How to Say 'Excuse Me' in Italian: Get Attention Politely
Learn Italian ways to say 'excuse me' to get attention, pass by someone, or interrupt politely, and see how they differ from apologies.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Italian, 'excuse me' is not one phrase but several, and choosing the right one depends on what you are doing: getting someone's attention, moving past a person, interrupting a conversation, or asking about a seat. These expressions are about politeness and attention, not remorse, so they are different from saying 'I'm sorry.' This lesson gives you the standard phrases, shows where they are used, and notes when regional or formal variants matter.
By the end, you can…
- get a stranger's attention politely in Italian
- pass by someone or interrupt a conversation using the right Italian phrase
- ask whether a seat is free using 'Excuse me' in Italian
- choose between attention-getting phrases and true apologies
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Scusi!
Excuse me! (polite, to one person)
SKOO-zee
Standard polite way to get a stranger's attention, ask a question, or interrupt. Use it with people you do not know, older people, or in formal situations.
Scusa!
Excuse me! (informal, to one person)
SKOO-zah
Use with friends, family, classmates, or people your age you already know. It can also mean 'sorry' when you bump into someone you know.
Permesso?
May I? / Excuse me, may I pass?
per-MES-soh
Said when you need to get through a crowd, reach your seat on a train, or enter a room. Very common in shops, buses, and cinemas.
Mi scusi, è libero questo posto?
Excuse me, is this seat free?
mee SKOO-zee, eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POH-stoh
Polite question about a seat in a waiting room, train, or café. 'Libero' means free or available, not 'without cost.'
Scusate!
Excuse me! (to more than one person)
skoo-ZAH-teh
Use when addressing a group, for example two people blocking a doorway or a table of strangers you need to speak to.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core verb is 'scusare' (to excuse). 'Scusi' is the formal singular command form, 'scusa' is informal singular, and 'scusate' is plural. Add 'mi' for extra politeness: 'Mi scusi' means 'excuse me' with more emphasis. Note that 'Mi scusa' is not standard Italian; the informal emphatic form is simply 'Scusa' or 'Scusami'. To ask a full question, start with the phrase and then add your request: 'Scusi, dov'è la stazione?' (Excuse me, where is the station?), 'Scusa, hai una penna?' (Excuse me, do you have a pen?).
When to use it
Use 'Scusi' or 'Mi scusi' with strangers, officials, shop staff, and anyone older. Use 'Scusa' with friends and peers. Use 'Permesso?' when physically moving through people, not when asking a question. Use 'Scusate' for a group. If you actually caused harm, such as stepping on someone's foot, Italians often say 'Mi scusi' or 'Scusa' too, but the tone and context make the apology clear. For a serious apology, 'Mi dispiace' (I'm sorry) is better.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Mi scusi, è libero questo posto?
Excuse me, is this seat free?mee SKOO-zee, eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POH-stohSì, è libero. Prego, si accomodi.
Yes, it's free. Please, have a seat.see, eh LEE-beh-roh. PREH-goh, see ak-KOH-moh-deeGrazie mille. Permesso, passo.
Thanks a lot. Excuse me, I'll pass by.GRAH-tsee-eh MEEL-leh. per-MES-soh, PAS-sohCerto, prego.
Of course, go ahead.CHER-toh, PREH-gohA little context goes a long way
In Italy, 'Permesso?' is especially common when entering a home or squeezing through a crowd, and it is not rude. 'Scusi' is safe with strangers, while 'Scusa' can sound too familiar with older people or officials. In the south, you may hear warmer forms like 'Scusate' or dialect-influenced variants, but standard 'Scusi' and 'Permesso' are understood everywhere.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Scusa' with an older stranger or an official because it is shorter and easier to remember.
Try this instead: Use 'Scusi' or 'Mi scusi' for strangers, older people, and formal situations. Say 'Scusi, può aiutarmi?' (Excuse me, can you help me?) rather than 'Scusa, può aiutarmi?' when you do not know the person.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You need to get past a crowd on a train. Which phrase do you say?
Show a sample answer
Permesso?
'Permesso?' is the standard phrase for asking to pass through people. 'Scusi' could also work if you add a request, but 'Permesso?' is the most natural for physically moving through.
2You want to ask a stranger if the seat next to them is free. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Mi scusi, è libero questo posto?
This uses the polite 'Mi scusi' and the correct question about a seat. 'Scusi, è libero?' is also acceptable in context.
3You are talking to two friends who are blocking a doorway. Which form do you use?
Show a sample answer
Scusate!
'Scusate' is the plural form, used for more than one person. With close friends, 'Scusate' or 'Scusa' to one friend both work.
Use 'Scusi' for polite attention, 'Scusa' with friends, 'Scusate' for groups, and 'Permesso?' to pass by. These are attention-getters, not apologies; for real remorse, say 'Mi dispiace.'
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