You are a beginner learning Italian and you have studied the difference between scusi and scusa. Now you want to actually say these phrases in conversation without freezing. This workshop gives you three role-plays that increase in difficulty, so you can practise getting attention politely, handling unexpected replies, and making decisions in realistic situations. You will speak aloud, use the exact phrases from the lesson, and check your own performance.
Specific useful preparation
Before you start, review the key phrases and their meanings. Scusi is the formal 'excuse me' for strangers, officials, or anyone you address with Lei. Scusa is the informal version for friends, family, and peers. Mi scusi is a fuller, more emphatic formal form. You can add signore or signora for polite address, and per favore to soften a request. Practise the pronunciation: SKOO-zee for scusi, SKOO-zah for scusa. Say each phrase aloud a few times, focusing on the double consonant in scusi (the 's' is sharp) and the open 'a' in scusa. Then think about the situations in the exercises: a train station, a café, and a museum. For each, decide whether you would use scusi or scusa based on who you are talking to. This preparation ensures you are not just repeating words but making conscious choices.
A specific way to handle the harder turn
The hardest part is when the other person responds with a question or a comment you did not expect. For example, you say 'Scusi, è libero questo posto?' and they reply with something like 'Sì, ma è occupato da qualcuno' (Yes, but it's taken by someone) or they ask you a question back. In these moments, you need to listen for key words and use a follow-up phrase. You can say 'Mi scusi, non ho capito' (Excuse me, I didn't understand) or 'Può ripetere, per favore?' (Can you repeat, please?). If you need to switch to informal because the person is your age, you can say 'Scusa, non ho capito.' The key is to stay calm, use scusi or scusa again to buy time, and ask for clarification. Practise this by having a friend or language partner throw unexpected replies at you, so you get used to the rhythm.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Scusi.
Excuse me. (formal)
SKOO-zee
Scusa.
Excuse me. (informal)
SKOO-zah
Mi scusi.
Excuse me. (more formal)
mee SKOO-zee
Scusi, signore.
Excuse me, sir.
SKOO-zee, see-NYOH-reh
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Scusi, signore, è libero questo posto?
Excuse me, sir, is this seat free?Sì, è libero. Prego, si accomodi.
Yes, it's free. Please, have a seat.Grazie mille. Scusi, sa se il treno per Roma è in ritardo?
Thanks a lot. Excuse me, do you know if the train to Rome is delayed?Non lo so, mi dispiace. Provi a chiedere al binario.
I don't know, I'm sorry. Try asking at the platform.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Train station seat request
You are at a busy train station in Italy. You see an empty seat next to an older man reading a newspaper. You want to sit down and also ask if the train to Rome is delayed. He looks up as you approach.
Your task: Say aloud: 'Scusi, signore, è libero questo posto?' Then, after a short pause, ask: 'Scusi, sa se il treno per Roma è in ritardo?' Speak clearly and politely. Make sure you use scusi and signore correctly. You are communicating two things: that you want the seat, and that you need information about the train.
Café queue interruption
You are in a café in Florence, standing in a long queue. You realize you left your wallet on a table outside and need to step out of line quickly. A woman in her thirties is standing right behind you. You need to get her attention and explain that you will come back.
Your task: Say aloud: 'Mi scusi, signora, posso passare? Devo prendere il portafoglio.' Then, after she looks at you, add: 'Torno subito, grazie.' Use 'mi scusi' for extra politeness because you are interrupting and leaving the queue. Communicate that you need to pass and that you will return.
Museum with a friend
You are at a museum in Rome with your Italian friend, Marco. You are both looking at a painting, and you accidentally block his view. You want to move aside and also ask him if he wants to go to the next room. You address him with 'tu'.
Your task: Say aloud: 'Scusa, Marco, ti sto bloccando la vista? Mi sposto.' Then ask: 'Scusa, andiamo nella prossima sala?' Use 'scusa' because Marco is your friend. Communicate that you are moving and that you want to go to the next room.
Common questions
When I am unsure whether to use scusi or scusa, which is safer?
Use scusi. It is the formal, polite default and is never wrong with strangers or in service situations. You can always switch to scusa if the other person invites you to use 'tu'.
Can I use 'scusa' with someone older if they are a family friend?
It depends on your relationship. If they have always addressed you with 'tu' and you call them by first name, scusa is fine. If you use 'Lei' with them, stick to scusi. When in doubt, scusi is respectful.
Sources and further reading
- italian: using excuse meChecked September 2026
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Take today's Italian into a conversation with a Yapr AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr