culpar
Lemma Details
Translation: to blame; to accuse; to hold responsible; to fault
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'culpare', meaning 'to blame', which comes from Latin 'culpa' meaning 'fault, blame, guilt'. The English words 'culpable' (deserving blame) and 'culprit' share this Latin root, making it easier to connect the Spanish verb with the concept of assigning blame or responsibility.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No me culpes por lo que pasó.
Don't blame me for what happened.
Todos culparon al conductor por el accidente.
Everyone blamed the driver for the accident.
Se culpa a sí mismo por el fracaso del proyecto.
He blames himself for the project's failure.
Es injusto culpar a una persona por los errores de todos.
It's unfair to blame one person for everyone's mistakes.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'culpable' (deserving blame) to remember that 'culpar' means 'to blame'.
- The 'culp' in 'culpar' sounds like 'gulp' - imagine someone gulping nervously when they're being blamed for something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of blame and responsibility is important in social interactions. The verb 'culpar' is commonly used in discussions about responsibility, especially in conflicts or when something goes wrong. Understanding the nuances of blame attribution can help navigate social situations appropriately.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'culpar' means 'to blame', 'disculpar' means the opposite: 'to excuse' or 'to forgive'. The prefix 'dis-' negates the action.
Notes: These verbs are often used in reflexive forms as well: 'culparse' (to blame oneself) and 'disculparse' (to apologize).
Mnemonic: Remember that 'dis-' often works as a negative prefix, so 'disculpar' undoes the blame that 'culpar' assigns.
Explanation: Though they sound similar, 'culpar' means 'to blame' while 'ocupar' means 'to occupy' or 'to take up'.
Notes: The 'c' in 'culpar' is associated with 'culpa' (fault), while the 'oc' in 'ocupar' relates to 'occupation'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ocupar' as related to 'occupation' (what occupies your time), while 'culpar' relates to 'culpable' (who's to blame).