How to Say "Excuse Me" in Spanish to Get Attention, Pass By, or Interrupt Politely
Learn Latin American Spanish phrases for politely getting attention, passing someone, or interrupting in public, and see why they are not the same as apologies.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Spanish, "excuse me" is not one phrase for every situation. If you want someone's attention, you often say "Disculpe" or "Perdón." If you need to move past someone, you might say "Con permiso." These expressions manage polite contact in public; they do not necessarily mean you are sorry for a wrong. This lesson teaches beginner-friendly Latin American Spanish phrases for attention, passing, and interrupting, with notes on when each one fits.
By the end, you can…
- get a stranger's attention politely in Spanish.
- ask to pass by someone in a crowded public place.
- interrupt a conversation or service interaction politely.
- choose between "disculpe," "perdón," and "con permiso" in common situations.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Disculpe.
Excuse me.
dees-KOOL-peh
A polite way to get a stranger's attention, especially in a store, office, or when speaking to someone older or in a formal service situation.
Perdón.
Excuse me. / Pardon.
pehr-DOHN
Very common for a quick interruption or to get attention when you are already close to the person. It can also mean "sorry," so context matters.
Con permiso.
Excuse me. / May I pass?
kohn pehr-MEE-soh
Use this when you need to move past someone, squeeze through a crowd, or step in front of someone briefly.
Disculpe, ¿me permite?
Excuse me, may I? / Excuse me, would you let me through?
dees-KOOL-peh, meh pehr-MEE-teh
A polite request to pass or to be allowed to do something. Useful when you need a little space or permission.
Una pregunta.
A question. / May I ask a question?
OO-nah preh-GOON-tah
Often used after "Disculpe" to signal that you want to ask something: "Disculpe, una pregunta."
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A simple polite pattern is "Disculpe" + a question or request. For example: "Disculpe, ¿está ocupado este asiento?" (Excuse me, is this seat taken?) or "Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?" (Excuse me, where is the bathroom?). You can also use "Perdón" for a quicker interruption: "Perdón, ¿me puede ayudar?" (Excuse me, can you help me?). For passing, use "Con permiso" by itself or add "voy a pasar" (I'm going to pass).
When to use it
Use "Disculpe" when you approach someone you do not know, especially in a formal or service setting. Use "Perdón" when you are already near someone and need a fast, polite interruption. Use "Con permiso" when your body is moving through a space: buses, aisles, crowded markets, or between tables. If you accidentally bump someone, "Perdón" works as an apology too. But if you only need attention, "Disculpe" or "Con permiso" is often better because it does not sound like you did something wrong.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Disculpe, ¿está ocupado este asiento?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?dees-KOOL-peh, ehs-TAH oh-koo-PAH-doh EHS-teh ah-SYEHN-tohNo, está libre. Puede sentarse.
No, it's free. You can sit down.noh, ehs-TAH LEE-breh. PWEH-deh sehn-TAR-sehGracias. Con permiso.
Thank you. Excuse me.GRAH-syahs. kohn pehr-MEE-sohDe nada.
You're welcome.deh NAH-dahA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American contexts, politeness often depends on tone and a brief greeting. A quick "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes" before "Disculpe" can sound especially courteous. "Perdón" is common in casual settings, while "Disculpe" may feel more formal or respectful with strangers and older speakers. Regional preferences vary: in some areas, "Con permiso" is the standard phrase for passing, while in others people may simply say "Perdón" or "Permiso."
One thing to watch for
Using "Lo siento" to get a stranger's attention, as in "Lo siento, ¿dónde está el baño?"
Try this instead: Use "Disculpe" or "Perdón" for attention. "Lo siento" normally expresses regret or sympathy, as in "Lo siento mucho" (I'm very sorry). For example, say "Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?" not "Lo siento, ¿dónde está el baño?"
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You are in a store and want to ask an employee where the milk is. What do you say first?
Show a sample answer
Disculpe, ¿dónde está la leche?
"Disculpe" politely gets the employee's attention, and the question follows naturally. "Perdón" could also work in a quick, informal setting.
2You are on a crowded bus and need to get past someone. What phrase is best?
Show a sample answer
Con permiso.
"Con permiso" is the standard polite phrase for passing by someone. "Perdón" may also be used, but it can sound more like an apology.
3You want to interrupt a conversation briefly to ask a question. What can you say?
Show a sample answer
Perdón, una pregunta.
"Perdón" softens the interruption, and "una pregunta" announces that you want to ask something. "Disculpe, una pregunta" is also correct and slightly more formal.
Use "Disculpe" or "Perdón" to get attention or interrupt, and "Con permiso" to pass by. Save "Lo siento" for genuine apologies, not for polite attention-getting.
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