Master the art of politeness with this blog on 5 ways to say “excuse me” in Spanish. Impress native speakers and boost your bilingual skills today!
Becoming bilingual is an excellent way to broaden your communication skills, but it’s not just about learning the grammar and vocabulary of a new language. To be truly bilingual, you must also understand the cultural nuances and customs of the language you’re learning.
One of the essential aspects of any culture is politeness, and it’s no different in the Spanish language. Politeness can be demonstrated in many ways, including how you say “excuse me.” In this article, we’ll explore five ways to say “excuse me” in Spanish and be a polite bilingual.
How to translate excuse me into Spanish
“Perdón”
The Spanish word for “excuse me” is “perdón.” It is typically used to express regret for interrupting or drawing someone’s attention. Saying “Perdón” can be used to express regret if you accidentally run into someone on the street.
This word can also be used to apologize for mistakes or misunderstandings in a conversation.
For example:
- “Perdón, ¿puedo pasar?” – This means “Excuse me, can I pass through?” and is a polite way to ask someone to move out of the way. It’s a common phrase used in crowded places such as public transport, a concert or a busy street.
- “Perdón, ¿me puede decir dónde está la parada de autobús?” – This means “Excuse me, can you tell me where the bus stop is?” and is a polite way to ask for directions. It shows that you respect the person’s time and attention, and that you are trying to communicate in a polite and friendly manner.
“Con permiso”
“Con permiso” is another way to say “excuse me” in Spanish. This phrase translates to “with permission,” and it’s often used when you want to get past someone or move through a crowded area.
For example, if you’re trying to get through a group of people on a crowded sidewalk, you could say “Con permiso” to let them know you need to pass. This phrase can also be used to politely ask someone to move out of the way.
For example:
- “Con permiso, necesito pasar por aquí” – This means “Excuse me, I need to pass through here” and is a polite way to ask for permission to move through a crowded area or a narrow passage. It’s commonly used when you need to get through a group of people, or when someone is blocking your way.
- “Con permiso, ¿me dejas pasar para ir al baño?” – This means “Excuse me, can you let me pass so I can go to the bathroom?” and is a polite way to ask for someone to move out of the way. It shows that you respect their personal space and that you’re trying to be considerate of their needs as well as your own.
“Disculpe”
“Disculpe” is another common way to say “excuse me” in Spanish. It’s often used when you want to get someone’s attention or ask them a question. For example, if you’re lost and need directions, you could say “Disculpe” to get someone’s attention before asking for help.
This word is also used to apologize for any inconvenience or mistake you may have caused.
For example:
- “Disculpe, ¿podría indicarme cómo llegar a la estación de tren?” – This means “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the train station?” and is a polite way to ask for directions. It’s commonly used when you’re lost or unsure of where to go and need someone’s help.
- “Disculpe, ¿podría hablar con el gerente?” – This means “Excuse me, could I speak with the manager?” and is a polite way to ask for someone’s attention or to request to speak with someone in charge. It’s often used in professional or business settings to show respect and professionalism.
“Perdone”
Despite being more formal, “perdone” is similar to “perdón.” In a formal context, like a business meeting or a formal function, you frequently use this phrase to express regret or draw attention to yourself.
As an illustration, you might remark “Perdone” to express your regret if you mistakenly interrupt someone during a business meeting.
This word can also be used to apologize for any offense or mistake you may have made.
For example:
- “Perdone, no quería interrumpir, pero tengo una pregunta importante” – This means “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I have an important question” and is a polite way to get someone’s attention. It shows that you’re aware of the other person’s time and that you respect their space and privacy.
- “Perdone, ¿me podría ayudar a levantar esta caja?” – This means “Excuse me, could you help me lift this box?” and is a polite way to ask for assistance. It’s commonly used when you need help with a physical task or when you’re carrying something heavy.
It shows that you’re willing to work together with the other person and that you appreciate their help.
“Permiso”
In Spanish, “permiso” is a short way to say “excuse me.” This phrase, which means “permission,” is frequently used to draw someone’s attention or request their consent to accomplish something.
Say “Permiso” to request permission, for instance, if you wish to leave a meeting early. Moreover, you can use this expression to ask someone to step out of the way or to formally interrupt a conversation.
- “Permiso, ¿puedo entrar?” – This means “Excuse me, can I come in?” and is a polite way to ask for permission to enter a room or a building. It’s commonly used when you’re knocking on someone’s door or when you’re entering a restricted area.
Another example of “permiso” in use is:
- “Permiso, ¿puedo pasar por aquí?” – This means “Excuse me, can I walk through here?” and is a polite way to ask for permission to move through a crowded area or a narrow passage. It’s commonly used when you need to get through a group of people or when you’re walking through a narrow hallway.
It shows that you respect other people’s personal space and that you’re trying to be considerate of their needs as well as your own.
Learning Spanish
Becoming bilingual is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it’s essential to understand the cultural nuances and customs of the language you’re learning. Politeness is an essential aspect of any culture, and it’s no different in the Spanish language.
Knowing how to say “excuse me” in Spanish can help you demonstrate politeness and respect in various situations. In this article, we’ve explored five ways to say “excuse me” in Spanish: “Perdón,” “Con permiso,” “Disculpe,” “Perdone,” and “Permiso.”
These phrases can help you navigate different social situations, from crowded streets to formal business meetings. So, next time you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment, don’t be afraid to use these phrases to demonstrate your politeness and respect for the culture.
Remember, becoming bilingual is not just about learning a new language, but also about understanding and embracing the customs and traditions of the culture you’re learning. By using these phrases, you can show that you’re not just fluent in Spanish, but also a polite and respectful bilingual.
