excuses
The English phrase apologies is translated into French as excuses.
The term excuses refers to expressions of regret used to say sorry for a mistake or a fault. While the word can also mean the reasons one gives to justify a fault, it is used to mean formal apologies when used in the context of présenter ses excuses.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the verb 'to apologize' in a formal manner, French speakers typically use the phrase présenter ses excuses (to offer one's apologies) rather than a single verb.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes confuse the noun excuses with the act of apologizing itself. While excuses are the apologies (the noun), words like pardon or désolé are more common for the immediate reaction of saying 'sorry'.
Did you know?
- French has a specific word, navré, which expresses a level of apology deeper than désolé, implying the speaker is physically crushed by their mistake.
- The word pardon can be used both as an apology for a bump in the street and as a command to repeat a sentence if you did not hear it.
- If you want to say 'my apologies' in a formal French letter, you would write Je vous prie de bien vouloir accepter mes excuses.
Examples in context
- Je ne veux pas de vos excuses.I don't want your apologies.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not want someone's apologies.Tatoeba #2415806 by sacredceltic, translation #2012952 by CK
- Il n'a pas accepté mes excuses.He did not accept my apologies.This sentence is useful for showing that someone did not accept apologies.Tatoeba #132326 by sacredceltic, translation #297990 by CK
- Encore une fois, mille excuses.Again, a thousand apologies.This sentence is useful for showing an idiomatic way to express deep regret.Tatoeba #10485873 by lbdx, translation #619814 by ulyssemc1
- Excusez-moi, je suis en retard.Excuse me, I am late.
- Je vous présente mes excuses pour le désagrément causé.I apologize to you for the inconvenience caused.
- Je suis désolé(e) pour le malentendu.I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
- Désolé(e) pour le contretemps.Sorry for the delay.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo arrived late to his meeting with Manon.
- ManonTu es en retard, Hugo.You are late, Hugo.
- HugoJe te présente mes excuses.I offer you my apologies.
- ManonCe n'est pas grave, mais fais attention.It is not serious, but be careful.
- HugoMerci de ta compréhension.Thank you for your understanding.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
