonar

per-doh-NARpeɾðoˈnaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'perdonar' when you want to express letting go of resentment or anger towards someone for something they did.
A person standing in a bright, sunny landscape gently releasing a small, heavy, dark cloud from their hands, symbolizing the act of letting go of resentment.

Examples

¿Puedes perdonarme por llegar tan tarde?

Can you forgive me for arriving so late?

Ella perdonó a su hermano a pesar del daño que hizo.

She forgave her brother despite the damage he caused.

El presidente tiene el poder de perdonar a los criminales.

The president has the power to pardon criminals.

Forgiving Yourself (Reflexive Use)

To say 'to forgive oneself,' you use the verb with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.). Example: 'No me perdono haber mentido' (I don't forgive myself for having lied).

Perdonar vs. Disculpar

Mistake: “Using 'Perdóname' when you only mean 'Excuse me' (e.g., passing in a crowd).”

Correction: Use 'Disculpa' or 'Con permiso' for minor inconveniences. 'Perdonar' is reserved for serious offenses or mistakes.

disculpar

dees-kool-PARdis.kulˈpaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'disculpar' when someone apologizes and you are pardoning them, or when you are asking for a minor pardon, like interrupting someone.
A friendly person smiling and waving their hand dismissively while another person looks apologetic after accidentally bumping into them.

Examples

Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la estación?

Excuse me, do you know where the station is?

Te disculpo por no haber avisado antes.

I forgive you for not letting me know earlier.

Disculpe, señor, ¿tiene un momento?

Pardon me, sir, do you have a moment?

The Two Forms of 'You'

Spanish has two ways to say 'you.' Use 'disculpa' with friends, family, and children. Use 'disculpe' with strangers, older people, and in formal situations. This is called the 'tú' (friendly) vs 'usted' (formal) distinction.

Disculpar vs Pedir Disculpas

'Disculpar' means to excuse or forgive someone ELSE. 'Pedir disculpas' means to apologize yourself. Example: 'Te disculpo' (I forgive you) vs 'Pido disculpas' (I apologize).

Using the Wrong Form for the Situation

Mistake: “Using 'disculpa' with a stranger or in a job interview.”

Correction: Use 'disculpe' in formal situations. In Spain and Latin America, always use the formal form with people you don't know well.

Confusing Disculpar with Acusar

Mistake: “Using 'disculpar' when you mean to blame someone.”

Correction: Remember: 'disculpar' is the positive action (forgive), while 'acusar' or 'culpar' is the negative action (blame). They are opposites!

Perdonar vs. Disculpar

Learners often confuse 'perdonar' and 'disculpar'. Remember that 'perdonar' is for releasing deep resentment, while 'disculpar' is more about excusing a minor offense or asking for a small pardon, often after an apology has been made.

Related Translations

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