désolé de vous déranger
The English phrase "sorry to trouble you" is translated into French as désolé de vous déranger.
This phrase is a polite expression used to apologize for interrupting someone or for asking for their help. It is typically used when you are already in the process of interrupting someone or have just realized that your request is an imposition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of désolé (sorry), de (to/of), vous (you) and déranger (to disturb/bother).
Which one should you use?
While désolé de vous déranger expresses regret for an inconvenience, Excusez-moi de vous déranger is a more common way to initiate an interruption or to get someone's attention.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a single person you know well or a peer, you replace the formal vous with the informal te, resulting in désolé de te déranger. Additionally, if the person speaking is female, the adjective désolé takes an extra e to become désolée, though the pronunciation remains the same.
Did you know?
- The word déranger contains the root ranger, which means 'to arrange' or 'to put in order'. Originally, to 'derange' something meant to throw its tidy arrangement into disorder.
- While désolé is used for 'sorry' in this phrase, using it to apologize for a mistake can sound overly dramatic to native speakers. In those cases, the word pardon is much more common.
- In France, a common non-verbal accompaniment to désolé de vous déranger is a slight, quick nod of the head or a small step back to give the other person physical space.
Examples in context
- Je suis vraiment désolé de vous déranger !I'm really sorry to trouble you!This sentence is useful for expressing strong regret when interrupting someone with désolé de vous déranger.Tatoeba #558011 by sacredceltic, translation #475218 by Drake
- Désolé de vous déranger, mais pouvez-vous m'aider ?Sorry to trouble you, but can you help me?This sentence is useful for introducing a request for help after apologizing with désolé de vous déranger.Tatoeba #465696 by mamat, translation #54310 by mamat
- Désolé(e) de vous déranger, mais j'ai un problème.Sorry to trouble you, but I have a problem.
- Je suis désolé de vous déranger, monsieur.I am sorry to trouble you, sir.
Example conversation
Hugo interrupts Léa while she is working in her office.
- HugoBonjour Léa, désolé de vous déranger.Hello Léa, sorry to trouble you.
- LéaBonjour Hugo, ce n'est pas grave. Pourquoi ?Hello Hugo, it's no problem. Why?
- HugoAvez-vous un moment pour signer ce papier ?Do you have a moment to sign this paper?
- LéaOui, donnez-le-moi s'il vous plaît.Yes, give it to me please.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
