How to Say "Excuse Me" in Spanish

Quick Answer

excuse me = perdón

There are lots of different ways to say excuse me in Spanish. Which you choose will depend on the meaning given to excuse me by your purpose or the situation you're in. Check out some of the most common ways to say excuse me below!

1. Excuse me = Can I have permission to pass by or leave?

• Used to ask for permission to walk in front of someone in a line, pass by someone in an aisle, leave a place, get off the bus or metro, etc.
• Translation: con permiso

Con permiso. - Propio. Excuse me. - Go ahead.

2. Excuse me = I'm sorry

• Used to apologize for something.
• Translations: lo siento, perdone, or perdón

¡Perdón! Fue sin querer. Excuse me! I didn't mean to.

3. Excuse me = Could you repeat that?

• Used to ask that someone repeat something.
• Translations: perdón, perdone, cómo, cómo fue, mande

No puedes estacionarte aquí. - ¿Cómo fue? No te escuché. You can't park here. - Excuse me? I didn't hear you.

4. Excuse me = Can I have a moment?

• Used to ask that someone excuse you for a moment.
• Translation: permítame

Permítame, señora. Tengo que contestar el teléfono. Excuse me, ma'am. I need to answer the phone.

5. Excuse me = Can I have your attention?

• Used to get someone's attention.
• Translations: disculpe or perdón

Disculpe, señor. ¿Me podría dar su hora? Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me the time?

6. Excuse me = Can I object?

• Used to object or express disagreement.
• Translation: un momento

Los perros son más listos que los gatos. - ¡Un momento! No estoy para nada de acuerdo. Dogs are smarter than cats. - Excuse me?! I don't agree at all.