How to Say 'Excuse Me' in Italian: Politely Get Attention or Interrupt
Learn standard Italian phrases like scusi, scusa, and permesso to politely get attention or interrupt a conversation in public, with pronunciation and usage notes.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Italian, the English word 'excuse me' splits into several expressions depending on formality, region, and situation. This lesson teaches you how to politely get someone's attention in public or interrupt a conversation. You will learn when to use scusi, scusa, permesso, and senta, and how to avoid sounding rude. We do not cover apologizing for mistakes here; that is a separate skill.
By the end, you can…
- choose between formal and informal ways to get someone's attention in Italian.
- use scusi, scusa, permesso, and senta appropriately in public situations.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Scusi.
Excuse me. (formal)
SKOO-zee
Use with strangers, older people, officials, or anyone you address with Lei. It is the safest default in public.
Scusa.
Excuse me. (informal)
SKOO-zah
Use with friends, family, peers, children, or people you address with tu. Avoid with strangers unless the setting is very casual.
Permesso?
May I? / Excuse me, may I pass?
per-MES-soh
Said when entering a room, squeezing past someone, or joining a group. Often used when physically moving through a space.
Senta, ...
Excuse me, listen, ... (formal)
SEN-tah
Use to politely open a request or question with a stranger, for example asking for directions or information.
Mi scusi, posso chiederle una cosa?
Excuse me, may I ask you something? (formal)
mee SKOO-zee, POS-soh KYEH-der-leh OO-nah KOH-zah
A complete polite opener when you need help or information from someone you do not know.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Italian marks politeness with verb forms. Scusi and senta use the formal Lei form, so they work with strangers. Scusa and senti use the informal tu form, so they work with friends. For example: Scusi, dov'è la stazione? (Excuse me, where is the station?) to a stranger; Scusa, hai una penna? (Hey, do you have a pen?) to a friend. If you are unsure, choose the formal form; it is rarely offensive.
When to use it
Use Scusi to stop a stranger in the street, get a waiter's attention, or interrupt someone politely. Use Permesso when you physically need to pass or enter: Permesso? then move. Use Senta to begin a question to an official or shop worker: Senta, può aiutarmi? (Excuse me, can you help me?). Regional accents vary in vowel quality and intonation, but the standard forms above are polite and understood everywhere.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, posso chiederle un'informazione?
Excuse me, may I ask you for some information?SKOO-zee, POS-soh KYEH-der-leh oon-een-for-mats-YOH-nehCerto, mi dica.
Of course, tell me.CHER-toh, mee DEE-kahGrazie. Dov'è la fermata dell'autobus?
Thank you. Where is the bus stop?GRAH-tsyeh. doh-VEH lah fer-MAH-tah del-LOW-toh-boosÈ proprio lì, davanti al bar.
It is right there, in front of the café.eh PROH-pryoh lee, dah-VAN-tee al barA little context goes a long way
Italians often use scusi with a rising, friendly tone and may add a small hand gesture. Permesso is expected when entering a home or squeezing through a crowd; skipping it can seem abrupt. In shops, senta is common, while scusi works almost everywhere. Regional accents vary, but the standard forms above are polite and widely understood.
One thing to watch for
Using Scusa with a stranger, such as a police officer or an elderly person.
Try this instead: Use the formal Scusi instead: Scusi, può aiutarmi? (Excuse me, can you help me?). Scusa is only for people you address with tu, such as friends or children.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You need to ask a stranger for directions. Which phrase do you use?
Show a sample answer
Scusi, posso chiederle un'informazione?
Scusi is the formal 'excuse me' and posso chiederle uses the formal Lei form, so it is polite with a stranger. Scusa would be too informal here.
2You are squeezing past people on a crowded train. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Permesso.
Permesso is the standard way to ask to pass or enter. You could also say Permesso, grazie, but Scusi alone is less specific for physically moving through a crowd.
3You want to get a shop assistant's attention to ask a question. Give a polite opener.
Show a sample answer
Senta, posso chiederle una cosa?
Senta is a polite formal opener for a request. Scusi, posso chiederle una cosa? is also correct and equally polite.
Default to Scusi with strangers, use Scusa only with friends, and say Permesso when you need to pass or enter.
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