How to Say “Excuse Me” in Spanish (With Examples)

Key takeaways

• Spanish has three main expressions for “excuse me,” each used in a different situation.
• “Con permiso” is for physically passing through or by someone. It asks for physical space.
• “Perdón” / “Perdone” / “Perdona” is for bumping into someone or interrupting. It acknowledges an inconvenience.
• “Disculpe” / “Disculpa” is for getting someone’s attention. Calling a waiter, stopping a stranger for directions.
• Using the wrong expression in the wrong situation sounds odd to native speakers, even if they understand what you meant.

You are in a narrow café in Seville, and you need to get past someone to reach your table. You want to get the attention of the waiter on the other side of the room. You accidentally knock into someone near the counter. Three different situations, and Spanish has a different expression for each one.

Most Spanish learners know “perdón” exists, but using just that one phrase for all three situations marks you as a beginner.

This guide covers how to say excuse me in Spanish. Learn the three main expressions, what each one is for, and examples that show exactly when to use which. italki operates across 150+ languages with more than 30,000 tutors, giving you access to Spanish tutors who drill these distinctions.

Con permiso (with your permission — passing through)

“Con permiso” literally means “with your permission.” It is what you say when you need to physically pass through, past, or in front of someone. The other person has not done anything. You are the one asking for space.

Examples:

• Squeezing past someone in a crowded aisle: “Con permiso, ¿me dejas pasar?”
• Walking in front of someone to get to your seat: “Con permiso.” (while moving)
• Leaving a meeting or table early: “Con permiso, necesito salir un momento.”

“Con permiso” sounds slightly odd if you use it to apologize for bumping into someone. That situation calls for “perdón” instead.

Practice this register distinction with a Spanish tutor online.

Perdón / Perdona / Perdone (pardon me — I caused an inconvenience)

“Perdón” comes from perdonar (to forgive, to pardon). Use it when you have done something that inconvenienced another person. Stepped on their foot, interrupted their conversation, bumped into them.

The full verb form varies by the person you are addressing:

• “Perdona” \= informal (tú)
• “Perdone” \= formal (usted)
• “Perdón” \= neutral, no distinction

Examples:

• After bumping into someone: “Perdón, no lo vi.” (Sorry, I didn’t see you.)
• Interrupting a conversation: “Perdona que te interrumpa…” (Sorry to interrupt you…)
• Asking someone to repeat: “Perdón, ¿cómo dijo?” (Sorry, what did you say?)

“Lo siento” also means sorry, but it is used for more serious apologies. It expresses genuine regret rather than a casual pardon. Stepping on someone’s toe is “perdón.” Breaking a vase is “lo siento mucho.”

Hear these apologies in context with a Spanish tutor on italki.

Disculpe / Disculpa (excuse me — getting attention)

“Disculpe” (formal) and “disculpa” (informal) come from disculpar (to excuse, to exonerate). Use them when you want to get someone’s attention. Stopping a waiter, asking a stranger for directions, approaching a shop assistant.

Examples:

• Calling the waiter: “Disculpe, ¿me puede traer la cuenta?” (Excuse me, could you bring the bill?)
• Stopping someone on the street: “Disculpe, ¿sabe dónde está la estación?” (Excuse me, do you know where the station is?)
• Getting a colleague’s attention: “Disculpa, ¿tienes un momento?” (Excuse me, do you have a moment?)

Practice calling attention naturally with online Spanish tutors.

When the lines blur

In practice, native speakers sometimes use “perdone” and “disculpe” interchangeably to get attention. Both work, and most Spanish speakers will understand either. The clearest rule is:

• “Con permiso” \= I need to move through your space
• “Perdón/Perdona/Perdone” \= I interrupted or inconvenienced you
• “Disculpe/Disculpa” \= I need your attention for something

Quick reference: which expression to use

Situation	Expression
Passing through a crowd	Con permiso
Bumping into someone	Perdón
Interrupting a conversation	Perdona que te interrumpa / Perdone
Getting a waiter’s attention	Disculpe
Asking a stranger for directions	Disculpe / Perdone
Asking someone to repeat	Perdón, ¿cómo?
Stepping away from a group	Con permiso

Social phrases like these are where learners feel most self-conscious, because the stakes feel higher in a live interaction than in a grammar exercise.

Practice these expressions in realistic scenarios with an online Spanish teacher.

With over 15 years of experience connecting learners to qualified teachers, italki has helped students in 190+ countries achieve their language learning goals. Book a trial lesson on italki today.

FAQ

Can I just use “perdón” for everything?

No. While native speakers will understand you, using “perdón” for getting someone’s attention sounds slightly off. “Disculpe” is the right choice when you need a waiter or a stranger to help. “Con permiso” has a completely different function. Matching the right phrase to the right situation makes your Spanish sound fluent rather than textbook.

Which is more polite, “perdone” or “disculpe”?

Both are equally polite. “Perdone” emphasizes that you caused an inconvenience. “Disculpe” simply asks for attention or a moment. The choice depends on the situation, not politeness level. You would never say “disculpe” after bumping into someone because that would downplay the accident.

Is there a casual way to say excuse me?

“Perdón” without the verb conjugation is universally casual and works in almost any context. “Disculpa” (without the -e) is the casual form of “disculpe.” In very informal settings with friends, you might hear a simple “Oye” (Hey) to get attention, but in any public or professional setting, stick to the expressions in this guide.