Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scusi | /ˈsku.zi/ | formal |
| scusa | /ˈsku.za/ | informal |
The terms scusi and scusa are used as apologies or to say 'pardon me'. For a more formal way to say 'I apologize' in a sincere manner, you can use mi scuso. If you specifically need to say 'excuse me' to seek permission to pass through or to apologize for an interruption, the formal word permesso is also used.
What does it mean word for word?
Both scusi and scusa are conjugated forms of the verb scusare, which means 'to excuse' or 'to forgive'.
Which one should you use?
Use scusi when addressing someone you do not know or want to show respect to. Use scusa when addressing someone you know well or someone of equal social standing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Scusi is the formal form. Scusa is the informal form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal form scusa can be combined with the pronoun mi to form scusami, which is a common way to say 'excuse me' to a friend. Similarly, the formal form scusi can be combined with the pronoun mi to form mi scusi, a common way to say 'excuse me' to a stranger or superior.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsku.zi/
Did you know?
- In very formal settings, saying mi scuso can actually be grammatically debated. Some purists argue that you cannot 'excuse yourself' but must ask the other person to excuse you.
- While scusa means 'excuse me', if you use it as a noun, it can also mean 'an excuse' or a 'pretext' used to avoid a commitment.
- The verb scusare shares a root with the English word 'excuse' because both derive from the Latin excusare, meaning 'to free from a charge'.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi. Chi è?Excuse me. Who are you?This sentence shows how to use scusi to ask for someone's identity.Tatoeba #4463692 by Guybrush88, translation #933733 by CK
- Scusami, che ora è?Excuse me, what time is it?This sentence demonstrates the use of scusa when asking for the time.Tatoeba #949765 by Guybrush88, translation #385392 by Mouseneb
- Scusi, è libero qui?Excuse me, is this seat taken?This sentence illustrates using scusi to ask if a seat is available.Tatoeba #559619 by Guybrush88, translation #51498 by CK
- Scusi, potrebbe indicarmi la strada per la stazione ferroviaria?Excuse me, could you please tell me the way to the train station?
- Scusa, posso prendere in prestito la tua penna?Hey, excuse me, can I borrow your pen?
- 276 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia accidentally bumps into Matteo at a professional event.
- SofiaScusi, non l'avevo vista.Excuse me, I didn't see you.
- MatteoNon si preoccupi, va tutto bene.Don't worry, everything is fine.
- SofiaScusi ancora per l'urto.Excuse me again for the bump.
- MatteoNon c'è problema, Sofia.No problem, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations and entries scusi, scusa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
