culpa
Lemma Details
Translation: fault; blame; guilt; culpability
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'culpa' meaning 'fault, blame, guilt'. The English word 'culpable' (deserving blame) comes from the same Latin root, as do 'culprit' and 'exculpate'. The concept of culpability in both legal and moral contexts shares this common origin in both Spanish and English.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'culpable' - if you're culpable, you have 'culpa' (blame/guilt).
- Sounds like 'gulp-a' - imagine gulping nervously when you're guilty of something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'culpa' is significant in both religious contexts (particularly in Catholicism with the notion of sin and guilt) and in everyday social interactions where assigning and accepting blame follows cultural norms of responsibility.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Culpa' means 'fault/blame' while 'copa' means 'cup/glass/trophy'.
Confused word:
Bebió una copa de vino.
He drank a glass of wine.
Notes: These words sound similar but have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Copa' has an 'o' like the round shape of a cup, while 'culpa' has a 'u' like someone hanging their head down in shame.
Explanation: 'Culpa' refers to blame or fault, while 'causa' means 'cause' or 'reason'.
Confused word:
La causa del accidente fue el hielo en la carretera.
The cause of the accident was the ice on the road.
Notes: These concepts are related but distinct - a 'causa' (cause) might lead to someone having 'culpa' (blame).
Mnemonic: 'Causa' relates to causation (what made something happen), while 'culpa' relates to who is responsible for it happening.