How to Interrupt Politely in Spanish: 'Sorry to cut in, but...' and 'Can I add something?'
Learn elementary Latin American Spanish phrases to interrupt politely and urgently, like 'Perdón, pero...' and '¿Puedo agregar algo?', without sounding rude.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Sometimes you need to speak right away—to correct a mistake, share urgent news, or add a key point. In Spanish, interrupting politely means using a short apology or permission question, then stating your point. This lesson teaches you five useful phrases for Latin American Spanish, with pronunciation and when to use each. You will also learn how this differs from changing the topic, which can wait. By the end, you can interrupt without offending.
By the end, you can…
- interrupt politely in Spanish using 'Perdón, pero...' or 'Disculpe, pero...'.
- ask for permission to add something with '¿Puedo agregar algo?' or '¿Me permite añadir algo?'.
- distinguish an urgent interruption from a topic change.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Perdón, pero necesito decir algo urgente.
Sorry, but I need to say something urgent.
pehr-DOHN, PEH-roh neh-seh-SEE-toh deh-SEER ahl-GOH oon oor-HEN-teh
Use when you must interrupt immediately because the information cannot wait. 'Perdón' is a quick apology; 'pero' softens the interruption.
Disculpe, ¿puedo agregar algo?
Excuse me, can I add something?
dees-KOOL-peh, PWEH-doh ah-greh-GAR AHL-goh
Polite and slightly formal. Use with strangers, elders, or in work meetings. In Spain, 'añadir' is more common than 'agregar'.
Perdón por interrumpir, pero es importante.
Sorry to interrupt, but it's important.
pehr-DOHN pohr een-teh-room-PEER, PEH-roh ehs eem-por-TAHN-teh
A clear apology plus reason. Use when you cut into a conversation or presentation because the matter is serious.
¿Me permite añadir algo rápido?
May I add something quickly?
meh per-MEE-teh ah-nyah-DEER AHL-goh RAH-pee-doh
Formal and respectful. 'Permitir' means 'to allow'. Use in professional settings or with people you don't know well. 'Añadir' is common in Spain; in Latin America, 'agregar' is more frequent.
Una cosa rápida, si me permiten.
One quick thing, if you'll allow me.
OO-nah KOH-sah RAH-pee-dah, see meh per-MEE-tehn
Casual but polite. Use in group conversations when you want to slip in a brief point without derailing the discussion.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Most polite interruptions follow a two-part pattern: an apology or permission question + your urgent point. For example: 'Perdón, pero...' (Sorry, but...) or 'Disculpe, ¿puedo...?' (Excuse me, can I...?). You can also use '¿Me permite...?' (May I...?) for formal situations. After the opener, state your point directly: 'Perdón, pero el jefe está esperando.' (Sorry, but the boss is waiting.) This pattern signals respect while letting you speak immediately.
When to use it
Use these phrases when waiting would cause a problem: correcting a factual error, warning about a danger, or sharing time-sensitive news. For example, if someone says the meeting is at 3, but it's actually at 2, say: 'Perdón, pero la reunión es a las dos.' Do not use these for changing the topic casually—that can wait. If you just want to switch subjects, use 'Cambiando de tema...' (Changing the subject...). Interrupting politely is for urgency, not for steering the conversation.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entonces, como les decía, el proyecto sigue igual...
So, as I was saying, the project continues the same...ehn-TOHN-sehs, KOH-moh lehs deh-SEE-ah, ehl proh-YEK-toh SEE-gweh ee-GWAHLPerdón por interrumpir, pero acabo de recibir un correo importante.
Sorry to interrupt, but I just received an important email.pehr-DOHN pohr een-teh-room-PEER, PEH-roh ah-KAH-boh deh reh-see-BEER oon koh-RREH-oh eem-por-TAHN-tehClaro, dime. ¿Qué dice?
Of course, tell me. What does it say?KLAH-roh, DEE-meh. keh DEE-sehQue la fecha límite se adelantó al viernes. ¿Puedo agregar algo más?
That the deadline was moved up to Friday. Can I add something else?keh lah FEH-chah LEE-mee-teh seh ah-deh-lahn-TOH ahl BYEHR-nehs. PWEH-doh ah-greh-GAR AHL-goh MAHSA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American contexts, politeness is shown through softeners like 'perdón', 'disculpe', and 'si me permite'. Directly saying 'Oye' (Hey) or 'Escucha' (Listen) can sound abrupt or rude, especially with older people or in formal settings. In Spain, 'añadir' is more common than 'agregar', and 'perdona' (informal) is used with peers. When in doubt, use 'Disculpe' with strangers and 'Perdón' with acquaintances. Always keep your interruption brief and then let the other person respond.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Oye' or 'Escucha' alone to interrupt, which can sound like you are scolding or being too direct.
Try this instead: Add a polite opener: 'Oye, perdón, pero...' or better, 'Disculpe, ¿puedo agregar algo?'. For example, instead of 'Oye, estás equivocado', say 'Perdón, pero creo que hay un error.' This shows respect while still interrupting.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You need to interrupt a meeting to say the client is on the phone. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Disculpe, ¿puedo agregar algo? El cliente está en el teléfono.
This uses a polite permission question plus the urgent information. 'Perdón, pero el cliente está en el teléfono' is also correct and slightly more direct.
2How do you say 'Sorry to interrupt, but it's urgent' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Perdón por interrumpir, pero es urgente.
This follows the apology + reason pattern. You could also say 'Disculpe la interrupción, pero es urgente' for a more formal tone.
3What is the difference between interrupting and changing the topic in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Interrupting is for urgent points and uses phrases like 'Perdón, pero...'; changing the topic can wait and uses 'Cambiando de tema...'.
Interrupting requires immediate attention, so you apologize or ask permission. Changing the topic is a casual shift and does not need an urgent opener.
To interrupt politely in Spanish, start with 'Perdón' or 'Disculpe', add 'pero' or a permission question like '¿Puedo agregar algo?', then state your urgent point. Save this for real urgency; for topic changes, use 'Cambiando de tema...'.
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