How to Say "Excuse Me" in Spanish: Politely Get Attention or Interrupt
Learn five practical Latin American Spanish phrases to politely get someone's attention or interrupt a conversation, with pronunciation, usage notes and a short dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Spanish, the phrase you choose for "excuse me" depends on what you need: stopping a stranger to ask a question, getting a server's attention, or cutting into a conversation that is already in progress. This lesson teaches five broadly useful Latin American Spanish phrases for those situations. It does not cover apologizing for mistakes; that is a different skill with different wording. Focus here on tone, timing and the small words that make an interruption sound polite rather than abrupt.
By the end, you can…
- politely get a stranger's attention in a public place using Spanish.
- interrupt a conversation in progress without sounding rude.
- choose between informal and formal ways to address someone I do not know.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Disculpe
Excuse me (formal, to get attention)
dees-KOOL-peh
The safest default with strangers, staff, or anyone older than you. In Latin America it is used constantly to stop someone briefly.
Perdón
Pardon me / Excuse me
pehr-DOHN
Short and soft. Good for squeezing past someone or breaking into a conversation already underway. Common throughout Latin America.
Disculpa
Excuse me (informal)
dees-KOOL-pah
The informal form, used with people you already address as tú: friends, classmates, people your age you know.
Una pregunta
A question / Can I ask you something?
OO-nah preh-GOON-tah
Often paired with Disculpe: "Disculpe, una pregunta." It signals you only need a moment, not a long chat.
Con permiso
Excuse me (to pass by)
kohn pehr-MEE-soh
Used when physically moving through a crowd or past someone, not for starting a conversation.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Many polite interruptions follow a simple pattern: attention word + short request. For example: "Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?" (Excuse me, where is the bathroom?) or "Perdón, una pregunta." (Pardon me, a question.) The attention word comes first and stands alone with a slight pause. You can also add the title of the person: "Disculpe, señor" or "Disculpe, señora." This pattern works in shops, offices, streets and restaurants across Latin America.
When to use it
Use "Disculpe" with strangers, service workers, or anyone you would address formally. Use "Disculpa" only with people you already call tú. Use "Perdón" for quick, soft interruptions, such as when two people are talking and you need to add something: "Perdón, ¿puedo decir algo?" (Pardon me, may I say something?) Use "Con permiso" only when your body is moving past someone, for example on a crowded bus: "Con permiso." It is not a conversation opener.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Disculpe, ¿me puede ayudar un momento?
Excuse me, can you help me for a moment?dees-KOOL-peh, meh PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAHR oon moh-MEN-tohClaro, dígame.
Of course, tell me.KLAH-roh, DEE-gah-mehPerdón, una pregunta: ¿dónde está la estación de metro?
Pardon me, a question: where is the metro station?pehr-DOHN, OO-nah preh-GOON-tah: DOHN-deh es-TAH lah es-tah-SYOHN deh MEH-trohEstá a dos cuadras, a la derecha.
It's two blocks away, on the right.es-TAH ah dohs KWAH-brahs, ah lah deh-REH-chahA little context goes a long way
In much of Latin America, "Disculpe" with a stranger is normal and expected, while "Disculpa" can sound too familiar with someone older or in a formal setting. "Perdón" is softer and works well in casual interruptions. Titles like señor and señora are still common and polite with older strangers; using them with "Disculpe" sounds respectful, not old-fashioned.
One thing to watch for
Using "Disculpa" with an older stranger or a formal official because it is shorter and easier to remember.
Try this instead: Use "Disculpe" with strangers and formal situations. Say "Disculpe, ¿me ayuda?" (Excuse me, can you help me?) rather than "Disculpa, ¿me ayudas?" The informal form assumes a tú relationship that may not exist yet.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You need to stop an older man on the street to ask for directions. Which phrase do you start with?
Show a sample answer
Disculpe, señor.
"Disculpe" is the formal attention-getter, and "señor" adds respect with an older stranger. "Perdón" is also acceptable and softer, but "Disculpa" would be too informal here.
2Two coworkers are talking, and you need to add something quickly. What short phrase fits?
Show a sample answer
Perdón, ¿puedo decir algo?
"Perdón" is a soft, quick interruption that fits a conversation already in progress. "Con permiso" would be wrong because you are not physically passing by.
3You are moving through a crowded bus and need people to let you pass. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Con permiso.
"Con permiso" is specifically for passing by someone physically. "Disculpe" could also be heard, but "Con permiso" is the standard phrase for this exact situation.
Match the phrase to the moment: "Disculpe" for formal attention, "Disculpa" with people you know well, "Perdón" for soft interruptions, and "Con permiso" when you are physically passing by.
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