FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the CinemaMi scusi, devo passare.
A1

Mi scusi, devo passare.

Excuse me, I need to get through.

Pronunciation

pas-SA-re — stress on second syllable. Clear double 's' sound.

When to use it

Say when squeezing past seated people in a cinema row. Also useful in any crowded venue — theatres, concerts, trains. More polite than just pushing through.

What it means

'Mi scusi' is the formal apology/excuse me. In a row of cinema seats where you need to get past people to reach your seat, this is the standard phrase. People will typically stand or pull their knees to one side. Always say it even if people do not respond.

Variations

Permesso, devo passare.

Excuse me, I need to get through.

'Permesso' is used like 'may I' when passing through a group.

Scusa, puoi far passare?

Sorry, can you let me through?

Informal version for friends or young people.

Mi dispiace disturbare.

Sorry to disturb you.

More apologetic tone if you are interrupting mid-film.

Mini Dialogue

— Mi scusi, devo passare. Il mio posto è lì in fondo. — Certo, un secondo. — Grazie mille, mi dispiace disturbare. — Nessun problema.

— Excuse me, I need to get through. My seat is at the far end. — Of course, one moment. — Thank you very much, sorry to disturb. — No problem.

Cultural Note

Italians in cinemas tend to be quite considerate in letting people through a row, usually standing up fully rather than just angling their knees — especially in smaller, older cinemas with narrow rows.