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Learn the polite and informal imperative forms "Scusa" and "Scusi" in Italian. This lesson teaches how to use these expressions correctly in everyday situations, distinguishing between informal (tu) and formal (Lei) contexts with clear examples and explanations.
  1. Informal situations: use "scusa" with "tu".
  2. Formal situations: use scusi with Lei.
Informale (Informal)Formale  (Formal)
Scusa, dov'è il supermercato? (Excuse me, where is the supermarket?)Scusi, dove trovo la farina? (Excuse me, where can I find the flour?)
Scusa, hai preso il carrello? (Excuse me, did you take the trolley?)Scusi, ha preso il pane? (Excuse me, did you take the bread?)
Scusa, ho dimenticato il latte. (Sorry, I forgot the milk.)Scusi, posso pagare con la carta? (Excuse me, can I pay by card?)
Scusa, quanto costa questo pesce? (Excuse me, how much does this fish cost?)Mi scusi per il ritardo. (Excuse me for the delay.)

Exercise 1: Forme di cortesia: Scusa e Scusi

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

scusi, Scusi, Scusa

1. Formale:
Mi ... per il ritardo.
(Excuse me for the delay.)
2. Informale:
..., puoi prendere il carrello della spesa?
(Excuse me, could you take the shopping trolley?)
3. Informale:
..., ho dimenticato il formaggio.
(Sorry, I forgot the cheese.)
4. Informale:
..., sai dove trovo il succo?
(Excuse me, do you know where I can find the juice?)
5. Formale:
..., posso pagare con la carta?
(Excuse me, can I pay by card?)
6. Informale:
..., puoi ripetere la domanda?
(Sorry, can you repeat the question?)
7. Formale:
Mi ..., ho dimenticato la lista della spesa.
(Excuse me, I forgot the shopping list.)
8. Informale:
..., non ho preso i biscotti.
(Sorry, I didn’t get the biscuits.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ___, hai del pane fresco?

(___, do you have fresh bread?)

2. ___, può indicarmi dove è il latte?

(___, can you tell me where the milk is?)

3. ___, hai preso il carrello?

(___, did you take the shopping cart?)

4. ___, posso pagare con la carta?

(___, can I pay by card?)

5. ___ a comprare della frutta fresca?

(___ shall we go buy some fresh fruit?)

6. ___, quanto costa questo pesce?

(___, how much does this fish cost?)

Polite Forms: "Scusa" and "Scusi"

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Italian polite expressions "Scusa" and "Scusi." These are imperative forms of the verb scusare, meaning "to excuse" or "to apologize." They are essential in everyday conversations when addressing others either informally or formally.

Informal vs. Formal Usage

The key difference is the context and the level of respect conveyed:

  • Scusa is used in informal situations with people you address as tu (friends, family, peers).
  • Scusi is the formal form and is used with Lei, for people you want to show respect or distance to, such as strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.

Examples in Common Situations

Here are sample sentences you will encounter and practice:

  • Scusa, dov'è il supermercato? (Informal: Excuse me, where is the supermarket?)
  • Scusi, dove trovo la farina? (Formal: Excuse me, where can I find the flour?)
  • Scusa, hai preso il carrello? (Informal: Did you take the shopping cart?)
  • Scusi, posso pagare con la carta? (Formal: Can I pay by card?)

Important Notes

The imperative changes depending on formality, a concept common in Italian but less explicit in English. Using scusa with friends conveys a casual tone, while scusi shows politeness and respect. The pronouns tu and Lei mark this distinction clearly in Italian.

Useful words to remember include:

  • Imperative: the command form of verb used for requests or instructions.
  • Formality: judged by relationship, context, and respect levels.
  • Pronouns: tu (you informal), Lei (you formal).

In English, we mostly rely on tone and polite phrases such as "Excuse me" without distinct verb forms. In Italian, this grammar point is vital for smooth communication.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 15/07/2025 01:06