s'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi
The English phrase 'please forgive me' is translated into French as s'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to excuse a mistake or a wrongdoing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase s'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi literally translates to 'if it pleases you, forgive me'.
Which one should you use?
The default form pardonnez-moi uses the formal 'vous' conjugation, making it appropriate for strangers, superiors or groups.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, Pardonnez-moi. is used to ask for forgiveness in a more formal setting or when a higher level of respect is required.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version uses the 'tu' form of the verb and the singular 'te' instead of 'vous'.
Did you know?
- The formal vous in pardonnez-moi is a cognate of the Italian word voi and the Russian word вы, all of which share a common ancient root.
- In some social contexts, asking for forgiveness with pardonnez-moi can actually be seen as too formal, potentially creating an awkward distance between the speaker and the listener.
- In some regions of France, particularly the north, pardon is spoken with a rising intonation to function as 'excuse me' when asking someone to move out of the way.
Examples in context
- Veuillez me pardonner, je n'ai pas réalisé l'ampleur de mes paroles. Je regrette sincèrement.Please forgive me, I didn't realize the extent of my words. I sincerely regret it.
- Excuse-moi, j'ai oublié de te rappeler à quel point tu comptes pour moi. Pardonne-moi, mon amie.Excuse me, I forgot to remind you how much you mean to me. Forgive me, my friend.
- S'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi pour cette erreur.Please forgive me for this mistake.
Example conversation
Chloé accidentally spills water on Hugo's desk.
- ChloéOh non ! S'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi, Hugo.Oh no! Please forgive me, Hugo.
- HugoCe n'est pas grave, Chloé.It is not a big deal, Chloé.
- ChloéJe vais essuyer le bureau tout de suite.I will wipe the desk right away.
- HugoNe vous inquiétez pas, c'est oublié.Don't worry, it's forgotten.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
