How to say "Excuse me" in Italian

In Italian culture, the way you ask for attention or apologize depends entirely on your relationship with the person. The most critical rule for beginners is distinguishing between the informal "you" (tu) and the formal "you" (Lei). Using the wrong one can make you sound either rude or strangely distant. If you are speaking to a stranger, an elder, a shopkeeper, or anyone you do not know well, you must use the formal version. Using the informal version with a stranger is considered impolite, especially in Southern Italy and in professional settings. However, among friends, family, children, and peers your own age, the informal version is the standard.

1. Formal: Getting Attention or Apologizing (Strangers & Elders)

Use this when addressing anyone you do not know personally, service staff, or people significantly older than you. It is the safest default for tourists.

• Scusi.
  "Excuse me." (Formal, to get attention or apologize)

• Scusi, dove è la stazione?
  "Excuse me, where is the station?"

• Scusi, ho sbagliato tavolo.
  "Excuse me, I took the wrong table."

2. Informal: Getting Attention or Apologizing (Friends & Peers)

Use this only with people you are on first-name terms with, such as friends, classmates, or young children. Do not use this with strangers.

• Scusa.
  "Excuse me." (Informal, to get attention or apologize)

• Scusa, mi passi il sale?
  "Excuse me, can you pass me the salt?"

• Scusa, ti ho urtato.
  "Excuse me, I bumped into you."

3. Passing By Someone in a Crowd

When you need to squeeze past someone in a crowded street, market, or public transport, Italians often use a specific phrase that literally means "I pass" or "I go through." This is neutral regarding formality but is very common in daily life.

• Scusi, passo.
  "Excuse me, I'm passing." (Formal)

• Scusa, passo.
  "Excuse me, I'm passing." (Informal)

• Permesso.
  "Excuse me." (Neutral, used when passing by)

Quick Cheat Sheet

👉 Most useful for daily life: Memorize Scusi. It is the polite, safe default for almost all interactions with strangers, shopkeepers, and officials. You can always switch to Scusa once you know someone better, but starting with Scusi shows respect and cultural awareness. Never use Scusa with a stranger unless they are a child.