Different forms of "Perdon"

Question

When would I use 'perdon' and 'perdona' or 'perdone'- what is the difference? thanks

disculpame - readytodictate, Apr 5, 2013

Answer 1

Perdona - imperative (command form of perdonar) for tú form to excuse or pardon. (If you know this person well or they are family or friends)

Perdone - imperative (command form of perdonar) for él, ella, usted form to excuse or pardon. (If this is a boss, someone older than you or a stranger.

perdón is the noun for "forgivenss" - but people say this alone to mean, "excuse me".

A good general fast way to ask for someone's pardon as on a bus or sidewalk.

Disculpe is used often here in Chile, but I don't here perdona so much. - katydew, Apr 5, 2013

Answer 2

Perdón --- General term used to mean Excuse me or Pardon me.

Perdona -- Informal you form of Excuse me. Perdona, amigo. Perdona tú.

Perdone --- Formal you form of Excuse me. Perdone, señora. Perdone usted.

Helpful distinctions, thank you, Francobollo :) - FELIZ77, Apr 5, 2013

Answer 3

You would use Perdón to apologize with anyone.
Perdone is very formal. You would use perdone to apologize with a stranger.
Perdona is more informal, you would use it to apologize with people you know, like friends or family members.
Anyways I think using perdone it's odd, at least for me. If I pushed someone on the street I wouldn't say Perdone, I would say: Disculpame or even Perdona. Also is very common to hear ¿perdona, tenés hora? here in Argentina.

Very interesting explanation thank you, aileribel :) - FELIZ77, Apr 5, 2013

Answer 4

There are obviously going to be regional variations but there is an important distinction in context between the use of perdone and disculpe.

Perdón/perdone is used more in situations where you accidentally bump into someone (ie: a stranger) or brush against them and not wishing to cause offence to them, you say: Perdón, señora

Disculpe is from the verb disculpar = meaning to apologise and can be loosely translated as:" I am sorry to bother you but.." .and you would use this word when you are in the street and need/ would like to ask someone for directions in a respectful manner so you start by saying: Disculpe señor/señora ..and for example,..¿Cómo se llega a..? Excuse me Sir/Madam, how do you get to ...?

I have used these words in this way with success in Spain and have never had anyone take offence to the way I have used them or needed to be corrected.

I hope this helps