mi scusi
/mi ˈsku.zi/word by word
The Italian phrase for "pardon me" is mi scusi.
mi scusi is used as an apology or to interrupt someone. While mi scusi is a standard way to apologize, other terms like Permesso (meaning "may I" or "excuse me") or Scusi (equivalent to "excuse me") can also be used in similar contexts.
Meaning: sorry, as an apology (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mi (me) and scusi (the formal imperative of scusare, to excuse).
Which one should you use?
mi scusi is the formal version used with strangers or superiors. In contrast, scusami is the informal version used with friends or family. You may also use Scusa for an informal "excuse me."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Naples, people often use sciat instead of scusa in informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mi ˈsku.zi/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- If you use the informal scusami to a stranger, you might not offend them deeply, but you may come across as a child or someone lacking social awareness.
- The informal scusa can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or annoyance, similar to saying 'excuse me?' in English when offended.
- The formal mi scusi uses the third-person singular form of the verb to show respect, treating the person you are addressing as a 'third party' to maintain a polite distance.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi, parla inglese?Pardon me, do you speak English?This example shows how to use mi scusi to ask if someone speaks English.Tatoeba #2795538 by Guybrush88, translation #456591 by lukaszpp
- Mi scusi, che luogo è questo?Pardon me, what place is this?This example shows how to use mi scusi to ask about a specific location.Tatoeba #5177912 by Guybrush88, translation #789574 by jimcor
- Mi scusi, c'è un bancomat in questa zona?Pardon me, is there an ATM in this area?This example shows how to use mi scusi to ask for the location of an ATM.Tatoeba #14023580 by Guybrush88, translation #3129237 by WestofEden
- Permesso, posso passare?Pardon me, may I pass?
- Scusi, mi scusoPardon me, I apologize
- Mi scusi per l'interruzionePardon me for the interruption
- Scusa!Pardon me!
- Permesso, posso dire una cosa?Pardon me, may I say something?
- Scusa, mi puoi indicare la strada per il museo?Pardon me, can you tell me the way to the museum?
- Mi scuso per l'inconveniente.Pardon me for the inconvenience.
- Scusa per l'errore.Pardon me for the mistake.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo accidentally bumps into Giulia on the sidewalk.
- LorenzoMi scusi, non l'avevo vista.Pardon me, I didn't see you.
- GiuliaNon c'è problema, Lorenzo.No problem, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoMi scusi ancora per il disturbo.Pardon me again for the bother.
- GiuliaDavvero, non si preoccupi.Really, don't worry about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mi scusi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mi, scusi) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
