🙏💺❓

How to Say ‘Excuse me, is this seat free?’ in Italian

Scusa, è libero questo posto?

SKOO-zah eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POHS-toh

[SKOO-zah eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POHS-toh]

💬 Usage Tip: Scusa is the casual form you'd use with someone you'd call tu. The polite version is Scusi.

🇮🇹 In Italy: Among people of similar age at a bar, the casual Scusa sounds natural and friendly. Save Scusi for older strangers or staff.

Phrase Breakdown

Scusa,

SKOO-zah

Excuse me,

This is the informal 'excuse me'. Use 'scusi' with strangers in formal situations.

Example

Scusa, che ore sono?

Excuse me, what time is it?

Words in this phrase

Scusa

[SKOO-zah]

sorry

Feeling regret or penitence.

Example

Devo dire scusa per il ritardo.

I must say sorry for the delay.

è libero

eh LEE-beh-roh

is it free

The 'è' has an open 'e' sound, like in 'bet'.

Example

È libero il tavolo?

Is the table free?

Words in this phrase

[eh]

Third-person singular of 'essere'; used to describe a person, company, or situation.

Example

Quando dici È in È molto umana, stai descrivendo l'azienda.

When you say 'È' in 'È molto umana,' you are describing the company.

libero

[LEE-beh-roh]

free

Not under the control or in the power of something or someone else.

Example

Ho un po' di tempo libero settimana prossima.

I have some free time next week.

questo posto?

KWEH-stoh POHS-toh

this seat?

The 'qu' sounds like 'kw': KWE-sto.

Example

Prendo questo posto.

I'll take this seat.

Words in this phrase

questo

[KWEH-stoh]

this

Demonstrative adjective used to point to something near or specific.

Example

Questo ambiente sembra aperto e rispettoso.

This environment seems open and respectful.

posto

[POHS-toh]

place / seat

Can mean a place, spot, or seat at a restaurant.

Example

Cerchiamo un posto tranquillo vicino alla finestra.

We are looking for a quiet spot near the window.

Guides for Italian learners

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