Lo Siento and Disculpe

Question

I've heard both "Lo sientos" and "Disculpe" used for what in English would be "Excuse me" or "I'm Sorry". How do you know when to use which? Is one more formal that the other?

I believe it would actually be written "disculpa" instead of "disculpe". - DJ_Huero, Mar 16, 2011

I just say "perdón" all the time. - rabbitwho, Mar 16, 2011

I ellaborated, check that out and let me know if you have anymore questions. =) - DJ_Huero, Mar 16, 2011

Answer 1

¡Bienvenido al Span¡shD!ct!

Actually the translations do differ, and I believe that will help you tell when to use which.

Lo siento means "I'm sorry" and is more in terms of sadness. EX: Hoy lo siento, pero no puedo hacer eso."

Disculpa (while still an apology) means "Excuse me" like if you bumped into somebody or something. You could probably look into it even further and break it apart considering "culpa" is guilt/fault and "culpable" is guilty. SO, "disculpa" could be seen as, unfault. EX: (bump) Ay, disculpa

As well, rabbitwho stated there is a third apology, perdón which means pardon. If you're familiar with the English word, you know it's used in phrases like, "I beg your pardon" if you don't hear something or misunderstand. EX: "Vente pa'ca", says first person. "¿Perdón?" Second person not hearing the first time.

So, if I apologize for something I said that bothered someone, I would say "disculpa"? - owllady, Mar 16, 2011

More properly speaking, yes, "Disculpame" would be best. - DJ_Huero, Mar 16, 2011

I see. Gracias. =) - owllady, Mar 16, 2011

De nada amiga - DJ_Huero, Mar 17, 2011