Excuse me
Use for a light apology, like bumping into someone, or to get someone's attention. It's very similar to 'disculpe'.
Use specifically when you need to physically pass someone or get through a crowd. It means 'with permission'.
The informal version of 'Disculpe'. Use with friends, family, or people your age (when you would use 'tú').
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Oops, excuse me! It was my mistake.
Excuse me, I need to get by.
Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
The phrases 'Disculpe', 'Perdón', and 'Con permiso' are universally understood and used across all of Latin America. 'Disculpe' is a safe, polite default.
The same phrases are used, but 'disculpa' (the informal 'tú' form) is more common in everyday situations than the formal 'disculpe'. The 'vosotros' form, 'disculpad', is also used for informal groups, but is not common in Latin America.
Usage is standard. 'Con permiso' is especially frequent and polite when navigating crowded places like markets ('mercados') or public transportation.
For the informal 'excuse me', you will hear 'disculpá' instead of 'disculpa'. This is due to the use of 'vos' instead of 'tú'. The stress shifts to the final syllable: dees-kool-PAH.
Using 'excusa' to say 'excuse me'. 'Excusa' is a noun that means 'an excuse' or 'a justification' (e.g., 'Mi excusa es que hay mucho tráfico'). It's not used to get attention. The correct word is 'Disculpe' or 'Perdón'.
Confusing 'Con permiso' and 'Perdón'. Use 'Con permiso' *before* you inconvenience someone (like passing in front of them). Use 'Perdón' or 'Disculpe' *after* you've made a small mistake (like bumping into them).
Using the wrong level of formality. 'Disculpa' is informal (for 'tú'). 'Disculpe' is formal (for 'usted'). For an A1 learner, it's always safer to use the formal 'Disculpe' with strangers, older people, or in professional settings.
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