In this workshop, you will practice using «Disculpe, ¿me permite?», «Perdón, ¿me deja pasar?», «Permiso.», and «Con permiso.» to get attention, pass by, or interrupt politely. You will also hear a short exchange where one person asks to pass and then asks for directions. Each native example is explained in English before you try it. You can play both roles with audio, but there is no automatic assessment, so use the answer keys to check yourself.
Getting Attention and Asking to Pass
Use «Disculpe, ¿me permite?» (Excuse me, may I?) to politely get someone's attention before a question or request. It works with strangers or in formal situations. When you need someone to step aside, use «Perdón, ¿me deja pasar?» (Excuse me, will you let me pass?). For a short, natural way to pass by, say «Permiso.» (Excuse me to pass). A slightly more formal option is «Con permiso.» (Excuse me to pass). These phrases help you move through a crowd or enter a room without sounding rude. Practice saying each one aloud, paying attention to the pronunciation guide. Remember that «Perdón» can also mean 'sorry', but here it is used to get attention before a request.
Understanding a Short Exchange
In the recorded dialogue, Speaker A says «Disculpe, ¿me permite pasar?» (Excuse me, may I pass?). Speaker B replies «Claro, pase usted.» (Of course, go ahead.). Speaker A then says «Gracias. ¿Sabe dónde está la salida?» (Thank you. Do you know where the exit is?). Speaker B answers «Sí, al final del pasillo a la derecha.» (Yes, at the end of the hallway on the right.). Notice that «a la derecha» here means 'on the right' as a location, not an instruction to turn right. The phrase «al final del pasillo» means 'at the end of the hallway'. This exchange shows how to ask for permission to pass and then ask for directions.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Disculpe, ¿me permite?
Excuse me, may I?
dees-KOOL-peh, meh per-MEE-teh
Perdón, ¿me deja pasar?
Excuse me, will you let me pass?
per-DOHN, meh DEH-hah pah-SAHR
Permiso.
Excuse me (to pass).
per-MEE-soh
Con permiso.
Excuse me (to pass).
kohn per-MEE-soh
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Disculpe, ¿me permite pasar?
Excuse me, may I pass?Claro, pase usted.
Of course, go ahead.Gracias. ¿Sabe dónde está la salida?
Thank you. Do you know where the exit is?Sí, al final del pasillo a la derecha.
Yes, at the end of the hallway on the right.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Asking to Pass
Imagine you are in a crowded hallway and need to get through. You will play Speaker A. Use the recorded lines to guide you.
Your task: Say aloud: «Disculpe, ¿me permite pasar?» Then pause and imagine Speaker B replies «Claro, pase usted.» Respond with «Gracias. ¿Sabe dónde está la salida?» Then pause and imagine Speaker B says «Sí, al final del pasillo a la derecha.» Repeat the exchange twice, trying to sound polite and clear.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Best Response
Read each situation and choose the most appropriate phrase from the options. All phrases come from the recordings.
Your task: 1. You need to get past someone in a crowd. What do you say? a) «Permiso.» b) «Gracias.» 2. Someone says «Disculpe, ¿me permite?» to you. What is a polite reply? a) «Claro, pase usted.» b) «Al final del pasillo a la derecha.» 3. You want to ask where the exit is after someone lets you pass. What do you say? a) «¿Sabe dónde está la salida?» b) «Con permiso.» Write your answers, then check below.
Recall and Role-Play: Passing and Directions
Without looking at the lines, try to recall the full exchange. You will play both roles.
Your task: First, play Speaker A: say the line to ask to pass, then thank the person and ask where the exit is. Then play Speaker B: give permission and give the direction. Say everything aloud. If you get stuck, peek at the recordings, then try again without looking.
Common questions
What is the difference between «Permiso.» and «Con permiso.»?
Both mean 'Excuse me' when passing by. «Permiso.» is short and very common in Latin America. «Con permiso.» is slightly more formal and is used when passing close to someone or entering a room.
In the phrase «al final del pasillo a la derecha», does «a la derecha» mean 'turn right' or 'on the right'?
It means 'on the right' as a location. It tells you where the exit is, not that you should turn right. If someone wanted you to turn right, they would use a verb like 'gire' or 'doble'.
Sources and further reading
- spanish: using excuse meChecked September 2026
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