Excuse me
Polite attention
Littéralement: Pardon me / Release me from blame
Use `Excuse me` as a polite 'door opener' before asking questions or moving through someone's space.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to get a stranger's attention politely.
- Say it when you need to move through a crowd.
- A polite way to apologize for small interruptions or sneezes.
Signification
This is a polite way to get someone's attention, ask for space to pass, or apologize for a small mistake. It is the 'magic phrase' that makes you sound respectful in public.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Asking for directions
Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?
Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?
Moving through a crowd
Excuse me, I just need to get to the exit.
Excuse me, I just need to get to the exit.
In a formal meeting
Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this call.
Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this call.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the high value Western cultures place on individualism and personal boundaries. It serves as a linguistic 'buffer' that allows people to navigate crowded public spaces without causing offense. In some regions, like the Southern US, it is often followed by 'ma'am' or 'sir' for extra politeness.
The Tone Matters
If you say it with a rising pitch at the end, it's a question. If you say it flatly, it's a request to move. If you say it sharply, it can sound like you are annoyed!
Not for Big Mistakes
Don't use `Excuse me` if you spill red wine on someone's white carpet. That requires a full 'I am so sorry!'
En 15 secondes
- Use it to get a stranger's attention politely.
- Say it when you need to move through a crowd.
- A polite way to apologize for small interruptions or sneezes.
What It Means
Excuse me is your social multi-tool. It acts as a polite interrupt button. Use it when you need to talk to a stranger. Use it when you need to walk through a crowd. It tells people you are being respectful of their space and time. It essentially says, 'I am about to bother you for a second, please don't be mad.'
How To Use It
Say it clearly and with a slight rising tone if asking a question. If you are moving through a crowd, say it firmly but kindly. At a restaurant, catch the server's eye and say it softly. You can also use it if you sneeze or cough in public. It is very versatile. Just don't shout it unless there is an emergency!
When To Use It
You should use it when you need to ask for directions. Use it if someone is blocking the supermarket aisle. Use it if you accidentally bump into someone's shoulder. It is perfect for starting a conversation with someone you don't know. If you are in a meeting and need to leave the room, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you look like a pro at social etiquette.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for big mistakes. If you break someone's phone, Excuse me is too weak. You need I'm so sorry for that. Also, avoid using it with a sarcastic, loud tone. That makes it sound like an insult! Don't use it to interrupt your boss while they are mid-sentence in a serious speech. Timing is everything, even when you are being polite.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, personal space is very important. Excuse me helps bridge the gap when you must enter that personal space. It dates back hundreds of years to the idea of 'exonerating' oneself. Today, it is less about legal blame and more about social harmony. In places like London or New York, it is the difference between being a 'rude tourist' and a 'welcome guest.'
Common Variations
You might hear Pardon me in very formal settings. Some people just say Sorry when passing by, but Excuse me is more proactive. In the UK, you might hear Sorry, could I just... which is a very polite way to move past someone. If you are texting, you might see Excuse me? used to show surprise at something rude someone said.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is perfectly safe for all levels of formality. It is neutral, meaning you can use it with a child, a friend, or a king without any issues.
The Tone Matters
If you say it with a rising pitch at the end, it's a question. If you say it flatly, it's a request to move. If you say it sharply, it can sound like you are annoyed!
Not for Big Mistakes
Don't use `Excuse me` if you spill red wine on someone's white carpet. That requires a full 'I am so sorry!'
The 'British' Sorry
In the UK, people often say `Sorry` instead of `Excuse me` even if they didn't do anything wrong. It's a cultural quirk of extreme politeness!
Exemples
6Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?
Excuse me, do you know where the train station is?
A perfect way to start a conversation with a stranger.
Excuse me, I just need to get to the exit.
Excuse me, I just need to get to the exit.
Used here to ask people to move out of your way.
Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this call.
Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this call.
A polite way to leave a room temporarily.
Excuse me? Did you really just say that?
Excuse me? Did you really just say that?
Used with a question mark to show disbelief or mild offense.
Excuse me! That soda was more carbonated than I thought.
Excuse me! That soda was more carbonated than I thought.
Standard etiquette after a small bodily noise.
Oh, excuse me! I didn't see you there.
Oh, excuse me! I didn't see you there.
A quick apology for a minor physical bump.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to get a waiter's attention.
___, could we have the bill please?
`Excuse me` is the most polite and standard way to get service in a restaurant.
You need to walk past someone in a narrow hallway.
___, may I get past?
This signals your intent to move through their space without being aggressive.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels of Interrupting
Used with friends
Hey!
Standard polite use
Excuse me
Very respectful
Pardon me
When to say 'Excuse Me'
At the Grocery Store
Reaching for the milk
On the Street
Asking for the time
In the Office
Entering a cubicle
At Dinner
After a sneeze
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUse Excuse me before you do something (like interrupting) and I'm sorry after you've done something wrong.
Yes, it is the most common and polite way to call a server in English-speaking countries.
Pardon me is just a more formal version of Excuse me. It is common in the Southern US or in very fancy settings.
You should say Excuse me quietly to the people around you after you sneeze or cough.
Yes, if you say it loudly or with an angry tone, like EXCUSE ME?!, it means you are offended by what someone did.
If they are passing by, just move and say Of course or No problem. If they are asking a question, just listen to their question.
Absolutely. It is a neutral phrase that works well in professional environments.
Only if you are entering their personal space (about an arm's length) or if they are blocking your path.
There isn't really a short version, but in very casual slang, some people might mumble 'Scuse me'.
Yes, but wait for a small pause in their talking, then say Excuse me, may I ask a quick question?.
Expressions liées
Pardon me
A more formal way to say excuse me.
I beg your pardon
Very formal; often used when you didn't hear someone or are offended.
Sorry, can I just squeeze past?
A common British way to ask to move through a crowd.
May I have your attention?
A formal way to address a whole group of people.
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