How to Say Excuse Me in Mexican Spanish: Cognitive Language Breakthrough
Context is everything: "con permiso" for squeezing through, "disculpe" or "oye" to get attention, "perdón" if you bump into someone.
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TL;DR
- "Disculpe" is the go-to formal way to say excuse me in Mexican Spanish. "Perdón" covers apologies, and "con permiso" is for moving past people.
- For casual moments, use "oye" to get someone's attention, "perdona" for quick apologies, and "¡aguas!" to warn someone in a crowd.
- Formality matters - strangers and work settings call for "disculpe" or "perdón," but with friends, "oye" or "perdona" works.
- Regions differ: up north, people say "permiso," in central Mexico it's "perdóneme," and in Yucatán you might hear "bueno."
- Context is everything: "con permiso" for squeezing through, "disculpe" or "oye" to get attention, "perdón" if you bump into someone.
Key Phrases for 'Excuse Me' in Mexican Spanish
Main phrases:
- "Disculpe" for formal situations
- "Perdón" for apologies
- "Con permiso" for passing through
- Informal: "oye," "perdona" among friends
Mastering 'Excuse Me' in Mexican Spanish: Key Phrases and Usage
Mexican Spanish has several ways to say "excuse me," and which one you use depends on who you're talking to and what's happening. The main words are "disculpe," "con permiso," "perdón," and sometimes "mande."
Formal vs Informal Expressions
| Formal (Usted) | Informal (Tú) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Disculpe | Disculpa | Getting attention, apologizing |
| Perdóneme | Perdóname/Perdona | Asking forgiveness |
| Con su permiso | Con permiso | Passing by someone |
| Permítame | Permíteme | Requesting permission |
| Lo lamento | Lo siento | Expressing regret |
When to use formal (usted) forms:
- Talking to strangers or elders
- At work or in stores
- With authority figures
When to use informal (tú) forms:
- With friends and family
- Peers, classmates
- Casual hangouts
"Disculpe" is the most flexible formal attention-getter. "Disculpa" is the same but informal.
Getting Attention: Quick Reference
| Setting | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Restaurant/store | Disculpe / Oiga / Un momento, por favor |
| On the street | Perdón / Disculpe, ¿dónde está...? / Oye |
| Asking for repetition | ¿Cómo? / ¿Mande? / Perdone, ¿puede repetir? |
- "Oiga" (from "oír," to hear) works for calling out, but can sound abrupt.
- "Mande" is uniquely Mexican - useful when someone calls you or you misheard.
Interrupting or Passing By
| Phrase | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Con permiso | With permission | Before passing through a crowd |
| Permiso | Permission | Quick passage, less formal |
| Disculpe | Excuse me | After bumping into someone |
| Perdón | Pardon | Minor collision or mistake |
Interrupting:
- Disculpe la interrupción
- Perdone, ¿puedo interrumpir?
- Un momento
- Espere, por favor
Apologizing after the fact:
- Lo siento (serious)
- Perdón (minor)
- Me apena (regretful)
| Situation | Phrase | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Passing by | Con permiso | Before moving |
| Minor accident | Perdón | After incident |
Regional and Cultural Nuances
| Expression | Region/Use |
|---|---|
| Mande | All over Mexico, polite response |
| ¿Cómo fue? | Regional (some areas), "pardon?" |
| Excúsame | Rare in Mexico, more common elsewhere |
| Region | Politeness | Common Phrases |
|---|---|---|
| North | More direct | Permiso |
| Central (CDMX) | Strict formalities | Disculpe, Perdóneme |
| South/Yucatán | Extra polite | Bueno, formal titles |
| Phrase | Emotional Weight | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lo siento | Strong regret, serious | Big mistakes, hurt feelings |
| Perdón | Everyday, minor accidents | Bumping, interrupting friends |
| Lamento | Formal, condolences | Serious apologies, condolences |
| You Say | Common Response |
|---|---|
| Con permiso | Adelante / Pase |
| Disculpe | No hay problema / Está bien |
| Perdón | No te preocupes / Tranquilo |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the polite way to say 'excuse me' when interrupting someone in Mexican Spanish?
| Context | Phrase | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Business meeting | Disculpe, ¿puedo hacer una pregunta? | Formal |
| Classroom | Perdóneme, tengo una duda | Formal |
| Among friends | Oye, una pregunta rápida | Informal |
- Use "disculpe" or "perdóneme" with strangers or in formal settings.
- "Perdón" and "oye" fit with friends or peers.
How do you apologize or say 'sorry' in Mexican Spanish?
| Situation | Phrase | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Stepped on someone's foot | Perdón, no te vi | Informal, quick |
| Late to appointment | Disculpe el retraso | Formal |
| Made a mistake | Lo siento, fue mi error | Universal |
| Hurt someone's feelings | Lo siento mucho, perdóname | Personal, serious |
- "Lo siento" = real regret.
- "Perdón" = minor accidents.
What are the different phrases for 'excuse me' used in Mexican Spanish based on the context?
| Context | Phrase | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Asking a stranger | Disculpe, ¿dónde está...? | Formal, initial approach |
| Passing in aisle | Con permiso | Before moving past |
| Bumped into someone | Perdón, no fue mi intención | After accident |
| Friend needs attention | Oye, mira esto | Casual, informal |
| Warning in a crowd | ¡Aguas! | Urgent, informal |
- Formal: "disculpe"
- Informal: "oye," "perdón"
- Passing by: "con permiso"
What phrase should you use in Mexican Spanish to excuse yourself when passing by someone?
| Phrase | Region/Use |
|---|---|
| Con permiso | Standard everywhere |
| Permiso | Shortened, common in northern Mexico |
Examples:
Con permiso, ¿puedo pasar? (Excuse me, may I come through?)
Permiso, permiso (moving through a crowd)
Con permiso, voy al baño (leaving the table)
Always say "con permiso" before moving, not after.
Is there a difference between 'disculpe' and 'perdón' in Mexican Spanish, and if so, when should each be used?
| Aspect | Disculpe | Perdón |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | Formal | Both formal/informal |
| Relationship | Strangers, authority, professionals | Anyone |
| Use | Getting attention, help | Apologizing, small accidents |
| Tone | Respectful distance | Direct, personal |
Disculpe:
- Addressing store staff
- Interrupting formally
- Talking to elders or professionals
Perdón:
- Bumping into someone
- Quick apologies with friends
- Minor mistakes
Examples:
Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo encontrar los productos? (Formal request)
Perdón, no fue mi intención (Immediate apology)
Pick "disculpe" for formality, "perdón" for everyday stuff.