Meaning
Politely interrupting or asking for permission.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, 'Con permiso' is extremely common. If you don't say it when passing someone, you might be considered 'grosero' (rude). The diminutive 'permisito' is often used to sound extra friendly. While 'Permiso' is used, Spaniards might use 'Perdón' or 'Perdona' more frequently than Latin Americans to move through a crowd. However, 'Permiso' remains the standard for entering rooms. On the 'Colectivos' (buses) of Buenos Aires, 'Permiso' is a survival tool. It's often said quickly and repeatedly as you push toward the door. Colombians are known for being exceptionally polite. They often combine 'Permiso' with 'Qué pena' (What a shame/I'm sorry) to be doubly respectful.
The Door Rule
When saying '¿Permiso?' at a door, always wait for a verbal 'Pase' or 'Adelante' before entering. Entering immediately is considered rude.
Eye Contact
In many Latin American countries, a quick bit of eye contact and a smile while saying 'permiso' makes you seem much more friendly and less like a tourist.
Meaning
Politely interrupting or asking for permission.
The Door Rule
When saying '¿Permiso?' at a door, always wait for a verbal 'Pase' or 'Adelante' before entering. Entering immediately is considered rude.
Eye Contact
In many Latin American countries, a quick bit of eye contact and a smile while saying 'permiso' makes you seem much more friendly and less like a tourist.
Don't Over-apologize
Don't say 'Perdón' when you just need to pass. It makes the situation feel more serious than it is. 'Permiso' is the efficient, polite choice.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
1. You bump into someone. 2. You want to enter a closed office. 3. You want to ask a stranger for directions.
Perdón is for accidents, Permiso is for entry, Disculpe is for getting attention.
Fill in the blank in this bus dialogue.
Pasajero: '______, por favor. Necesito bajar en la esquina.'
When you need to move through people to reach an exit, 'Permiso' is the correct word.
Complete the formal dinner dialogue.
Invitado: 'Con ______, voy a contestar esta llamada.'
'Con permiso' is the standard way to excuse yourself from a table.
Which is the most formal way to ask to enter a room?
You are at the CEO's office door.
Adding 'su' and the full sentence makes it the most formal option.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use Permiso
Transport
- • Bus
- • Metro
- • Train
Social
- • Dinner table
- • Parties
- • Meetings
Public
- • Markets
- • Sidewalks
- • Stores
Practice Bank
4 exercises1. You bump into someone. 2. You want to enter a closed office. 3. You want to ask a stranger for directions.
Perdón is for accidents, Permiso is for entry, Disculpe is for getting attention.
Pasajero: '______, por favor. Necesito bajar en la esquina.'
When you need to move through people to reach an exit, 'Permiso' is the correct word.
Invitado: 'Con ______, voy a contestar esta llamada.'
'Con permiso' is the standard way to excuse yourself from a table.
You are at the CEO's office door.
Adding 'su' and the full sentence makes it the most formal option.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's often shortened to just 'Permiso' or '¿Me dejas pasar?'. 'Con permiso' might sound a bit too formal for a very close group.
It is always masculine: 'El permiso'.
'Con permiso' is slightly more formal and complete. 'Permiso' is the quick, everyday version.
Technically yes, but usually people just say '¡Quita!' or '¡Fuera!' to pets. Saying 'permiso' to a dog is a common joke about being 'too polite'.
The most common responses are 'Pase', 'Adelante', or 'Claro'.
Yes, but 'Perdón' is also very common for moving through crowds in Spain. 'Permiso' is universally understood though.
No, for favors use '¿Me haces un favor?' or 'Disculpa...'. 'Permiso' is specifically for space or authorization.
It means 'Driver's License'. Here, 'permiso' is used in its literal sense of 'official authorization'.
Yes. The word is polite, but the action of pushing is not. Always try to wait for people to move after you say it.
It's just a very fast, slangy shortening of 'Permiso', common in crowded cities like Buenos Aires or Mexico City.
Related Phrases
Con permiso
similarWith permission
Perdón
contrastSorry / Pardon
Disculpe
similarExcuse me
Adelante
builds onGo ahead / Come in
Pase
builds onPass / Come in
