Learning a new language? Start small. Start with the nice words. The ones you use every day. And one super useful phrase? Excuse me. You need it at shops. On the bus. In cafes. At school. When you want to squeeze past someone. When you need help. Or when you mess up a bit.
Learning Spanish? You need this early. Good news – Spanish has a few ways to say it. Each one is short. Each one is easy. You just gotta know which one to use when. This guide breaks it down real simple. So you can pick the right phrase every time.
Ready? Let’s go.
The Main Ways to Say Excuse Me in Spanish
Spanish has four quick phrases for excuse me:
- Perdón
• Perdona
• Perdóneme
• Disculpe
They look kinda the same, right? But they’re not. Some are fancy. Some are chill. Some work for tiny oops moments. Others work when you wanna walk past folks.
Don’t stress about learning all of them now. Just get where each one fits. Practice a bit. It gets easy fast.
Let’s check out each one.
Perdón
This one’s the big winner. You’ll hear it all over. It means sorry or excuse me. Works for tons of stuff.
Use perdón when you:
• Make a tiny mistake
• Bump into someone
• Want them to say that again
• Need to squeeze through a crowd
Perdón is quick. It’s nice. It works with anyone – strangers, friends, whoever. Always sounds polite.
Try these:
• Perdón, no escuché. (Sorry, didn’t hear you)
• Perdón, puedo pasar. (Excuse me, can I pass?)
• Perdón por llegar tarde. (Sorry I’m late)
Wanna learn just one? This is your best bet.
Perdona
Perdona is like perdón’s chill cousin. Use it with people your age. Or younger folks. Or friends. When things are relaxed.
Think of it like saying “hey, excuse me” in a friendly way.
Use perdona when you:
• Need someone to look at you
• Have a quick question
• Know the person already
• Things aren’t super formal
Like this:
• Perdona, tienes un minuto. (Hey, got a minute?)
It’s warm and easy. Perfect for beginners.
Also Read: Things to Call Your Boyfriend in Spanish: Cute, Sweet and Fun Words
Perdóneme
This one’s the fancy version. More serious. Shows extra respect. Use it when you really wanna be polite. Like with older folks. Or people you don’t know.
Good for:
• Teachers
• Older people
• Boss types
• Customers
• Anyone important
Disculpe
Another big one. Lots of people use disculpe to get attention nicely.
Use disculpe when you:
• Ask a stranger something
• Talk to shop workers or waiters
• Need someone to move a bit
• Want them to look before you talk
Like:
• Disculpe, señor. (Excuse me, sir)
Disculpe works great. Polite but not too stiff.
Oh, and there’s disculpa too. That’s the chill version. Use it with friends.
When You Wanna Get Through a Crowd
Picture this. You’re on a packed bus or a busy market. Or in a tight street. You need space. In English, you’d say excuse me and slide through.
In Spanish? Best choice:
• Con permiso
This means “with permission.” Sounds nice. People expect it in crowded spots.
Like:
• Con permiso, quiero pasar. (Excuse me, I wanna pass)
Forget this phrase? Just say perdón. But con permiso sounds way more natural.
When You Need Attention
Wanna ask directions? Check the price? Get the waiter?
Best words:
• Disculpe
• Perdón
Both work great. Disculpe is a bit nicer. Perdón is more neutral.
When You Mess Up a Little
Bump someone? Drop something? Say the wrong thing?
Go with:
• Perdón
• Perdona
Both work fine. Perdón is super common in public.
When You Wanna Say Sorry Nicely
Need more respect? Use:
• Perdóneme
• Disculpe
These sound calm. Polite. Seriously.
Also Read: Spanish Curse Words List: What They Mean and When People Say Them
Common Mix-Ups
Here’s what trips up beginners.
Mixing disculpe and perdón
Both works. But they feel different. Think:
Perdón = sorry
Disculpe = excuse me
This helps most times.
Using perdona with strangers
Perdona is friendly. Maybe too friendly for strangers. Want respect? Pick perdón or disculpe.
Forgetting con permiso
Lots of learners say perdón in crowds. It works. But con permiso? Way more natural.
Being too fancy
You don’t need perdóneme all the time. It’s safe but sounds heavy for simple stuff.
Quick Add-Ons After Excuse Me
Sometimes you say excuse me. Then you have to add more. Here’s some easy ones:
- Gracias (thanks)
• Un momento (one moment)
• Una pregunta (a question)
Small words. Big help.
Like:
• Disculpe, una pregunta. (Excuse me, question)
• Con permiso, gracias. (Excuse me, thanks)
Little words make you sound natural.
Also Read: Shingles in Spanish: Meaning, and Symptoms
How to Practice These
You learn fast when you say them out loud. Try these:
Use them in real life
Drop something? Say perdón. Need help? Say disculpe. Squeeze through? Say con permiso.
Practice with buddies
Tell friends you’re trying Spanish excuse me phrases. Make up little scenes.
Listen to Spanish stuff
Watch short videos. Street scenes. Shop clips. Travel vlogs. You’ll hear tons of these words.
Try with native speakers
Meet Spanish speakers? Use the phrases. They’ll get it even if your accent’s wonky.
Why This Stuff Matters
Knowing excuses isn’t just words. It shows manners. Shows respect. Helps you talk smoothly anywhere. These make daily chats warm and nice.
Small words, big meaning. They open doors. Build confidence. Help you connect. Spanish speakers love when learners try to be polite. One little perdón or disculpe? Changes the whole vibe.
Saying excuse me in Spanish? Easy once you know what fits where. These phrases are short and sweet. They are useful for everyday usage. Practice bit by bit. Use them for real. Soon you won’t even think. They’ll just pop out.
Learn these small steps now? Your Spanish gets smoother later. Keep at it. You got this!