Meaning
Used to apologize or get attention, often less formal than 'permiso'.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'disculpa' is used very freely. Even if you don't know someone, if they look like they are under 40, 'disculpa' is perfectly acceptable and even preferred over the 'stiff' disculpe. Mexican Spanish tends to be slightly more formal with strangers. Even young people might use 'disculpe' or 'perdón' with someone they don't know to show respect. In Argentina, you will often hear 'Disculpame' (with the accent on the 'pa'). This is the voseo form and is the standard informal way to apologize.
The 'U' Rule
If you want to be safe with a stranger, always use the version with the 'e' (Disculpe). It's never offensive to be too polite!
Not for 'Thank You'
Unlike in some languages, 'disculpa' is never used to mean 'thank you'. Use 'gracias' instead.
Meaning
Used to apologize or get attention, often less formal than 'permiso'.
The 'U' Rule
If you want to be safe with a stranger, always use the version with the 'e' (Disculpe). It's never offensive to be too polite!
Not for 'Thank You'
Unlike in some languages, 'disculpa' is never used to mean 'thank you'. Use 'gracias' instead.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to use with a friend.
________, ¿puedo usar tu teléfono?
With a friend, you use the informal 'tú' form: 'disculpa'.
Fill in the preposition used for apologies.
Disculpa ______ el retraso.
We use 'por' to indicate the reason for an apology.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
Talking to an 80-year-old grandmother you don't know.
Elders and strangers require the formal 'usted' form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¡Ay! ¡Disculpa! B: No te preocupes, ________.
'No pasa nada' is the most common response to a minor apology.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________, ¿puedo usar tu teléfono?
With a friend, you use the informal 'tú' form: 'disculpa'.
Disculpa ______ el retraso.
We use 'por' to indicate the reason for an apology.
Talking to an 80-year-old grandmother you don't know.
Elders and strangers require the formal 'usted' form.
A: ¡Ay! ¡Disculpa! B: No te preocupes, ________.
'No pasa nada' is the most common response to a minor apology.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsBoth are extremely common. 'Perdón' is slightly more informal and shorter, while 'disculpa' sounds a tiny bit more deliberate.
It depends on the culture. In Spain, maybe. In Latin America, it's better to use 'disculpe' to show respect.
If you are talking to a group of friends, say 'disculpad' (Spain) or 'disculpen' (Latin America).
Related Phrases
Perdón
synonymPardon / Sorry
Lo siento
similarI'm sorry
Con permiso
contrastWith your permission / Excuse me
