Learn Italian: Il treno è pieno. Permesso, grazie! - The train is full. Excuse me, coming through, thank you!

Scusi is the formal way to get someone's attention or apologize for a mistake. However, when you specifically need to physically pass by someone (like on a crowded train) or enter a room, Italians use the word permesso. You use it regardless of whether the situation is formal or informal.

What does permesso literally mean?

It literally translates to 'permission' or 'permitted'. By saying it, you are politely asking 'Do I have permission to pass?'

Is this phrase considered formal or informal?

The phrase Permesso, grazie! is neutral and works for both. However, because you are speaking to strangers on a train, using polite set expressions like this is essential for being respectful, much like using the formal Lei instead of the informal tu.

Why does pieno end in -o in this sentence?

Pieno (full) is an adjective describing il treno (the train). Because treno is a masculine singular noun, the adjective must match it with the masculine singular -o ending. If you were talking about a feminine noun, like a car (la macchina), you would say it is piena.