Italian Phrase
Scusa se ti disturbo.
Meaning
Literally, “Sorry if I’m disturbing you.” It’s a polite way to apologize for interrupting someone or for causing a minor inconvenience.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to get someone's attention, ask a question, or request a favor, especially if you think you might be intruding on their time or space.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Scusasetidisturbo
Scusa (imperative)
‘Scusa’ is the informal singular imperative of ‘scusare’, used to politely ask for forgiveness or to preface an apology.
se (conjunction)
‘se’ introduces a subordinate clause meaning ‘if’ or ‘that’, linking the apology to the reason.
ti (object pronoun)
‘ti’ is the second‑person singular indirect object pronoun, meaning ‘to you’.
disturbo (present indicative)
‘disturbo’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘disturbare’, meaning ‘I disturb’. In this context it conveys ‘I’m bothering you’.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa se ti disturbo, ma potresti darmi una mano con questo compito?
Sorry if I’m bothering you, but could you help me with this assignment?
Certo, dimmi pure!
Sure, go ahead!
✕Common Mistakes
Scusi se ti disturbo.
‘Scusi’ is the formal version; use it only with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
Scusa se ti disturba.
‘Disturba’ is third‑person singular; the speaker must use ‘disturbo’ (first person).
Scusa se disturbo.
Dropping the pronoun makes the sentence sound incomplete; keep ‘ti’ to indicate who is being disturbed.
↔Alternatives
Mi scuso se ti disturbo.
I apologize if I’m disturbing you.
Scusami per l’interruzione.
Excuse me for the interruption.
Scusa, ho bisogno di un attimo del tuo tempo.
Sorry, I need a moment of your time.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, politeness is often expressed with a brief apology before asking for something, even if the request is small. Using the informal ‘scusa’ signals familiarity; with strangers or in formal settings you’d use ‘scusi’ (formal singular) or ‘scusate’ (plural).