How to Say Excuse Me in Italian: Scusi, Scusa & Other Polite Italian Phrases

Learning how to say excuse me in Italian is one of those things you'll use constantly when traveling or living in Italy. Whether you're squeezing past someone on a crowded bus in Rome, trying to get a waiter's attention, or apologizing for accidentally bumping into someone, knowing the right way to say this phrase makes everything smoother. There are a few different versions depending on whether you're being formal or informal when learning Italian, and once you understand when to use each one, you'll sound way more natural.

The main ways to say excuse me in Italian

Here's the thing about Italian: the language has built-in formality levels that English doesn't really have anymore. So when you're learning how to say excuse me, you need to know who you're talking to first.

Scusi (formal)

Use "scusi" when you're talking to someone you don't know, someone older than you, or anyone you'd normally show respect to. This is your default setting for most travel situations in Italy. When you're navigating a crowded street, trying to get past someone at a museum, or getting a shopkeeper's attention, "scusi" is what you want.

The pronunciation is "SKOO-zee" with the stress on the first syllable. The "sc" before an "i" makes a "sh" sound in Italian, which trips up a lot of English speakers at first.

You can also say "mi scusi" which literally means "excuse me" (with the "mi" meaning "me"). Both work perfectly fine. Some people feel like "mi scusi" sounds slightly more polite, but honestly, in everyday conversation, you'll hear both used interchangeably.

Scusa (informal)

"Scusa" is what you'd use with friends, family, kids, or people around your age in casual settings. If you're backpacking through Italy and talking to other young travelers, this is your version. The pronunciation is "SKOO-zah" with the same stress pattern.

You can also extend this to "scusami" which adds emphasis, kind of like saying "excuse me" versus "I'm really sorry" in English. Use "scusami" when you actually did something wrong and want to apologize, not just when you're trying to get past someone.

Scusate (plural)

When you need to excuse yourself to a group of people, "scusate" is what you need. Pronounced "skoo-ZAH-teh," this works whether the group is formal or informal. Walking into a meeting late? "Scusate." Interrupting a conversation between multiple friends? "Scusate."

The Italian language handles plural forms differently than English, and this is one of those cases where you actually need a different word form rather than just adding context.

When to use permesso

Here's where things get interesting. "Permesso" is another way to say excuse me in Italian, but it has a specific use case. You say "permesso" (pronounced "pehr-MESS-oh") when you're physically trying to pass through a space or asking permission to enter.

Picture this: you're on a packed train in Milan and need to get to the door before your stop. You'd say "permesso" while gently making your way through the crowd. Or you're arriving at someone's home and standing at the doorway. "Permesso?" works as a polite way to ask if you can come in.

Why do Italians say permesso? Because it literally means "permission" or "permit." You're asking for permission to pass or enter, which makes way more sense than just saying "excuse me" in these physical contexts. Native speakers use this constantly, and once you start using it too, you'll feel way more natural in crowded Italian spaces.

You wouldn't use "permesso" if you're apologizing for something or trying to get someone's attention from a distance. Save it for when you're physically navigating through people or spaces.

Other phrases for apologizing and excusing yourself

Sometimes you need more than just the basic excuse me. Italian has several other phrases that work in different situations.

Chiedo scusa

"Chiedo scusa" (pronounced "KYEH-doh SKOO-zah") literally means "I ask for forgiveness" or "I apologize." This is more formal and serious than just "scusi." Use this when you've made a real mistake or need to offer a genuine apology. You wouldn't say this just because you bumped into someone lightly.

Perdonami

"Perdonami" means "forgive me" and carries emotional weight. This goes beyond a simple excuse me and enters apology territory. The pronunciation is "pehr-DOH-nah-mee." You'd use this with friends or family when you've actually upset someone or done something wrong.

There's also "mi perdoni" which is the formal version, used in serious situations with people you don't know well.

Formal versus informal: Getting it right

The formal and informal distinction matters more in Italian than it does in modern English. Using the wrong form won't cause a disaster, but getting it right shows cultural awareness and respect.

Use formal versions (scusi, mi scusi, mi perdoni) with:

Use informal versions (scusa, scusami, perdonami) with:

When in doubt? Go formal. Italians won't be offended if you're too polite, but they might think you're rude if you're too casual with the wrong person.

Common mistakes to avoid

Making these Italian phrases stick

The best way to remember these phrases is to actually use them.

FAQs

The excuse me expressions are essential, but they are just the beginning

The excuse me expressions in Italian can give learners a taste of how Italian language handles formal and informal situations. The distinction runs through the entire language system, affecting verb conjugations, pronouns, and even which words you choose. If you want to learn Italian beyond tourist phrases, you'll need to get comfortable with these formality levels. Listening to native Italian speakers helps tremendously. Watch Italian YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, or find language lesson content that includes real conversations.

Politeness is a skill worth learning.