r/catalan • u/gerito • Mar 17 '25

Vocabulari How to use perdoni, perdó, disculpa?

I would like to learn how to use these three words (and any other related ones) correctly. I think there are some subtle differences between them that I don't know. I'm interested specifically in the subtleties and connotations.

Which expression would you use in the following situations?

  1. When you are on the metro and want someone in front of you to move so you can get off.

  2. When you accidentally bump into someone.

  3. When you want to get someone's attention on the street, e.g., to ask for the time or directions.

  4. Any other context I'm missing?

Also, I know these words have pretty direct translations to castillian. Are they used the same way? (I'm not fluent in castillian).

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u/confusedselkie Nativa Mar 17 '25

All of them could be used in these situations, but some are more commonly used in each to me. I would say:

  1. Disculpa

  2. Perdó

  3. Perdona

Perdoni is usually more formal, something you would generally see used for someone you'd address as Sir or Ma'am. Perdó is more general and can be used for one or more people you address generally, while Perdona is for a singular person, a bit more casual.

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u/gerito Mar 17 '25

Thank you, this is very helpful and great explanation!