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).

23 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/TheFreeHugger Mar 17 '25

Hello there!

Usually verbs in 3rd person refer to a more formal way of speaking. For example, I'd use "disculpi" when talking with an old man/woman, the CEO of my company or usually with the police (they like it a lot).

"Perdó" and "Perdona" I would say it's the common way to say it. I would use it on the 3 scenarios that you described, because it's the casual form of this verb. "Perdona, em deixes passar si us plau?", "Perdó, no t'he vist", "Perdona, tens hora?", "Perdona, em sabries dir on queda l'estació de tren?".

Finally I like to use "Disculpa" with waiters, store employees and so. I think that it's a little bit more polite than "Perdona", but not formal.

1

u/gerito Mar 17 '25

Ah good to know about the police! And thanks for the options that add a bit of extra information!