mi scusi, signore
/mi ˈsku.zi siɲˈɲo.re/word by word
The English phrase "excuse me, sir" is translated into Italian as mi scusi, signore.
This phrase is used as a polite way to get a man's attention or to apologize for a small interruption.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mi (me), scusi (excuse – formal imperative) and signore (sir/gentleman).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word scusi is the formal third-person singular imperative of the verb scusare, which is used here to show respect to the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mi ˈsku.zi siɲˈɲo.re/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While mi scusi gets someone's attention, Italians typically use the word permesso when physically pushing through a crowd or entering a room.
- The word signore shares a common linguistic root with the English word 'senator' via the Latin word for 'old'.
- In Italian, signore is derived from the Latin seniōrem, which was originally a comparative form of the word for 'old'.
Examples in context
- Scusi, Signore, posso fare una domanda?Excuse me, sir, may I ask a question?
- Mi scusi, Signore, potrebbe darmi indicazioni per la stazione?Excuse me, sir, could you give me directions to the train station?
- Mi scusi, signore, può aiutarmi con questa valigia?Excuse me, sir, can you help me with this suitcase?
- Mi scusi, signore, ha dimenticato il portafoglio.Excuse me, sir, you forgot your wallet.
Example conversation
Martina is asking a stranger for directions on a street.
- MartinaMi scusi, signore, dove si trova la banca?Excuse me, sir, where is the bank?
- FrancescoÈ proprio dietro l'angolo, poco più avanti.It is right around the corner, just a bit further.
- MartinaGrazie mille per l'informazione.Thank you very much for the information.
- FrancescoPrego, buona giornata!You're welcome, have a nice day!
