"¡disculpeme! ... o ... ¡perdóname!" - the correct usage?
they are similar don't know when to use which for ex: when you want directions or asking for some information you say ___ Where is the ... and when you bump into someone at the store or make a mistake you say ___ Any advice to make it simple to remember?
5 Answers
Hi!
In the first case you need to use "disculpe", eg: "Disculpe, ¿Sabe dónde se encuentra el banco?". You also use it if you're in class and you want to raise your hand or interrupt the lecture for asking a question.
When you make a mistake and you want to apologize in a sincere and direct way you can use "perdóname" (like with your spouse or lover), less intense but equally sincere and serious: "discúlpame"; less sincere (usually with your friends, when you hit someone accidentally) would be "perdona", "disculpa".
You can also use it when you want to disagree with someone's idea (like "sorry but..."), "perdóneme pero..." (in the usted mode), "disculpa(me) pero..." (to your friend).
The indirect apologize: "lo siento", "lo lamento", "perdón"; more intense is "lo siento mucho", "lo lamento mucho". You can also use it when you just find out that a relative of the person you're talking with has died or had an accident (except for "perdón").
When you accidentally bump into someone you say: "perdón", "disculpe" (if it's a stranger and/or older person), disculpa (if it's a person you have confidence with).
I've never used "dispénseme" in those cases since it's not common in daily life. I'd suggest not to use it. The verb "dispensar" as well as "eximir" is used in very formal contexts like when you're giving some formal speech or when a congressman is dialoguing with congresspeople or with the press. "Dispénseme" would be like saying "exonéreme (de culpa)".
For the first one, I will use disculpe. For example: disculpe, me podria decir donde esta la calle X? Disculpe, podria decirme donde esta la oficina del Sr. Perez?
On the second situation, I will said disculpeme, disculpe, perdon or just perdoneme.
Just a recomendation: I know that some people use the word "dispense" but they are using it on the wrong way. For example, when a non-native english speaker said I am making my homework, you understand what he is trying to say, but you know that the correct way is I am doing my homework.
Please see the meaning of dispensar: http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/SrvltConsulta?TIPO_BUS=3&LEMA=palabra
I hope it help you.
There are tons of Q+A entries and great responses to this question. Just start searching "perdon disculpa" or "perdoname" in this case. You won't be short on great answers to consider. Enjoy!
Both are correct, you can use them both, that only means the same thing spelled differently
I also have a dilema with those words, another is disculpe. I think that in your first example disculpe is best. In the second I would use dispense. Perdoname is more so used in forgiveness.
