What is the difference between "perdonar", "disculpar" in Spanish?

The English word 'to pardon' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the context. While 'perdonar' is used for general forgiveness, 'disculpar' often functions more like 'to excuse' in English.

How to Say "to pardon" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to pardon” is “perdonar” — use this word when you are asking for or offering formal or official forgiveness, like apologizing for a significant mistake.

perdonar🔊A1

Use this word when you are asking for or offering formal or official forgiveness, like apologizing for a significant mistake.

Learn more →

disculpar🔊A2

Use this word when you are excusing yourself or someone else, often in a polite or formal way, similar to saying 'excuse me'.

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English → Spanish

perdonar

per-doh-NARpeɾðoˈnaɾ

verbA1formal

Use this word when you are asking for or offering formal or official forgiveness, like apologizing for a significant mistake.

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.

See full entry for “perdonar” →

disculpar

dees-kool-PARdis.kulˈpaɾ

verbA2formal

Use this word when you are excusing yourself or someone else, often in a polite or formal way, similar to saying 'excuse me'.

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!

See full entry for “disculpar” →

Perdonar vs. Disculpar

Learners often confuse 'perdonar' and 'disculpar' because both can be used in polite situations. Remember that 'perdonar' implies seeking or granting forgiveness for wrongdoing, while 'disculpar' is more about excusing a minor inconvenience or asking for polite attention.

Related Translations

to excuse→to forgive→to exempt→to justify→

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