mes excuses
To say my apologies in French, use mes excuses. It is a formal way to say sorry for a mistake or a problem.
mes excuses usually appears inside a fuller sentence such as Je vous présente mes excuses or Veuillez accepter mes excuses, which are common in professional or written messages.
What does it mean word for word?
mes means my and excuses is the plural of the noun for excuse or apology.
Which one should you use?
Je m'excuse is a verb phrase meaning I apologize, while mes excuses is a noun phrase that offers apologies. Pardon is a quick, informal way to say sorry.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Je vous présente mes excuses, Veuillez m'excuser and Veuillez accepter mes excuses are formal. Pardon is informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this expression the noun is always plural, so it is mes excuses and not the singular.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Many learners say Je m'excuse thinking it is the most polite form. Strict French etiquette can see it as slightly impolite, because you excuse yourself instead of asking to be excused. Veuillez m'excuser is a safe polite choice.
Did you know?
- When apologizing in a very formal letter, the phrase Je vous présente mes excuses treats your apology as if it were a physical gift or a formal offering being handed to the recipient.
- While mes excuses is used for formal apologies, the word Pardon serves a dual purpose. It can be a quick apology or the standard way to politely push through a crowd or get a stranger's attention.
- The word mes shares a common ancestor with the English word 'my', as both languages descend from ancient roots signifying personal possession.
Examples in context
- Il n'a pas accepté mes excuses.He did not accept my apologies.Il n'a pas accepté means he did not accept.Tatoeba #132326 by sacredceltic, translation #297990 by CK
- Tom n'a pas accepté mes excuses.Tom didn't accept my apologies.The same structure with a name, Tom, as the subject.Tatoeba #4716442 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4715812 by CK
- Je vous présente mes excuses pour le retard dans la livraison du colis.I apologize to you for the delay in delivering the package.
- Veuillez m'excuser pour mon comportement inapproprié lors de la réunion.Please excuse me for my inappropriate behavior during the meeting.
- Désolé, je ne peux pas assister à la fête demain.Sorry, I can't attend the party tomorrow.
- Désolé(e) de t'avoir fait attendre si longtemps.Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long.
- Pardon d'avoir cassé ton vase.Sorry for breaking your vase.
- Veuillez accepter mes excuses pour ce retard.Please accept my apologies for this delay.
Example conversation
Nathan is apologizing to Léa for a mistake at work.
- NathanJe vous prie d'accepter mes excuses.Please accept my apologies.
- LéaCe n'est pas grave, Nathan.It is not a big deal, Nathan.
- NathanJe ferai plus attention la prochaine fois.I will be more careful next time.
- LéaD'accord, ne vous inquiétez pas.Okay, do not worry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
