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How to Say "you excuse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perdones

/kon-DOH-nes//konˈdones/

verbC1formal
Use 'perdones' when you are asking someone to overlook or pardon a fault, debt, or wrongdoing, often in a more formal or serious context.
A colorful storybook illustration of a friendly person handing back a signed document to another person with a smile.

Examples

No espero que perdones mi deuda.

I don't expect you to pardon my debt.

No espero que condones mi deuda.

I don't expect you to pardon my debt.

Es posible que el banco te condones los intereses.

It's possible the bank will waive your interest charges.

Subjunctive Use

In this verb form, 'condones' appears when you are expressing a wish, doubt, or request, such as 'I hope you pardon...' (Espero que condones...).

excusas

ehx-KOO-sahs/eksˈkusas/

verbA2informal
Use 'excusas' when you are informally asking someone to excuse your ignorance, a mistake, or a minor offense, as in the second-person singular (tú) form.
A friendly person comforts a smaller, apologetic person by placing a hand on their shoulder, offering a gesture of forgiveness and relief.

Examples

Tú excusas mi ignorancia, pero ¿qué significa esa palabra?

You excuse my ignorance, but what does that word mean?

Si tú excusas su comportamiento, él nunca aprenderá.

If you excuse his behavior, he will never learn.

The 'Tú' Form

The form 'excusas' is the way you talk about what 'tú' (you, informal) are doing in the present tense, whether stating a fact (Indicative) or expressing a wish/doubt (Subjunctive).

Mixing up 'excusar' and 'disculpar'

Mistake: “Sometimes learners use 'excusar' when they mean 'disculpar' (to apologize). 'Disculpar' is more common for asking for a pardon for a small interruption.”

Correction: Use 'excusar' when talking about forgiving a serious error or justifying a major action. Use 'disculpar' for 'Pardon me' or 'Excuse me'.

Mistaking 'pardon' for 'excuse'

Learners often confuse 'perdones' (to pardon/forgive a debt or serious offense) with 'excusas' (to excuse a minor mistake or ignorance). Remember 'perdones' is for bigger issues like debt, while 'excusas' is for smaller, everyday social interactions.

Related Translations

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