Signification
Used politely to interrupt or get someone's attention.
Contexte culturel
It is extremely common to say 'Permisito' (adding the diminutive) to sound even more friendly and less intrusive when squeezing through a crowd. While 'Con permiso' is used, you will also hear 'Perdón' or 'Perdone' very frequently in the same situations where Latin Americans would strictly use 'Permiso'. The shortened 'Permiso' is the standard. It's often said with a specific rising intonation to signal a friendly intent.
The Waiter Trick
When a waiter brings food to your table, they will often say 'Con permiso' as they reach across you. It's a sign of a high-quality server.
Don't be silent
In many Spanish-speaking countries, pushing through a crowd without saying 'permiso' is considered very aggressive/rude.
Signification
Used politely to interrupt or get someone's attention.
The Waiter Trick
When a waiter brings food to your table, they will often say 'Con permiso' as they reach across you. It's a sign of a high-quality server.
Don't be silent
In many Spanish-speaking countries, pushing through a crowd without saying 'permiso' is considered very aggressive/rude.
The 'Propio' Response
If someone says 'Con permiso' to you, the most 'pro' response is 'Propio' (meaning 'It is your own permission to take').
Teste-toi
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a friend's house and need to leave the dinner table to take a phone call.
When leaving a social group or table, 'Con permiso' is the polite standard.
Complete the sentence.
___ permiso, ¿puedo pasar?
The phrase always starts with the preposition 'con' (with).
Which is the most polite for a formal meeting?
You need to enter a room where a meeting is happening.
Adding 'su' makes the phrase more formal and respectful.
Fill in the response.
Persona A: Con permiso. Persona B: ________.
'Propio' or 'Pase' are common polite responses to 'Con permiso'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Three 'Excuse Me's of Spanish
Con Permiso
- • Passing through
- • Leaving the table
- • Entering a room
Disculpe
- • Getting attention
- • Asking a question
- • Minor interruption
Perdón
- • Stepping on a foot
- • Spilling a drink
- • Making a mistake
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are at a friend's house and need to leave the dinner table to take a phone call.
When leaving a social group or table, 'Con permiso' is the polite standard.
___ permiso, ¿puedo pasar?
The phrase always starts with the preposition 'con' (with).
You need to enter a room where a meeting is happening.
Adding 'su' makes the phrase more formal and respectful.
Persona A: Con permiso. Persona B: ________.
'Propio' or 'Pase' are common polite responses to 'Con permiso'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsNot at all! 'Permiso' is just a shorter, more casual version. It's perfectly fine for daily use in shops or on the street.
No, for a favor use '¿Me haces un favor?' or 'Disculpe'. 'Con permiso' is specifically for movement or leaving.
People will still understand you, but you'll sound like you're apologizing for a crime you haven't committed yet!
Usually, no. It's more of an announcement of intent than a literal question. You say it as you begin to move.
Yes, it is one of the most universal phrases in the Spanish language.
You can still just say 'Con permiso' or 'Con su permiso, señores/as'.
Expressions liées
Disculpe
similarExcuse me
Pase usted
contrastGo ahead / After you
Perdón
similarSorry
Con su venia
specialized formWith your permission (legal)
