Excuse me, that's my seat
Seat claim
Use this phrase to politely reclaim your spot whenever someone accidentally sits in your assigned or saved seat.
15秒了解
- Polite way to reclaim your reserved or saved spot.
- Use 'Excuse me' to stay friendly and avoid conflict.
- Common in planes, theaters, and cafes with belongings left behind.
- Works best when accompanied by a ticket or a smile.
意思
This is a polite way to tell someone they are sitting in the spot you already claimed or paid for. It helps you get your seat back without being rude or starting a fight.
关键例句
3 / 6On an airplane
Excuse me, I think that's my seat, 14A.
Excuse me, I think that's my seat, 14A.
At a movie theater
Excuse me, that's my seat. My jacket was there.
Excuse me, that's my seat. My jacket was there.
At a busy cafe
Oh, excuse me, that's my seat—I just went to get sugar.
Oh, excuse me, that's my seat—I just went to get sugar.
文化背景
Western cultures place high value on 'first-come, first-served' and reserved ticketing. In places like the UK or US, pointing out a seating error is expected and not considered aggressive if done politely. It relies on the 'Excuse me' buffer to prevent social friction.
The 'Ticket Trick'
Always have your ticket or phone ready to show. It proves you are right without you having to argue with words.
Saving Seats
In the US and UK, leaving a small personal item like a hat or water bottle is a 'silent' way of saying the seat is taken.
15秒了解
- Polite way to reclaim your reserved or saved spot.
- Use 'Excuse me' to stay friendly and avoid conflict.
- Common in planes, theaters, and cafes with belongings left behind.
- Works best when accompanied by a ticket or a smile.
What It Means
Excuse me, that's my seat is your go-to phrase for reclaiming your space. It is a polite but firm correction. You are telling someone they are in your spot. It assumes the other person made a simple mistake. It is not an insult. It is a factual statement to fix a mix-up.
How To Use It
Start with a soft, rising tone on Excuse me. This grabs their attention kindly. Point slightly toward the seat or show your ticket. You do not need to apologize for asking. Just state the fact clearly. If they look confused, show your row and seat number. A small smile helps keep the interaction friendly. Most people will stand up immediately and apologize. You can respond with No problem or Thank you.
When To Use It
Use this in places with assigned seating. Think of airplanes, movie theaters, or reserved trains. You can also use it in casual places like a cafe. Maybe you left your coat there to save the spot. It works perfectly when you return from the bathroom at a concert. It is best used the moment you see the mistake. Don't wait twenty minutes to say something!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for public benches with no reservations. If a park bench is empty, anyone can sit there. Avoid using it if you didn't actually claim the spot. Don't use a mean or loud voice. That makes it a confrontation instead of a request. If the person looks dangerous or aggressive, maybe just find another seat. Your safety is more important than a chair.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, 'personal space' is a big deal. We like to have our own little bubble. 'Saving a seat' is a common social rule. If you leave a bag or a jacket, that seat is 'taken'. People generally respect this 'invisible' ownership. It is considered very rude to ignore someone's belongings. This phrase is the polite tool to enforce those social boundaries.
Common Variations
I think you might be in my seat.(Very polite/indirect)Sorry, I believe this is 12B.(Focuses on the ticket number)Is someone sitting here?(Good if you aren't 100% sure)I was sitting there.(Used if you just stepped away for a second)Pardon me, I have a reservation for this spot.(More formal)
使用说明
This is a neutral-formality phrase. It is safe to use with strangers, colleagues, or staff in any public setting.
The 'Ticket Trick'
Always have your ticket or phone ready to show. It proves you are right without you having to argue with words.
Saving Seats
In the US and UK, leaving a small personal item like a hat or water bottle is a 'silent' way of saying the seat is taken.
Watch your Tone
If you say this too loudly or with a flat voice, it can sound like you are starting a fight. Keep your voice light!
例句
6Excuse me, I think that's my seat, 14A.
Excuse me, I think that's my seat, 14A.
Using the seat number makes it very clear and objective.
Excuse me, that's my seat. My jacket was there.
Excuse me, that's my seat. My jacket was there.
Mentioning your item explains why the seat was taken.
Oh, excuse me, that's my seat—I just went to get sugar.
Oh, excuse me, that's my seat—I just went to get sugar.
A quick explanation shows you never actually left the area.
Pardon me, I believe this seat is reserved for my name.
Pardon me, I believe this seat is reserved for my name.
'Pardon me' and 'I believe' increase the formality.
Excuse me, that's my seat! You're sitting on my sandwich!
Excuse me, that's my seat! You're sitting on my sandwich!
Adding a funny detail lightens the mood if it's a friend.
I'm so sorry, but that's actually my seat. I really need to sit down.
I'm so sorry, but that's actually my seat. I really need to sit down.
Adding 'I really need to' expresses your feelings or fatigue.
自我测试
You enter a theater and see someone in your spot. What do you say?
___ ___, I think that's my seat.
'Excuse me' is the standard polite opener for correcting someone.
Make the phrase more polite and less direct.
Excuse me, I ___ that's my seat.
Using words like 'believe' or 'think' makes the correction sound softer.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Ways to Claim Your Seat
Very soft and hesitant.
I'm sorry, is this seat taken?
Standard and clear.
Excuse me, that's my seat.
Polite and professional.
Pardon me, I believe I have this reservation.
Too direct, can be rude.
Get up, this is mine.
Where to use 'Excuse me, that's my seat'
Airplane
Checking your boarding pass.
Cinema
Dark room, checking row letters.
Coffee Shop
Left your laptop to get a napkin.
Train
Reserved seat for a long trip.
常见问题
10 个问题No, it is not rude if you start with Excuse me. It is a normal way to fix a common mistake.
Don't argue. In a theater or plane, ask a staff member or flight attendant for help.
Usually no, unless the bench has a specific reservation sign. Public park seats are usually 'first-come, first-served'.
You can just say Sorry, I think I'm here while pointing to your ticket.
Many people say I'm sorry or Sorry before the phrase, but it is not required. It just makes you sound extra polite.
Yes, without it, the phrase That's my seat sounds very aggressive and demanding.
If there are name cards, you can say Oh, I think I'm sitting here while pointing to your name.
Ask a question instead: Excuse me, is this seat 15C? This lets the other person check their ticket.
Not really, unless you are texting a friend to tell them someone took your spot while they were away.
Pardon me is just a more formal version of Excuse me. Both work perfectly.
相关表达
Is this seat taken?
Asking if you can sit in an empty chair.
I'm saving this seat.
Telling someone they cannot sit here because a friend is coming.
I think there's been a mix-up.
A very polite way to say there is a mistake with the seating.
Could you move over one?
Asking someone to slide to the next seat so you can sit down.
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