En 15 secondes
- 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.
Signification
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.
Exemples clés
3 sur 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.
Contexte culturel
British people often use 'excessive politeness' to avoid conflict. They might apologize for *you* being in *their* seat. Americans are generally direct but friendly. The standard 'Excuse me, that's my seat' is expected and not considered rude. In Japan, avoiding 'meiwaku' (troubling others) is key. People will often wait for a staff member to help rather than confronting a stranger directly. Rules and reservations are highly respected. Being direct about a reserved seat is seen as correct behavior, not rudeness.
The 'I think' trick
Adding 'I think' or 'I believe' makes you sound much more polite, even if you are 100% sure.
Watch your tone
If your voice goes down at the end, it sounds like an order. If it goes up, it sounds like a polite question.
En 15 secondes
- 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)
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral-formality phrase. It is safe to use with strangers, colleagues, or staff in any public setting.
The 'I think' trick
Adding 'I think' or 'I believe' makes you sound much more polite, even if you are 100% sure.
Watch your tone
If your voice goes down at the end, it sounds like an order. If it goes up, it sounds like a polite question.
The Ticket Flash
Hold your ticket or boarding pass in your hand while saying the phrase. It provides instant proof and stops any argument.
Exemples
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.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Excuse ____, that's ____ seat.
'Excuse me' is the set phrase, and 'my' is the possessive adjective needed before 'seat'.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. 'Excuse me, I have seat 14B.' 2. 'Sorry, I was sitting here.' 3. 'Pardon me, I believe this is my spot.'
Specific seat numbers are for planes; 'sitting here' implies a cafe; 'Pardon me' is for formal settings.
What is the most polite response to the passenger?
Passenger: 'Oh, I'm sorry! I thought this was row 10.' You: '_________________'
In English etiquette, when someone apologizes for a mistake, you should reassure them that it's okay.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesExcuse ____, that's ____ seat.
'Excuse me' is the set phrase, and 'my' is the possessive adjective needed before 'seat'.
1. 'Excuse me, I have seat 14B.' 2. 'Sorry, I was sitting here.' 3. 'Pardon me, I believe this is my spot.'
Specific seat numbers are for planes; 'sitting here' implies a cafe; 'Pardon me' is for formal settings.
Passenger: 'Oh, I'm sorry! I thought this was row 10.' You: '_________________'
In English etiquette, when someone apologizes for a mistake, you should reassure them that it's okay.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be if you don't say 'Excuse me' first. Always start with a polite opener.
Don't argue. In a theater or plane, find a member of staff (flight attendant or usher) and show them your ticket.
Usually no, unless you left personal items there. Park benches are generally first-come, first-served.
It's a 'politeness marker.' It allows the other person to save face by pretending it was just a simple misunderstanding.
Expressions liées
Is this seat taken?
similarAsking if a seat is free.
I've reserved this spot
specialized formStating you have a formal booking.
Move over
contrastTelling someone to make space.
