Say Like a Local

Polite Ways to Say "Excuse Me" in Spanish

Use disculpe as the default polite “excuse me” for getting attention or making a mild apology. When you need to physically pass by someone, con permiso is the natural polite choice.

The most common way

A polite, neutral-to-formal way to get someone’s attention, interrupt briefly, or apologize for a small inconvenience.

How to say it: Stress the middle syllable: dis-CUL-pe. Keep the u short and the l light, and end with a soft -eh.

Other ways to say it

  • polite apology

    A quick, soft “sorry” or “excuse me” for small interruptions or accidental bumps.

    When to use it: Use it with strangers or shop staff when you interrupt briefly or bump into someone by accident.

  • physical passage

    Excuse me, used when you need to get past someone or reach across them.

    When to use it: Say it when squeezing through a crowd, reaching past someone at a table, or stepping in front of someone.

  • formal / considerate

    Sorry to bother you; a considerate way to interrupt someone who is busy.

    When to use it: Use it when approaching a stranger for help in a formal setting or interrupting someone who is clearly occupied.

  • formal

    Pardon me / excuse me, slightly more formal and old-fashioned than disculpe.

    When to use it: Use it with older people, officials, or in very polite formal situations when you need to interrupt.

  • Latin American / service

    My apologies; a polite apology common in Mexico and parts of Latin America.

    When to use it: Use it in service situations or when apologizing to a group, especially in Mexico.

In a conversation

  1. A

    , ¿ ?

    Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?

  2. B

    , .

    Yes, go straight for two blocks and it’s on the right.

  3. A

    .

    Thank you very much.

  4. B

    .

    You’re welcome.

Common mistakes

  • Disculpa me → Discúlpeme

    Disculpa me mixes Spanish and English word order; the correct formal command is discúlpeme or simply disculpe.

  • ¡Oye! → Disculpe

    Oye is fine with friends but sounds rude when used to get a stranger’s attention.

  • Con permiso → Disculpe la demora

    Con permiso is for passing by physically, not for apologizing for being late.