What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the polite imperative veuillez (please/be so kind as to), the object pronoun m’ (me) and the infinitive excuser (to excuse).
Which one should you use?
While Je suis désolé is used to express personal regret or the feeling of being sorry, Veuillez m'excuser is a formal request for permission or an apology for a specific action or interruption. Additionally, Je vous présente mes excuses can be used to mean "I apologize" formally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Veuillez m'excuser is an elevated form of apology often used in highly professional settings or written correspondence. It is more formal than the standard Excusez-moi, which is a common formal way to say "excuse me".
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from "excuse me" to "excuse us", replace the object pronoun m’ with nous to form Veuillez nous excuser.
Did you know?
- The verb prier in the formal apology Je vous prie d'agréer mes excuses literally means 'to pray'. In this context, it has evolved into a secular formula for showing extreme deference.
- Using Veuillez m'excuser with friends or family can be perceived as cold or sarcastic. Its extreme formality creates a social distance that may make the speaker seem arrogant rather than polite.
- While Veuillez m'excuser is a request for the other person to excuse you, the phrase Je suis désolé literally means 'I am desolate'. This reflects a shift from asking for forgiveness to describing one's own internal state of grief.
Examples in context
- Veuillez m'excuser pour ce retard.Please excuse me for this delay.
- Veuillez m'excuser, je n'ai pas entendu.Please excuse me, I did not hear.
- Veuillez m'excuser de vous déranger si tard.Please excuse me for disturbing you so late.
Example conversation
Gabriel arrives late to a formal meeting with Chloé.
- GabrielVeuillez m'excuser pour mon retard, Chloé.Please excuse me for my lateness, Chloé.
- ChloéCe n'est rien, Gabriel, installez-vous.It is nothing, Gabriel, please be seated.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup de votre compréhension.Thank you very much for your understanding.
- ChloéJe vous en prie, commençons la réunion.You are welcome, let us begin the meeting.
