Scusa, scusi, scusate...and one more!

Many students get confused between scusa and scusi, sometimes even with scusate, but learning the differences is easier than you think! 

In this post, I’ll not only explain how to master these expressions but also share a real-life experience from my own journey in Naples, where I encountered a rare, old-fashioned phrase.
This true story will stick with you—and help you never forget these essential Italian nuances!

Allora...

Some years ago, while heading toward the Museo di Capodimonte near Naples, my friend and I decided to stop for a bite to eat. We stumbled upon a small, charming delicatessen, and immediately, the quality of the local products caught our attention. The shelves were lined with freshly made mozzarella, cured meats, and all sorts of local delights that were simply irresistible.

Since we were the only customers, we started chatting with the gentleman behind the counter, a man in his 60s with a warm but somewhat formal demeanour. We asked him all sorts of questions—about the best local products, what to try, and what he would recommend. His passion for the food and his pride in the region’s produce shone through in every answer. It was one of those moments where you feel deeply connected to a place, as if you’re getting a true taste of its culture, not just its cuisine.

Toward the end of our visit, after we had selected a few items for our lunch, the conversation shifted slightly. The man hesitated for a moment, then, with a polite smile, asked, “Scusino, posso fare una domanda?” (Excuse me, ladies, may I ask you a question?)
He wanted to know where we were from and what had brought us to Naples.

There it was again—scusino. I was instantly intrigued by his choice of words. It wasn’t the more familiar “scusate” but the old-fashioned, formal version that you rarely hear nowadays.
It was as if he was politely seeking permission to cross from the professional into the personal, and in such a respectful way.

This interaction got me thinking about the layers of politeness and formality in Italian, and how easily language can bridge the gap between strangers. That’s why I’m sharing this story today.
Many Italian learners, understandably, get caught in the “scusa” versus “scusi” confusion, especially since they both sound similar to the English “excuse me.” But, as I was reminded that day in Naples, Italian has a much richer palette of expressions that reflect not just familiarity or respect, but also an awareness of social roles and contexts.

So here’s your guide to navigating these nuances:

• Scusa – Casual and informal, used with people you know well, such as friends or peers.
  Example: “Scusa, mi passi il pane?” (Excuse me, can you pass me the bread?)
• Scusi – Formal and polite, used when addressing strangers, elders, or anyone deserving of respect.
  Example: “Scusi, sa dirmi che ore sono?”(Excuse me, do you know what time it is?)
• Scusate – Used when addressing more than one person, regardless of the formality.
  Example: “Scusate, potreste abbassare la voce?” (Excuse me, could you lower your voices?)
• Scusino – A highly formal and somewhat antiquated expression, used when addressing multiple people in a very respectful or old-fashioned way.
  It’s rarely heard today, but in certain contexts, such as in the South of Italy or from older generations, it still lingers. Example:“Scusino, signori, posso disturbare?” (Excuse me, gentlemen, may I disturb you?)
  I would not recommend language learners to use it: just to start noticing that rare expression from a not-so-distant past.

That day at the delicatessen reminded me of the beauty of these distinctions.
In Italian - and not just in Italian - how you say something is just as important as what you say. It reflects your awareness of social dynamics and respect for the people around you.
So next time you’re practicing your Italian, don’t be afraid to embrace these subtleties. And who knows? You might just impress someone with a well-placed “scusi”!