Excusez-moi
/ɛk.sky.ze.mwa/
The English phrase 'excuse me' is translated into French as Excusez-moi.
Excusez-moi is used in formal situations to express apologies, seek attention or ask for forgiveness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb excuser (to excuse) and the stressed pronoun moi (me).
Which one should you use?
Excuse-moi is an informal way to say excusez-moi. While Excusez-moi is used to initiate an interaction or excuse a movement, Pardon is often used as a shorter, more immediate reaction to a small mistake like stepping on someone's foot.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'excuse us' (plural), change the pronoun moi to nous.
Did you know?
- While Excusez-moi is polite, using it too frequently in a short conversation can paradoxically seem impatient or aggressive to a native speaker, as if you are constantly interrupting.
- The verb excuser in Excusez-moi shares a root with the English word 'excuse', but in French, the reflexive form s'excuser technically means 'to apologize' rather than 'to forgive oneself'.
- In Quebec, the phrase Excusez-moi is sometimes used where a European French speaker would use Pardon, blending the two functions of seeking attention and apologizing for a bump.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, je suis en retard.Excuse me, I am late.
- Je vous prie de m'excuser, j'ai oublié d'envoyer le rapport.Please excuse me, I forgot to send the report.
- Excusez-moi, monsieur/madame, auriez-vous une minute ?Excuse me, sir/madam, do you have a minute?
- Pardon, pourriez-vous m'aider ?Pardon, could you help me?
- Pardon, je ne vous avais pas vu(e).Sorry, I didn't see you.
- Pardon, pouvez-vous me passer le sel ?Excuse me, could you pass me the salt?
- Excuse-moi, je ne l'ai pas fait exprès.Excuse me, I didn't do it on purpose.
- Excusez-moi, où est la gare ?Excuse me, where is the train station?
- Excusez-moi de vous déranger.Excuse me for disturbing you.
- Excusez-moi, est-ce que ce siège est libre ?Excuse me, is this seat free?
Example conversation
Hugo is trying to get a waitress's attention in a cafe.
- HugoExcusez-moi, je voudrais un café.Excuse me, I would like a coffee.
- LéaBien sûr, je vous apporte ça tout de suite.Of course, I'll bring that to you right away.
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Léa.Thank you very much, Léa.
- LéaJe vous en prie, Monsieur.You're welcome, sir.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry excusez-moi.
