excusez-moi madame
The English phrase "excuse me madam" can be said in French as excusez-moi madame.
This phrase is used both to politely interrupt someone to ask a question and to apologize for a minor social blunder, such as bumping into someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb excusez (excuse), the object pronoun moi (me) and the honorific madame (madam).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb excusez is in the second-person plural/polite form, which is required when addressing a stranger or someone to whom you want to show respect.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While excusez-moi madame is the polite form used for strangers, excuse-moi madame would be grammatically inconsistent as it uses the informal tu form of the verb with the formal madame.
Did you know?
- In modern French, madame is used for any adult woman regardless of her marital status, whereas it historically referred only to married women.
- While excusez-moi is used for interruptions, a French speaker might use pardon instead if they accidentally step on someone's foot, as pardon focuses more on the mistake than the request for attention.
- If you are addressing a woman whose age or status is unclear, using madame is safer than mademoiselle, as the latter is increasingly viewed as outdated or patronizing in professional settings.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi madame, où est la gare ?Excuse me madam, where is the train station?
- Excusez-moi madame, vous avez fait tomber votre sac.Excuse me madam, you dropped your bag.
- Excusez-moi madame, est-ce que je peux passer ?Excuse me madam, may I pass through?
Example conversation
Gabriel is asking Chloé for directions on a busy street.
- GabrielExcusez-moi madame, quel est le nom de cette rue ?Excuse me madam, what is the name of this street?
- ChloéC'est la rue des Fleurs, monsieur.It is Rue des Fleurs, sir.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, madame.Thank you very much, madam.
- ChloéJe vous en prie.You are welcome.
