이 페이지를 내 언어로
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 interjection #2,500 가장 일반적인 7분 분량

disculpa

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 disculpa 30초 만에
설명 disculpa in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'disculpa' is one of the first 'survival' words you learn. It is essential for basic interactions. You use it primarily in two ways: to get someone's attention (like a waiter or a person on the street to ask for directions) and to say 'sorry' for very small things, like accidentally bumping into someone. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex grammar behind it; just think of it as a polite way to start a sentence or a quick way to be nice. It is your 'magic word' for being a polite tourist or beginner student. You should practice saying it with a rising intonation when asking a question ('¿Disculpa?') and a falling intonation when apologizing ('Disculpa.'). It's important to recognize that this is the 'tú' form, so you use it with people your age. If you see an older person, you might hear 'disculpe' instead. Focus on the 'u' sound (like 'oo' in 'boot') and the 'l' which is crisp. Don't pronounce the 'u' like in 'cup'. Mastering this word will make you feel much more confident in Spanish-speaking environments because it gives you a way to initiate contact politely.
As an A2 learner, you start to see 'disculpa' as part of slightly longer sentences. You move beyond just the word itself and begin to use it with 'que' to explain yourself, such as 'Disculpa que llegue tarde' (Sorry I'm late). You also begin to distinguish more clearly between 'disculpa' and 'perdón'. While they are often interchangeable, you'll notice 'disculpa' feels a bit more 'active'—you are asking for the other person to do something (to excuse you). You also start to learn the formal version 'disculpe' more consistently and use it when talking to teachers or shopkeepers. You might also encounter the noun form 'la disculpa' in phrases like 'pido una disculpa' (I ask for an apology), although 'disculpa' as an interjection remains your primary tool. You should also start noticing how it's used to interrupt someone politely. Instead of just jumping into a conversation, you say 'Disculpa...' and then your point. This shows you are developing social awareness in the language. You are also learning that 'disculpa' is less 'heavy' than 'lo siento', which you save for when you've actually hurt someone's feelings or heard bad news.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the B1 level, you understand that 'disculpa' is the imperative of the verb 'disculpar'. This means you can now conjugate the verb in other ways, like 'me disculpo' (I apologize) or 'nos disculpamos' (we apologize). You start using 'disculpa' in more professional or semi-formal contexts, such as 'Disculpa la demora en responder' (Excuse the delay in responding) in emails. You are also more aware of regional preferences; for instance, you might notice that in Mexico, 'disculpa' is used very frequently as a polite buffer, whereas in Spain, 'perdona' might be the more common 'tú' form for getting attention. You also start to use 'disculpa' to mitigate 'face-threatening acts'—things that might be slightly rude, like asking for a favor or pointing out a mistake. You might say, 'Disculpa, creo que esto no es lo que pedí' (Excuse me, I think this isn't what I ordered). This level of nuance shows you are moving from basic communication to effective social navigation. You also understand the reflexive use 'disculparse' and can talk about the act of apologizing itself.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
By B2, you are using 'disculpa' and its variants with high flexibility. You understand the pragmatic difference between 'disculpa' and 'con permiso' in crowded situations. You can use 'disculpa' as a discourse marker to change the subject or to bring the conversation back to a previous point ('Disculpa, volviendo a lo que decíamos...'). You are also comfortable with the noun 'disculpas' in the plural, often used in formal expressions like 'Le ruego acepte mis más sinceras disculpas' (I beg you to accept my most sincere apologies). You understand that 'disculpa' can sometimes be used sarcastically or defensively in an argument, depending on the tone, though this is something to be careful with. You are also proficient in using the subjunctive after 'disculpa que...', such as 'Disculpa que te moleste a estas horas' (Sorry to bother you at this hour). Your use of the word is now natural and integrated into your rhythm of speech, and you rarely mix up the formal and informal versions. You also understand the nuance of 'pedir disculpas' vs 'dar disculpas' (though the latter is less common, 'ofrecer disculpas' is the standard formal way).
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle social power dynamics involved in using 'disculpa'. You can detect when someone is using 'disculpa' to assert a certain social position or to subtly patronize. You are aware of the legal and formal implications of 'una disculpa pública' (a public apology). You use 'disculpa' not just for politeness, but as a sophisticated tool for managing conversation flow and social harmony. You might use it in complex structures like 'Disculpa que sea tan insistente, pero es un tema urgente' (Excuse me for being so insistent, but it's an urgent matter). You also understand the literary or archaic uses of the word in older texts. Your intonation is perfect, conveying exactly the right amount of regret or politeness without overdoing it. You can also discuss the concept of 'disculpabilidad' (culpability/excusability) in an academic or legal sense. You are sensitive to the fact that in some cultures, 'disculpa' is a way to maintain 'simpatía' (social harmony), and you use it to build rapport with native speakers. You can also use it to soften a disagreement: 'Disculpa, pero no estoy del todo de acuerdo con ese punto'.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the C2 level, 'disculpa' is just one note in a vast symphony of social interaction. You have a near-native grasp of when *not* to use it, understanding that sometimes an apology can actually weaken your position or be unnecessary in certain high-stakes environments. You can analyze the use of 'disculpa' in political discourse or corporate communications, noting how it is used to deflect blame or manage public relations. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can play with the word creatively. You might use it in a self-deprecating way or to frame a complex narrative. Your mastery is such that you can use the formal 'disculpe' in a way that is actually more distancing than polite, or the informal 'disculpa' to create an immediate, perhaps even forced, sense of intimacy. You understand the deep cultural roots of the concept of 'culpa' in Hispanic societies and how 'disculpa' serves as a vital tool for social cohesion. You can navigate any social situation, from a street market to a diplomatic dinner, using the appropriate level of 'disculpa' with total ease and precision.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

disculpa 30초 만에

  • Informal 'excuse me' or 'sorry' for minor social situations.
  • Used to get attention, interrupt politely, or apologize for small mistakes.
  • Derived from the verb 'disculpar' (to remove blame).
  • Essential for daily social navigation in Spanish-speaking cultures.

The word disculpa is a cornerstone of Spanish social interaction, functioning primarily as an interjection to smooth over minor social frictions. At its core, it is the imperative form of the verb disculpar (to excuse), specifically addressed to someone you treat informally (the tú form). When you say 'disculpa', you are literally asking the other person to 'remove the blame' or 'un-guilt' you for a small transgression. It is the linguistic equivalent of a social lubricant, used to navigate crowded spaces, interrupt a conversation politely, or apologize for a minor mistake like bumping into someone or forgetting a name.

Etymological Root
Derived from the Latin 'dis-' (negation/removal) and 'culpa' (fault/blame). It literally means to take away the fault.
Grammatical Category
Interjection / Imperative Verb. While it functions as a standalone exclamation, it is technically the second-person singular imperative.
Social Register
Informal (Tú). It implies a level of familiarity or a peer-to-peer relationship between the speaker and the listener.

In the hierarchy of Spanish apologies, disculpa sits comfortably in the middle. It is more substantial than a quick 'perdón' in some contexts, yet less heavy than 'lo siento', which implies genuine emotional regret. It is the perfect tool for the 'pardon me' moments of daily life. Whether you are trying to get a waiter's attention in a casual cafe or apologizing for a typo in a text message to a friend, this word covers the spectrum of minor social repairs.

"Disculpa, ¿tienes hora? No encuentro mi teléfono."

Example: Getting attention politely.

"¡Ay, disculpa! No te había visto entrar."

Example: Apologizing for a minor oversight.

"Disculpa que te interrumpa, pero hay una llamada para ti."

Example: Softening an interruption.

Understanding the nuance of 'disculpa' requires recognizing that it is often proactive. You don't just use it after you've done something; you use it to signal that you are about to do something that might be slightly inconvenient for the other person, such as asking a question or passing through a narrow doorway. This 'pre-emptive' use is vital for sounding natural in Spanish-speaking environments.

"Disculpa, ¿puedo pasar?"

Example: Asking for passage.

"Disculpa la molestia, pero necesito tu firma aquí."

Example: Professional yet informal request.

Using disculpa effectively involves mastering the balance between its function as a request for attention and its role as a minor apology. Because it is the informal form, you should use it with friends, family, colleagues of similar rank, and generally with people around your age or younger. Using 'disculpa' with a grandmother or a high-ranking official might come across as slightly disrespectful or overly casual, though in modern urban Spanish, these lines are increasingly blurred.

As an Interjection
Used at the beginning of a sentence to grab attention. Example: 'Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la calle Mayor?'
As a Reactive Apology
Used immediately after a small mistake. Example: (Bumping into someone) '¡Uy, disculpa!'
With 'que'
Often followed by 'que' and a clause to explain the reason. Example: 'Disculpa que no te haya llamado antes.'

One of the most common ways to use it is in the phrase 'Disculpa la molestia' (Excuse the bother). This is a very polite way to frame a request that you know might be slightly annoying. It shows that you are aware of the other person's time and space. In written Spanish, such as emails or texts, 'disculpa' is used to apologize for late replies or for sending multiple messages in a row.

"Disculpa, ¿este asiento está ocupado?"

Usage: Checking availability in a public space.

You will hear disculpa in almost every social setting in the Spanish-speaking world. It is the soundtrack of the street, the market, and the office. In a bustling market in Madrid or Mexico City, you'll hear it as people navigate through crowds. In a quiet office, you'll hear it whispered before a colleague asks a quick question. It is ubiquitous because it bridges the gap between silence and interaction without being intrusive.

Public Transport
When someone needs to get off a crowded bus: 'Disculpa, bajo en la próxima'.
Retail/Service
When a customer wants to ask a shop assistant a question: 'Disculpa, ¿tienes esto en otra talla?'.
Social Gatherings
When someone needs to leave a conversation for a moment: 'Disculpa un segundo, ahora vuelvo'.

It is also very common in media. In TV shows (telenovelas) or movies, characters use 'disculpa' to initiate difficult conversations or to apologize after a heated argument has cooled down. It serves as a signal that the speaker is ready to be reasonable and wants to re-establish a positive connection. In professional podcasts or interviews, you might hear the host say 'Disculpa que te interrumpa' to clarify a point made by the guest.

"Disculpa, no te oí bien, ¿puedes repetir?"

Usage: Clarifying information.

The most frequent error learners make with disculpa is using the wrong register. Because Spanish distinguishes between formal (usted) and informal (tú) address, using 'disculpa' with someone you should be addressing as 'disculpe' can feel jarring. It's like calling your CEO 'dude'—it might be overlooked, but it's definitely noticeable. Always assess the social hierarchy before choosing your ending.

Confusing with 'Lo Siento'
Learners often use 'lo siento' for everything. 'Lo siento' means 'I feel it' and is for deep regret (e.g., someone's dog died). 'Disculpa' is for social etiquette (e.g., you stepped on someone's foot).
The 'Con Permiso' Mix-up
If you are physically moving through a crowd, 'con permiso' is often more appropriate than 'disculpa'. 'Disculpa' asks for forgiveness for the intrusion; 'con permiso' politely asks for the space to move.

Another mistake is grammatical: using 'disculpa' when you mean the noun 'una disculpa'. If you want to say 'I owe you an apology', you say 'Te debo una disculpa', not 'Te debo un disculpa'. The noun is feminine. Also, avoid over-apologizing. In some cultures, saying 'sorry' is a constant reflex. In Spanish, while 'disculpa' is common, using it every five seconds can make you seem insecure rather than polite.

Spanish has a rich vocabulary for social navigation, and disculpa is just one tool in the kit. Understanding its synonyms helps you choose the right 'flavor' of politeness for the situation. The most direct competitor is perdón, which is incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any situation where 'disculpa' fits, though it is slightly more 'punchy' and less formal-sounding than the verb-derived 'disculpa'.

Perdón
The universal 'sorry/excuse me'. It works for both formal and informal settings and is shorter to say.
Con permiso
Specifically used when you need to physically pass someone or leave a room. It translates to 'with your permission'.
Lo siento
Reserved for genuine regret or sympathy. Literally 'I feel it'.
Perdona / Perdone
The imperative of 'perdonar'. Very similar to disculpa/disculpe. 'Perdona' is very common in Spain.

In more formal or written contexts, you might encounter 'mis disculpas' (my apologies) or 'le ruego me disculpe' (I beg you to excuse me). These elevate the tone significantly. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate the complex social waters of Spanish-speaking cultures with grace and precision.

"Perdón, no quería molestarte." vs "Disculpa, no quería molestarte."

Nuance: 'Perdón' is slightly more casual; 'Disculpa' feels a bit more structured.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Imperative mood

Tú vs Usted

Subjunctive after expressions of emotion/apology

Indirect object pronouns with verbs of asking

Noun gender (la disculpa)

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

1

Disculpa, ¿dónde está el baño?

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Used to get attention.

2

¡Ay, disculpa! No te vi.

Oh, sorry! I didn't see you.

Used for a minor accident.

3

Disculpa, ¿tienes un bolígrafo?

Excuse me, do you have a pen?

Informal 'tú' form.

4

Disculpa, ¿cómo te llamas?

Excuse me, what is your name?

Polite introduction.

5

Disculpa, ¿qué hora es?

Excuse me, what time is it?

Standard request for info.

6

Disculpa, no entiendo.

Sorry, I don't understand.

Apologizing for lack of comprehension.

7

Disculpa, ¿puedo pasar?

Excuse me, can I pass?

Asking for passage.

8

Disculpa, ¿este es tu libro?

Excuse me, is this your book?

Checking ownership.

1

Disculpa que llegue tarde a la clase.

Sorry I'm late to class.

Using 'que' + present subjunctive.

2

Disculpa la molestia, pero necesito ayuda.

Excuse the bother, but I need help.

Common polite phrase.

3

Disculpa, ¿me puedes repetir eso?

Excuse me, can you repeat that for me?

Asking for clarification.

4

Disculpa, no quería decir eso.

Sorry, I didn't mean to say that.

Apologizing for a verbal slip.

5

Disculpa, ¿tienes un momento para hablar?

Excuse me, do you have a moment to talk?

Initiating a conversation.

6

Disculpa, ¿sabes si el bus ya pasó?

Excuse me, do you know if the bus already passed?

Inquiry about a past event.

7

Disculpa, me equivoqué de número.

Sorry, I have the wrong number.

Phone etiquette.

8

Disculpa, ¿puedes hablar más despacio?

Excuse me, can you speak more slowly?

Communication strategy.

1

Disculpa que no te haya llamado antes, estuve muy ocupado.

Sorry I haven't called you before, I was very busy.

Present perfect subjunctive after 'disculpa que'.

2

Disculpa, ¿podrías decirme dónde está la oficina de correos?

Excuse me, could you tell me where the post office is?

Using conditional for extra politeness.

3

Disculpa si te molestó mi comentario de ayer.

Sorry if my comment yesterday bothered you.

Apologizing for a past action.

4

Disculpa, pero creo que te han dado mal el cambio.

Excuse me, but I think they gave you the wrong change.

Softening a correction.

5

Disculpa la interrupción, pero hay un problema en la cocina.

Excuse the interruption, but there is a problem in the kitchen.

Professional interruption.

6

Disculpa, ¿me dejas ver ese catálogo un segundo?

Excuse me, will you let me see that catalog for a second?

Asking for a small favor.

7

Disculpa que te lo pida así, pero es urgente.

Sorry to ask you like this, but it's urgent.

Justifying a direct request.

8

Disculpa, no me di cuenta de que estabas esperando.

Sorry, I didn't realize you were waiting.

Acknowledging an oversight.

1

Disculpa que sea tan directo, pero no me gusta tu actitud.

Excuse me for being so direct, but I don't like your attitude.

Using 'disculpa' to soften a confrontation.

2

Disculpa, volviendo al tema anterior, ¿qué opinas tú?

Excuse me, going back to the previous topic, what do you think?

Discourse marker for transitions.

3

Disculpa la tardanza, el tráfico estaba imposible hoy.

Excuse the lateness, the traffic was impossible today.

Formal noun usage in an informal context.

4

Disculpa que te moleste en tu día libre, pero es importante.

Sorry to bother you on your day off, but it's important.

Mitigating a significant intrusion.

5

Disculpa, ¿me podrías indicar cómo llegar al museo desde aquí?

Excuse me, could you indicate to me how to get to the museum from here?

Polite request with indirect object pronoun.

6

Disculpa, no era mi intención ofenderte con ese chiste.

Sorry, it wasn't my intention to offend you with that joke.

Clarifying intent.

7

Disculpa que no pueda ir a tu fiesta, ya tengo planes.

Sorry I can't go to your party, I already have plans.

Polite refusal.

8

Disculpa, ¿te importa si abro la ventana?

Excuse me, do you mind if I open the window?

Asking for permission.

1

Disculpa que insista, pero los plazos de entrega son innegociables.

Excuse me for insisting, but the delivery deadlines are non-negotiable.

Using 'disculpa' to maintain firmness while being polite.

2

Disculpa, pero esa interpretación de los hechos es bastante sesgada.

Excuse me, but that interpretation of the facts is quite biased.

Challenging a statement politely.

3

Disculpa la franqueza, pero este proyecto necesita una revisión total.

Excuse the frankness, but this project needs a total revision.

Preparing the listener for harsh feedback.

4

Disculpa, ¿podrías aclararme a qué te refieres con 'ajustes estructurales'?

Excuse me, could you clarify what you mean by 'structural adjustments'?

Requesting precision in terminology.

5

Disculpa que te robe unos minutos, es para un tema de vital importancia.

Sorry to steal a few minutes of your time, it's for a matter of vital importance.

Metaphorical use of 'robar' (to steal).

6

Disculpa, pero me parece que estás omitiendo un detalle crucial.

Excuse me, but it seems to me you are omitting a crucial detail.

Pointing out an omission.

7

Disculpa que no haya intervenido antes, quería escuchar todas las posturas.

Sorry I didn't intervene earlier, I wanted to hear all positions.

Explaining past silence.

8

Disculpa, ¿sería posible posponer la reunión para la próxima semana?

Excuse me, would it be possible to postpone the meeting for next week?

High-level formal request.

1

Disculpa, pero tu premisa parte de un error de base fundamental.

Excuse me, but your premise starts from a fundamental base error.

Sophisticated intellectual disagreement.

2

Disculpa que irrumpa de esta manera en tu despacho, pero la situación lo requiere.

Excuse me for bursting into your office this way, but the situation requires it.

Using 'irrumpir' (to burst in) for dramatic effect.

3

Disculpa, ¿no crees que estamos cayendo en una falacia lógica?

Excuse me, don't you think we are falling into a logical fallacy?

Rhetorical question for social correction.

4

Disculpa la digresión, pero este punto es fundamental para entender el resto.

Excuse the digression, but this point is fundamental to understand the rest.

Managing complex discourse structure.

5

Disculpa que cuestione tu autoridad, pero los datos dicen lo contrario.

Excuse me for questioning your authority, but the data says otherwise.

High-stakes social navigation.

6

Disculpa, pero me veo en la obligación de rectificar tus últimas palabras.

Excuse me, but I find myself obliged to rectify your last words.

Very formal and precise language.

7

Disculpa que no comparta tu entusiasmo, pero prefiero ser cauteloso.

Sorry I don't share your enthusiasm, but I prefer to be cautious.

Expressing a differing emotional state.

8

Disculpa, ¿podríamos obviar los detalles técnicos y pasar a la conclusión?

Excuse me, could we skip the technical details and move to the conclusion?

Directing the flow of a high-level meeting.

자주 쓰는 조합

pedir disculpa
aceptar disculpa
ofrecer disculpa
disculpa pública
disculpa sincera
disculpa la molestia
disculpa la tardanza
disculpa la demora
disculpa que...
mil disculpas

자주 쓰는 구문

Disculpa, ¿puedo?
Disculpa un segundo
Disculpa la interrupción
Disculpa que te moleste
Disculpa, no te oí
Disculpa, ¿qué dijiste?
Disculpa, me equivoqué
Disculpa, ¿tienes hora?
Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde...?
Disculpa, ¿este es el final de la fila?

자주 혼동되는 단어

disculpa vs lo siento

disculpa vs perdón

disculpa vs con permiso

관용어 및 표현

"Pedir disculpas por adelantado"
"No tener disculpa"
"Aceptar las disculpas"
"Una mala disculpa"
"Disculpa de mal pagador"
"Sin disculpa alguna"
"Buscar una disculpa"
"Inventar una disculpa"
"Sobran las disculpas"
"Bajo la disculpa de..."

혼동하기 쉬운

disculpa vs disculpe

disculpa vs disculpó

disculpa vs disculpas

문장 패턴

무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

nuance

Less emotional than 'lo siento'.

regional

In Spain, 'perdona' is often preferred over 'disculpa' for the 'tú' form.

frequency

Extremely high frequency in daily speech.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'disculpa' (informal) with a stranger who is much older.
  • Using 'lo siento' when you just want to ask for the time.
  • Saying 'un disculpa' instead of 'una disculpa'.
  • Pronouncing the 'l' like an English 'l' (keep it light and on the teeth).
  • Forgetting the 's' at the beginning (it's not 'diculpa').

팁

Regional Choice

In Mexico, 'disculpa' is your best friend for being polite in shops.

The 'E' Factor

Change the 'a' to 'e' (disculpe) to instantly sound more respectful to elders.

Intonation

A quick, sharp 'disculpa' works best for bumping into someone.

Email Etiquette

Use 'Disculpa la demora' to start an email if you took a few days to reply.

Softening

Use 'disculpa' before asking for a favor to make it harder for them to say no.

Catch the 'S'

In fast speech, the 'd' and 'i' can be very soft. Listen for '-sculpa'.

Beyond the Word

Learn 'pedir disculpas' to talk about the act of apologizing.

Root Power

Remember 'culpa' means fault. You are asking to 'dis-' (remove) the fault.

Don't Overdo It

Spanish speakers don't apologize as much as English speakers. Use it when needed, not as filler.

Vowel Clarity

Make sure the 'u' is a pure 'oo' sound, not a schwa.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'DIS-CULPA' as 'DISmiss the CULPrit'. You are asking someone to dismiss your fault.

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Clear distinction between informal (tú) and formal (usted).

High value on verbal markers of respect.

Used to avoid conflict in public spaces.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Disculpa, ¿eres de por aquí?"

"Disculpa, ¿te importa si me siento?"

"Disculpa, ¿has visto a mi amigo?"

"Disculpa, ¿sabes a qué hora cierran?"

"Disculpa, ¿qué me recomiendas comer?"

일기 주제

Describe a time you had to use 'disculpa' in a strange situation.

Write a dialogue between two strangers at a bus stop using 'disculpa'.

How does 'disculpa' differ from how you say 'sorry' in your native language?

Write five sentences using 'disculpa que' followed by a reason.

Reflect on why politeness markers like 'disculpa' are important in a new culture.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Only if you have a very informal relationship. Otherwise, use 'disculpe'.

Neither is 'better', but 'perdón' is more universal and slightly more casual.

As a noun, it's 'disculpas'. As a command to a group, it's 'disculpen'.

Yes, but specifically for minor things or as 'excuse me'.

Te debo una disculpa.

Yes, it's very common and polite.

Yes, it is understood everywhere, though frequency varies.

'Disculpa' is for social intrusion; 'con permiso' is for physical passage.

Rarely. It's usually at the beginning or stands alone.

As a noun, it is feminine: 'la disculpa'.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

무료 가입하고 연습하기

관련 콘텐츠

도움이 되었나요?

댓글 (0)

로그인하여 댓글 달기
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!