How to say excuse me in Spanish (perdón, disculpe, permiso)

So you're learning Spanish and need to know how to say "excuse me" without sounding like a robot reading from a phrasebook. Good news: Spanish actually gives you several options depending on whether you're squeezing past someone on a crowded bus, interrupting a conversation, or apologizing for stepping on someone's foot. The context matters way more than you'd think, and using the wrong phrase can make things awkward. Let's break down exactly when to use perdón, disculpe, con permiso, and all the other variations you'll actually hear native speakers using.

The three main ways to say excuse me in Spanish

Here's the thing: Spanish splits "excuse me" into different phrases based on what you're actually trying to do. English speakers tend to use "excuse me" for everything, but Spanish is more specific.

The three big ones you'll use constantly are perdón (for casual apologies and getting attention), disculpe or disculpa (for polite interruptions), and con permiso (when you need to physically get past someone). Each one works in different situations, and mixing them up won't destroy your conversation, but you'll sound way more natural once you nail the distinctions.

Perdón for casual situations

Perdón is your go-to for informal settings. You'd use this with friends, family, or anyone you're on casual terms with. It works when you bump into someone accidentally, need to interrupt a conversation briefly, or didn't quite catch what someone said.

For example, if you're at a party and accidentally knock over someone's drink, "¡Perdón!" gets the job done. Or when you need someone to repeat themselves: "¿Perdón? No te escuché" (Sorry? I didn't hear you).

The pronunciation is pretty straightforward: pehr-DOHN, with the stress on that second syllable. Native speakers use this one constantly because it's quick and covers most everyday situations where you need a simple "my bad" or "pardon me."

Disculpe and disculpa for polite attention

Disculpe (formal) and disculpa (informal) work when you're trying to get someone's attention politely or asking for forgiveness. The formal version disculpe uses the usted form, while disculpa is for tú situations.

You'd say "Disculpe" to a stranger on the street when asking for directions: "Disculpe, ¿dónde está la estación de metro?" This phrase signals that you're about to ask something or need their help. It's more intentional than perdón, which feels more reactive.

In a restaurant, you might say "Disculpe, ¿me trae la cuenta?" (Excuse me, could you bring the check?). The waiter knows you're specifically requesting their attention for something.

The informal disculpa works with coworkers you're friendly with or people around your age in casual settings. "Disculpa, ¿tienes un bolígrafo?" (Excuse me, do you have a pen?).

Con permiso for physical passage

Con permiso literally means "with permission" and you use it when you need to physically move through a space where people are standing or sitting. Think crowded subway cars, squeezing past someone in a movie theater row, or leaving a dinner table.

This phrase is super polite and practical. When you're on a packed bus and need to get to the exit, "Con permiso, con permiso" while gently making your way through works perfectly. People will naturally move aside because they know exactly what you're asking.

You can also shorten it to just "Permiso" in really casual situations. Both work, though con permiso sounds slightly more polite. The pronunciation is: kohn pehr-MEE-soh.

Here's a cultural note: in many Spanish-speaking countries, people actually say con permiso way more often than English speakers say "excuse me" when moving through spaces. It's considered basic courtesy, and you'll hear it constantly in crowded places.

Formal variations for professional settings

When you're in business meetings, talking to someone significantly older, or in any situation requiring extra respect, Spanish has formal versions that show appropriate deference.

Perdone and perdóneme

Perdone is the formal usted version of perdón. You'd use this with your boss, elderly people, or anyone you need to show respect toward. "Perdone la interrupción" (Pardon the interruption) works great when you need to break into a conversation at work.

Perdóneme takes it up another notch. The "me" at the end emphasizes that you're asking them to forgive you specifically. "Perdóneme, pero tengo una pregunta importante" (Excuse me, but I have an important question) sounds professional and respectful.

In customer service situations, you'll hear employees use perdone all the time. If a store clerk needs to interrupt you browsing, they'll likely say "Perdone, ¿necesita ayuda?" (Excuse me, do you need help?).

Permítame for formal permission

Permítame means "allow me" or "permit me" and works in professional contexts when you're asking for permission to do something. A waiter might say "Permítame recoger su plato" (Allow me to take your plate).

In business settings, you might use it like: "Permítame explicarle la propuesta" (Allow me to explain the proposal). It's quite formal, so save it for situations where you're trying to be extra polite or professional.

Regional differences across Spanish-speaking countries

Spanish varies quite a bit depending on where you are. The core phrases work everywhere, but you'll notice some preferences.

In Mexico, people use "con permiso" constantly. You'll hear it on public transportation, in stores, basically anywhere people might be in your way. Mexicans also tend to use "disculpe" more than "perdón" when getting someone's attention.

Spain tends toward "perdona" (informal) and "perdone" (formal) more often. You'll also hear "perdón" used pretty liberally. The phrase "lo siento" (I'm sorry) gets mixed in more frequently in Spain for apologies.

In Argentina, you might hear "permiso" shortened even further in casual contexts. Argentinians also use "disculpá" (with that characteristic voseo accent) instead of disculpa.

Colombia and other Latin American countries stick pretty closely to the standard uses, though the speed and intonation change. Colombians speak relatively clearly, so their "con permiso" tends to be easier for learners to catch.

Common questions about excuse me in Spanish

What is excuse me in Spanish to a woman?

The phrases don't change based on whether you're speaking to a man or woman. You'd still use perdón, disculpe, or con permiso exactly the same way. Spanish doesn't gender these expressions the way it genders nouns and adjectives.

That said, if you're using a full sentence, other parts might change. "Excuse me, miss" would be "Disculpe, señorita" while "Excuse me, sir" is "Disculpe, señor." But the "disculpe" part stays identical.

Is disculpe excuse me in Spanish?

Yeah, disculpe absolutely means excuse me. It's the formal version you'd use with strangers, older people, or in professional settings. The informal version is disculpa, which you'd use with friends or people your age.

Both come from the verb disculpar (to excuse), so they literally mean something like "excuse this" or "pardon me." You'll hear disculpe constantly in service situations, when asking for help, or getting someone's attention politely.

What does pardon me in Spanish mean?

"Pardon me" translates most directly to perdón or perdone (formal). These work when you need forgiveness for a small mistake or want someone to repeat something. "Perdón" is casual, while "perdone" is formal.

You could also use "discúlpeme" for a more formal "pardon me," especially if you're asking for forgiveness rather than just excusing yourself briefly. Context determines which feels more natural.

Excuse me in Spanish pronunciation

Perdón: pehr-DOHN (stress on the second syllable)

Disculpe: dees-KOOL-peh (stress on the middle syllable)

Disculpa: dees-KOOL-pah (same stress pattern)

Con permiso: kohn pehr-MEE-soh (stress on the "mee" part)

Permiso: pehr-MEE-soh

The key is getting those stress patterns right. Spanish is pretty consistent about pronunciation once you learn where the emphasis goes. Practice saying these out loud a few times, and they'll stick.

Practical examples in real conversations

Let me give you some actual scenarios so you can see how these work in context.

At a crowded market

You're trying to get through a busy mercado to reach a vegetable stand. You'd say "Con permiso" or just "Permiso" as you gently move through. If you accidentally bump someone's bag, add a quick "Perdón" afterward.

In a restaurant

You need the waiter's attention: "Disculpe, ¿me puede traer más agua?" (Excuse me, can you bring me more water?). The disculpe signals you're about to make a request.

If you're leaving the table while others are still eating: "Con permiso" as you stand up. This is super common courtesy at meals.

Asking for directions

Approaching a stranger on the street: "Disculpe, ¿sabe dónde está el museo?" (Excuse me, do you know where the museum is?). This polite opening makes people way more likely to help.

On public transportation

Getting off a crowded metro: "Permiso, permiso" as you make your way to the doors. People will shift to let you through.

If you step on someone's foot: "¡Perdón!" immediately. Quick and sincere.

In a business meeting

You need to interrupt: "Perdone la interrupción, pero tengo una pregunta urgente" (Pardon the interruption, but I have an urgent question). The formal perdone shows respect for the setting.

When to use formal versus informal versions

The tú versus usted distinction matters here. If you're using tú with someone (friends, family, peers), go with perdón, disculpa, or permiso. If you're using usted (strangers, elders, professional contexts), switch to perdone, disculpe, or the full con permiso.

When in doubt, start formal. You can always relax into informal language if the other person initiates it, but going too casual too quickly can seem disrespectful. This matters especially in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Central America where formality is taken pretty seriously.

In Spain, people tend to switch to tú faster, especially among younger people. But even there, use usted with anyone significantly older or in service situations until you know better.

Mexico sits somewhere in the middle. People appreciate formality in initial interactions, but relationships warm up relatively quickly. Pay attention to how locals address each other and match that energy.

Learning these phrases effectively

Honestly, the best way to lock these in is through exposure and practice. Watching Spanish shows or movies, you'll hear these phrases constantly. Pay attention to the context when characters say perdón versus con permiso. Your brain will start associating each phrase with its situation automatically.

Try using them in real conversations, even if you're just practicing with a language partner or tutor. The muscle memory of actually saying "con permiso" while standing up from a table or "disculpe" before asking a question makes it stick way better than just reading about it.

If you're using apps or textbooks, make sure they're showing you these phrases in actual dialogue, not just isolated vocabulary lists. Context is everything with these expressions. Seeing "perdón" in a list doesn't teach you nearly as much as hearing someone say it after bumping into a friend.

One trick: next time you're about to say "excuse me" in English, pause and think which Spanish version fits. Are you apologizing (perdón), getting attention (disculpe), or moving through a space (con permiso)? This mental check helps you internalize the distinctions.

Why these small phrases matter

Look, you might think "excuse me" is just a tiny piece of language learning, but these polite expressions actually matter a ton for sounding natural and respectful. Native speakers notice when you use them correctly, and it immediately makes you seem more fluent and culturally aware.

Plus, these are phrases you'll use multiple times every single day if you're actually living in or visiting a Spanish-speaking country. Getting comfortable with perdón, disculpe, and con permiso makes everyday interactions smoother and less stressful.

The formality distinctions also teach you broader patterns in Spanish. Once you understand why disculpe is formal and disculpa is informal, you're learning verb conjugation patterns that apply to thousands of other words. These little phrases are actually pretty good grammar lessons in disguise.

Anyway, if you want to learn Spanish through actual content you enjoy instead of just memorizing phrases, Migaku's browser extension lets you look up words instantly while watching Spanish shows or reading articles. Makes the whole immersion thing way more practical. There's a 10-day free trial if you want to check it out.