Spanish Conversation · Level 82
60 words
Spanish word
disculpar
Pronunciation
IPA/diskulˈpaɾ/
Meaning
- verbforgive
Example
¿Puedes disculpar mi retraso?
Can you forgive me for being late?
More examples
No puedo disculpar a alguien que miente con frecuencia.
I cannot forgive someone who lies frequently.
Core concept
Accepting an explanation that removes blame.
Common phrases
disculpar a alguien
forgive someone
disculpar un error
forgive a mistake
disculpar el retraso
forgive the delay
Similar words
disculparse: Admits a personal mistake and apologizes.
perdonar: Stops resenting and lets go of someone's wrongdoing.
excusar: Treats a fault as less serious because of the circumstances.
justificar: Explains reasons for an action to present it as justified.
Definition in Spanish
Perdonar o aceptar una explicación que exime de culpa; como pronominal, significar la acción de disculparse o pedir perdón.
Word origin
From Latin disculpare, from dis- 'away' and culpare 'to blame', the verb means remove blame and thus forgive or accept an excuse.
Usage tips
- Spanish uses the reflexive disculparse to apologize while disculpar names forgiving or accepting someone else's excuse, a distinction English speakers often confuse.