QUICK ANSWER
"Excusa" is a form of "excusa", a noun which is often translated as "excuse". "Pretexto" is a form of "pretexto", a noun which is often translated as "pretext". Learn more about the difference between "excusa" and "pretexto" below.
la excusa(
ehks
-
koo
-
sah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
las excusas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. apologies
Quisiera presentarle mis excusas. No volverá a suceder.I wish to make my apologies. It won't happen again.
el pretexto(
preh
-
tehks
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. pretext
Juan trató de usar el pretexto de estar en el equipo de fútbol para que no hacer su tarea.Juan tried to use the pretext of being on the soccer team to avoid doing his homework.
b. excuse
Necesito un buen pretexto para no ir a clases mañana.I need a good excuse to not go to school tomorrow.
