Meaning of "Disculpe"
What does "disculpe" mean? I have seen it as the introduction to a question asked of a stranger, such as; "Disculpe, ¿que hora es?" I thought it would mean "excuse me" but I looked it up and it was translated as "forgive" or "I am sorry". What is the difference between "disculpe" and "perdone"?
Thank you in advance to those of you that will answer my question! 
2 Answers
Disculpar is the verb meaning - to excuse.
Disculpe can be used as 'excuse me' it is the formal version, disculpa is a little bit more informal and these words can be used for instance if you want to pass someone on the street or get someone's attention etc.
Perdonar is the verb meaning - to pardon or forgive so you would use perdone/a if you had done something that needed forgiving more than just asking to get by someone, maybe you stood on their toes or upset someone? then perdone/a would be more appropriate.
Disculpe las molestias is a roadsign frequently seen at the end of Spanish road-works. We're sorry we caused you trouble.
Perdoname ,el banco se ha equivocado, te ha echo bancarrota, lo siento muchissimo.
Forgive me, I'm sorry to tell you that the bank has made an error and declared you bankrupt, we're so sorry.
I think disculpe is more for strangers, for something you couldn't really help, or a small problem. Perdon is when you've already trodden on somebody's foot, or you have to give them bad news and lo siento is when you're actually feeling sorry.
( The Ministry has no real feeling about the road-works, don't kid yourself.) This is apersonal take on these words and I will be very interested to see the answers.
Thank you for the question!
