permesso
/perˈmes.so/
The Italian phrase permesso is a polite way to ask for permission, such as when you want to enter a room or move through a crowd.
You use permesso to politely request permission to enter a room or a house, or to ask someone to let you pass through a crowd. While permesso functions as a polite request for entry, other forms like Posso? are used to seek permission more casually and Mi permetti? is used among friends to ask "May I?" or "Do you allow me?"
What does it mean word for word?
The word permesso literally means "permission". It is the past participle of the verb permettere (to permit), meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /perˈmes.so/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word permesso also refers to a legal document, such as a permesso di soggiorno, which is the residency permit required for non-EU citizens living in Italy.
- In many Italian households, saying permesso when entering a room is not just polite, it is a formal social ritual used to signal your presence so you do not startle anyone.
- While permesso is used for entering a space, an Italian might respond with prego to signal that you are welcome to enter.
Examples in context
- Permesso, posso entrare?Excuse me, may I come in?
- Scusi, permesso, devo passare.Excuse me, pardon me, I need to pass through.
- Permesso, vorrei sedermi qui.Excuse me, I would like to sit here.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is trying to walk through a crowded hallway to reach Chiara.
- LorenzoPermesso, scusate il disturbo.Excuse me, sorry for the bother.
- ChiaraPrego, Lorenzo, passa pure.Go ahead, Lorenzo, please pass through.
- LorenzoGrazie, Chiara, sono in ritardo.Thanks, Chiara, I am late.
- ChiaraNon preoccuparti, fai con calma.Don't worry, take your time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry permesso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
