Signification
Apology.
Contexte culturel
Italians use 'scusa' frequently but expect it to be accompanied by eye contact. Avoiding eye contact while apologizing can seem insincere. In cities like Milan, 'scusa' is often used very quickly and efficiently in the hustle of the commute. Apologies in the south can be more expansive and may involve more physical touch, like a light tap on the shoulder. Young people often use 'scusa' sarcastically to point out someone else's rudeness.
The 'S' Sound
The 's' in 'scusa' is followed by a hard 'c', making a 'sk' sound. Don't pronounce it like 'sh'!
The Formal Trap
When in doubt, use 'Scusi'. It's better to be too formal than too rude.
Signification
Apology.
The 'S' Sound
The 's' in 'scusa' is followed by a hard 'c', making a 'sk' sound. Don't pronounce it like 'sh'!
The Formal Trap
When in doubt, use 'Scusi'. It's better to be too formal than too rude.
Add 'Tanto'
Saying 'Scusa tanto' makes you sound much more sincere and native.
Hand Gestures
A slight tilt of the head and a small hand-raise often accompany a sincere 'scusa'.
Teste-toi
You bump into your best friend. What do you say?
Oh, ____! Non ti avevo visto.
Since it's your best friend, the informal 'scusa' is correct.
Fill in the plural form to apologize to a group of friends.
____ ragazzi, sono in ritardo!
Addressing a group ('ragazzi') requires the plural imperative 'scusate'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Scusa, sai l'ora? | 2. Mi dispiace per il tuo gatto. | 3. Scusi, dov'è l'ufficio?
Scusa is informal, Mi dispiace is sympathy, Scusi is formal.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural form.
A: 'Ehi, mi stai ascoltando?' | B: '____, ero distratto.'
The use of 'Ehi' and 'mi stai' indicates an informal conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOh, ____! Non ti avevo visto.
Since it's your best friend, the informal 'scusa' is correct.
____ ragazzi, sono in ritardo!
Addressing a group ('ragazzi') requires the plural imperative 'scusate'.
1. Scusa, sai l'ora? | 2. Mi dispiace per il tuo gatto. | 3. Scusi, dov'è l'ufficio?
Scusa is informal, Mi dispiace is sympathy, Scusi is formal.
A: 'Ehi, mi stai ascoltando?' | B: '____, ero distratto.'
The use of 'Ehi' and 'mi stai' indicates an informal conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsOnly if used with someone you should be formal with (like a boss). With friends, it's perfectly polite.
'Scusami' literally means 'excuse me'. They are 99% interchangeable in casual speech.
It's better to say 'Scusi' unless you are at a very casual place where you know the waiter well.
The most common replies are 'Di nulla', 'Figurati', or 'Non ti preoccupare'.
Yes, it is standard Italian used from Milan to Sicily.
No. Unlike Japanese 'sumimasen', 'scusa' is only for apologies or attention.
It means 'Excuse me?!' and expresses shock or disbelief at something said.
Young people might say 'scu'', but it's very informal and regional.
Yes, 'scusa per il ritardo' is the perfect way to start.
You must use the plural: 'Scusate'.
It's both! As a verb, it means 'excuse'. As a noun, it means 'an excuse'.
Only if the email is to a friend. For business, use 'Mi scuso' or 'Chiedo scusa'.
Expressions liées
scusami
similarExcuse me (personal)
scusi
specialized formExcuse me (formal)
mi dispiace
contrastI'm sorry / I feel bad
permesso
similarMay I?
perdonami
builds onForgive me
chiedere scusa
builds onTo apologize
