While both "guilty" and "culpable" suggest responsibility for wrongdoing, there's a subtle yet important difference between them. "Guilty" typically refers to a legal finding of responsibility for a crime or offense, often following a trial. It's a more formal and precise term. "Culpable," on the other hand, is a broader term suggesting blameworthiness or responsibility for something bad, whether or not it's a legal offense. It implies a degree of moral fault.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Guilty: "The jury found the defendant guilty of theft." (Meaning: The court legally declared the defendant responsible for stealing.)
• Guilty (Translation): The court legally declared the defendant responsible for stealing.
• Culpable: "He felt culpable for the accident, even though he wasn't directly involved." (Meaning: He felt morally responsible for the accident, although he wasn't directly involved in causing it.)
• Culpable (Translation): He felt morally responsible for the accident, although he wasn't directly involved in causing it.

Notice how "guilty" is used in a legal context, while "culpable" is used in a more general sense of moral responsibility. Sometimes, you might use the word "culpable" when describing a situation where someone made a bad decision even if there's no legal consequence. Someone can be culpable for something without being legally guilty.

Another example:

• Guilty: "She pleaded guilty to the charges." (Meaning: She admitted her legal responsibility for the crimes.)
• Guilty (Translation): She admitted her legal responsibility for the crimes.
• Culpable: "I feel culpable for not helping him more." (Meaning: I feel morally at fault for not having assisted him sufficiently.)
• Culpable (Translation): I feel morally at fault for not having assisted him sufficiently.

Understanding this subtle difference will help you use these words accurately and effectively in your writing and speaking. Happy learning!