Meaning
To express regret for something one has done wrong.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people are generally more direct. While 'pedir disculpas' is used, you might hear a simple 'perdón' or 'lo siento' more frequently in daily life than in Latin America. Mexican culture places a high value on 'formalidad'. Using 'pedir disculpas' or 'disculpe' is very common to maintain politeness and avoid appearing rude or 'grosero'. In Argentina, 'pedir disculpas' is common, but you'll also hear 'mala mía' (my bad) among younger people in informal situations. Colombians are known for being exceptionally polite. 'Pedir disculpas' is often used alongside 'qué pena con usted' (what a shame with you), which is a very common local way to apologize.
The 'Le' Rule
Always include 'le' (to him/her) or 'les' (to them) before 'pido' to sound like a native speaker: 'Le pido disculpas'.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never say 'hacer una disculpa'. It's the most common giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To express regret for something one has done wrong.
The 'Le' Rule
Always include 'le' (to him/her) or 'les' (to them) before 'pido' to sound like a native speaker: 'Le pido disculpas'.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never say 'hacer una disculpa'. It's the most common giveaway that you are translating from English.
Plural is Better
While 'pedir una disculpa' is okay, 'pedir disculpas' (plural) sounds more natural and humble in most regions.
Email Etiquette
Start a difficult email with 'De antemano, pido disculpas por...' to soften the tone immediately.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition (a/por).
Le pido disculpas ___ mi jefe ___ mi error.
We use 'a' for the person receiving the apology and 'por' for the reason.
Which of these is the most formal way to apologize for being late to a meeting?
Escoge la opción más formal:
'Pido disculpas' is the standard formal collocation for professional settings.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant setting.
Camarero: 'Aquí tiene su sopa.' Cliente: 'Pero esta sopa está fría.' Camarero: '¡Oh! _________ por el inconveniente, ahora mismo la cambio.'
The verb 'pedir' is the only one that correctly collocates with 'disculpas' in this context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Pido disculpas por la interrupción. 2. ¡Perdón! 3. Mil disculpas por el retraso del vuelo.
Register and context determine which apology is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Perdón vs. Pedir Disculpas
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe pido disculpas ___ mi jefe ___ mi error.
We use 'a' for the person receiving the apology and 'por' for the reason.
Escoge la opción más formal:
'Pido disculpas' is the standard formal collocation for professional settings.
Camarero: 'Aquí tiene su sopa.' Cliente: 'Pero esta sopa está fría.' Camarero: '¡Oh! _________ por el inconveniente, ahora mismo la cambio.'
The verb 'pedir' is the only one that correctly collocates with 'disculpas' in this context.
1. Pido disculpas por la interrupción. 2. ¡Perdón! 3. Mil disculpas por el retraso del vuelo.
Register and context determine which apology is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions'Pedir disculpas' is more formal and focuses on the action/mistake. 'Lo siento' is more personal and focuses on your feelings.
Yes, it is common in Mexico, but 'pedir disculpas' (plural) is more universal.
'Disculparse' is a verb; 'pedir disculpas' is a phrase. They mean the same thing, but the phrase is slightly more formal.
Use 'les': 'Les pido disculpas a todos'.
Not necessarily, but in a job interview or a formal letter, it might seem too casual.
You can still 'pedir disculpas' as a social formality to keep the peace.
No, usually it's just 'pedir disculpas' without the article.
Pido disculpas por llegar tarde.
Yes, but 'pedir perdón' is also very common there for the same situations.
Yes: 'Pido disculpas por el ruido'.
Accepting an apology: 'Disculpas aceptadas' or 'No se preocupe'.
In Spanish, it's 'disculpa' (with an 'i'). 'Desculpa' is Portuguese.
Related Phrases
Pedir perdón
similarTo ask for forgiveness
Disculparse
synonymTo apologize (reflexive)
Dar explicaciones
builds onTo give explanations
Lo siento
similarI'm sorry
Excusarse
specialized formTo excuse oneself
