How to Say “excuse me” in Spanish
Perdón
/peɾˈðon/
everyday'Perdón' is your go-to 'excuse me' in most situations. It's useful when you bump into someone, need to get past them, or even if you didn't quite hear what they said and need them to repeat it. It's polite and versatile.
Perdón, ¿me dejas pasar?
Excuse me, can you let me pass? (said in a crowded bus)
Other Ways to Say It
You'd say 'con permiso' when you need to physically pass someone or reach for something in front of them, especially if space is tight or if you are slightly intruding. It implies you're asking for their permission to move through their space.
Con permiso, voy a coger el pan.
Excuse me (with your permission), I'm going to grab the bread. (reaching across the table at dinner)
While 'lo siento' literally translates to 'I'm sorry,' it can sometimes function as 'excuse me' when you've done something minor wrong, like stepping on someone's toe accidentally. It carries a heavier weight than 'perdón'.
¡Ay! Lo siento, no te vi.
Oops! Excuse me/Sorry, I didn't see you. (after bumping into someone)
'¿Mande?' is used almost exclusively in Mexico and some parts of Latin America when you didn't hear or understand what someone said. While technically meaning 'at your command,' it's similar to saying 'excuse me?' or 'pardon?' However, it's often considered a bit old-fashioned or even implying a subordinate relationship (like a child speaking to an adult), so use with caution.
– Haz el favor de cerrar la puerta. – ¿Mande?
– Please close the door. – Excuse me?/Pardon? (because I didn't hear you properly)
A Native Speaker’s Guide
As a Spanish speaker, I find the nuances of saying 'excuse me' fascinating because it reveals so much about our culture's emphasis on politeness and social harmony. We don't just have one way to say it; we have a range of options, each carrying slightly different weight and appropriate for different situations. 'Perdón' is your universal tool; you can use it pretty much anywhere and it's safe. But 'con permiso' is crucial when you're physically navigating a space. It’s like acknowledging the other person's right to their personal space and asking their permission to intrude, even momentarily. 'Lo siento' carries more weight and is used when you feel you've genuinely inconvenienced someone, even if it's minor. And then there's '¿mande?', which is something else entirely.
I remember once, a friend from the US was visiting. We were at a crowded market in Oaxaca, Mexico. She needed to get through a throng of people and, having learned 'perdón,' she kept repeating it. While people understood her, it sounded a bit... abrupt. An older woman gently smiled and told her, 'Mija, aquí decimos 'con permiso'.' (Honey, here we say 'con permiso'). The difference was subtle, but it highlighted the Mexican emphasis on asking for explicit permission rather than just announcing your intention to pass through.
Personally, I mostly use 'perdón' in everyday situations, especially in Spain. It feels natural and versatile. However, when I'm in a situation where I'm truly intruding on someone's space, like reaching across them at a dinner table, I'll definitely use 'con permiso'. It just feels more respectful. I rarely use 'lo siento' unless I genuinely feel I've made a mistake.
One thing I wish every language learner knew is that the choice between these expressions is less about strict rules and more about understanding the social context. It's about showing that you're aware of the other person's presence and respecting their space. It's a sign of consideration, which is highly valued in Hispanic cultures. So, pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases in different situations and try to internalize that sense of appropriateness. Don't just memorize the words; feel the intention behind them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
'Lo siento' implies you've caused them some real inconvenience or harm. Saying it just to pass by sounds overly dramatic and a bit insincere. It's like apologizing profusely for something trivial, which can make people uncomfortable.
While '¿Cómo?' can technically be used to ask someone to repeat themselves, it can come across as rude or incredulous, especially if your tone is off. It's much safer and more polite to use 'Perdón?' or a more explicit request for repetition.
While technically 'Disculpa' means 'excuse me', it's more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation in Spain compared to 'Perdón'. In some Latin American countries 'Disculpa' and 'Perdón' are used interchangeably.
Just saying "permiso" sounds incomplete and strange. The "con" is essential to the meaning of "with your permission/excuse me".
Related Expressions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to say 'Perdón' to a stranger in Spain?
Not at all! 'Perdón' is a perfectly polite and common way to get someone's attention or apologize for a minor inconvenience. It's used in all sorts of everyday situations, from bumping into someone on the street to asking a shop assistant for help. You'll fit right in!
What's the difference between 'Perdón' and 'Lo siento'?
'Perdón' is a general 'excuse me,' used for minor things like getting someone's attention or passing by. 'Lo siento' is 'I'm sorry,' used when you've actually done something wrong and want to apologize. Think of 'perdón' as a polite acknowledgement, and 'lo siento' as a sincere apology.
How do you pronounce 'Perdón'?
The pronunciation of 'Perdón' is /peɾˈðon/. The 'r' is a tapped 'r' (like the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English), the 'd' is a soft 'th' sound (like in 'this') in Spain, and the stress is on the second syllable ('dón'). Don't forget to trill the 'r' if you can, but don't worry too much if you can't!
Is 'Mande' rude to use in Mexico?
It depends on the context. While traditionally used to answer someone who is older or in a position of authority, it can sound subservient in some situations today. It's generally safer to stick with '¿Perdón?' or '¿Cómo?' when speaking to someone you don't know well or who is your peer.
Can I use 'Perdona' instead of 'Perdón'?
Yes, 'Perdona' is the informal 'tú' form of 'perdón,' and it's perfectly fine to use with friends, family, or people you're on familiar terms with. 'Perdón' is more general and can be used in most situations, while 'perdona' implies a closer relationship.
When should I use 'Con permiso'?
'Con permiso' is best used when you're physically intruding on someone's space or blocking their way. For example, if you need to reach across someone at the dinner table, or if you're trying to navigate through a crowded space. It's a polite way of asking for their understanding and cooperation.
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