Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Pardon Me in Spanish: Perdón, Disculpe & Con Permiso
Perdón · interjection / noun · pehr-DOHN
Pardon me has several Spanish equivalents depending on context. Perdón is the most direct and casual (sorry / pardon me). Disculpe is formal and polite (excuse me, sir/ma'am). Con permiso is specifically for requesting physical passage — like squeezing through a crowd.
pehr-DOHN (perdón) / dees-KOOL-peh (disculpe) / kohn pehr-MEE-soh (con permiso).
Perdón, ¿me puede repetir eso?
Pardon me, can you repeat that?
Pardon Me in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for pardon me, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| perdón | pardon me | pehr-DOHN | Default, widely understood |
| disculpe | pardon me | formal: excuse me | |
| con permiso | pardon me | when passing through a space | |
| perdone | pardon me | formal Spain usage |
How Native Speakers Use Perdón
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Getting attention
Disculpe, ¿sabe dónde está la estación?
Pardon me, do you know where the station is?
Disculpe is the polite way to approach a stranger for directions.
After a small mistake
¡Ay, perdón! No me di cuenta de que estabas ahí.
Oh, pardon me! I didn't realize you were there.
Perdón works as a quick apology after bumping into someone or a minor error.
Passing through a crowd
Con permiso, necesito pasar.
Pardon me, I need to get through.
Con permiso specifically requests space to pass — like excuse me in a hallway.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Perdón
Using perdón when you need con permiso
Incorrect: ¡Perdón! (while pushing through a crowd without having bumped anyone)
Correct: ¡Con permiso!
Perdón implies you did something wrong. Con permiso politely requests passage. In a crowd, con permiso is more appropriate if you haven't bumped anyone yet.
Using disculpa for formal situations
Incorrect: Disculpa, señor, ¿tiene hora?
Correct: Disculpe, señor, ¿tiene hora?
Disculpa is informal (tú). Disculpe is formal (usted). When addressing strangers or elders, use disculpe.
Lock in Pardon Me Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Perdón used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using perdón in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Perdón, ¿me puede repetir eso? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Pardon Me in Spanish
- How do you say pardon me in Spanish?
- The most direct translation is perdón. For formal contexts, use disculpe. When you need to pass by someone, say con permiso.
- What is the difference between perdón and disculpe?
- Perdón is casual and works between friends or after small accidents. Disculpe (from disculpar) is more formal and used with strangers or in professional settings.
- When do I use con permiso?
- Use con permiso when you need to physically pass through a space — like walking between people, reaching past someone, or leaving a table. It means with your permission.