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How to Say ‘For what reason, excuse me?’ in Italian

Per quale motivo, scusi?

pehr KWAH-leh moh-TEE-voh SKOO-zee

[pehr KWAH-leh moh-TEE-voh SKOO-zee]

🇮🇹 In Italy: Adding scusi softens what could sound like a blunt question. Receptionists often ask this to screen calls, so have a short reason ready.

Phrase Breakdown

Per quale motivo,

pehr KWAH-leh moh-TEE-voh

For what reason,

Asks the purpose of the call. Pause briefly at the comma.

Example

Per quale motivo è qui?

Why are you here?

Words in this phrase

Per

[pehr]

for

A preposition used to explain purpose or reason.

Example

Sono qui per conoscere nuove aziende.

I am here to get to know new companies.

quale

[KWAH-leh]

which

Question word used to ask which one among options.

Example

Quale tavolo preferisce?

Which table do you prefer?

motivo

[moh-TEE-voh]

reason

Masculine noun meaning the reason or cause for something.

Example

Qual è il motivo della chiamata?

What is the reason for the call?

scusi?

SKOO-zee

excuse me?

The formal 'excuse me', which softens the question: SKOO-zee.

Example

Scusi, dov'è il bagno?

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Words in this phrase

scusi

[SKOO-zee]

excuse me (formal)

Polite form used to get attention or apologize to a stranger.

Example

Scusi, dov'è la stazione?

Excuse me, where is the station?

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

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