Significado
An informal way to get attention or apologize to someone.
Contexto cultural
In Paris, the 'vous' is king. Even if you are the same age, using 'Excuse-moi' with a stranger in the metro might get you a cold look. Stick to 'Excusez-moi' until a friendship is established. Quebecers are much more relaxed with 'tutoiement'. You might hear a young person say 'Excuse-moi' to another young person in a bar even if they've never met. Respect for elders is paramount. You would never use 'Excuse-moi' with someone older than you, even if they are a family friend. 'Excusez-moi' or 'Pardon' is safer. Swiss French often uses 'Pardon' more frequently than 'Excuse-moi' for small physical bumps, similar to the German 'Entschuldigung'.
The 'Tu' Rule
If you call the person by their first name, 'Excuse-moi' is perfect. If you call them 'Monsieur' or 'Madame', use 'Excusez-moi'.
Don't over-apologize
French people use 'Excuse-moi' as a polite tool, not necessarily because they feel deep guilt. Don't sound too desperate!
Significado
An informal way to get attention or apologize to someone.
The 'Tu' Rule
If you call the person by their first name, 'Excuse-moi' is perfect. If you call them 'Monsieur' or 'Madame', use 'Excusez-moi'.
Don't over-apologize
French people use 'Excuse-moi' as a polite tool, not necessarily because they feel deep guilt. Don't sound too desperate!
The Rising Tone
Say 'Excuse-moi ?' with a rising voice if you want someone to repeat what they said. It's very natural.
Body Language
A small nod of the head often accompanies 'Excuse-moi' when bumping into someone.
Ponte a prueba
You are talking to your best friend. Which one do you use to ask for a pen?
______, tu as un stylo ?
Since it's your best friend, the informal 'tu' form 'Excuse-moi' is correct.
Complete the sentence to apologize for being late to a friend.
Excuse-moi ______ mon retard.
We use 'pour' followed by a noun (mon retard) to give the reason for the apology.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
Match: 1. Your brother, 2. A police officer, 3. A group of friends.
Use 'Excuse-moi' for one person you know well (brother). Use 'Excusez-moi' for strangers (officer) or multiple people (friends).
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Julie: 'Tu as mangé mon yaourt !' Marc: 'Oh, ______ ! Je pensais qu'il était à moi.'
Marc and Julie are likely friends or roommates, so 'Excuse-moi' is the natural choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use Excuse-moi
Interruptions
- • Asking a question
- • Breaking into a chat
- • Asking for the time
Minor Oops
- • Bumping into someone
- • Stepping on a foot
- • Dropping something
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios______, tu as un stylo ?
Since it's your best friend, the informal 'tu' form 'Excuse-moi' is correct.
Excuse-moi ______ mon retard.
We use 'pour' followed by a noun (mon retard) to give the reason for the apology.
Match: 1. Your brother, 2. A police officer, 3. A group of friends.
Use 'Excuse-moi' for one person you know well (brother). Use 'Excusez-moi' for strangers (officer) or multiple people (friends).
Julie: 'Tu as mangé mon yaourt !' Marc: 'Oh, ______ ! Je pensais qu'il était à moi.'
Marc and Julie are likely friends or roommates, so 'Excuse-moi' is the natural choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasUsually no. Unless your teacher specifically asked you to use 'tu', you should use 'Excusez-moi'.
'Pardon' is more common for very quick, accidental physical contact. 'Excuse-moi' is more common for getting attention.
In French, imperative verbs are joined to their following pronouns by a hyphen.
Common responses are 'Je t'en prie' (You're welcome/Go ahead), 'Pas de souci' (No worries), or 'C'est pas grave' (It's not serious).
Yes! People often talk to their pets using 'tu', so 'Excuse-moi' is perfectly fine if you trip over your cat.
Only in very casual emails to friends. For work, use 'Excusez-moi' or more formal phrasing.
Yes, but only for small things. For big things, use 'Je suis désolé'.
Use 'Excusez-moi', because 'vous' is used for plural 'you', even with friends.
Frases relacionadas
Excusez-moi
formalExcuse me (formal/plural)
Pardon
synonymSorry / Pardon
Désolé
similarSorry
Je t'en prie
builds onYou're welcome / Please, go ahead
S'cuse
specialized form'Scuse
