Meaning
To request to be excused for a mistake.
Cultural Background
Apologies are not used to fill silence. They are used to acknowledge a specific social error. In Quebec, you might hear 'excuse-moi' more often than 'demander pardon' in casual settings.
Be sincere
French speakers value sincerity. Don't use this phrase if you don't mean it.
Eye contact
Maintain eye contact when asking for forgiveness to show you are serious.
Meaning
To request to be excused for a mistake.
Be sincere
French speakers value sincerity. Don't use this phrase if you don't mean it.
Eye contact
Maintain eye contact when asking for forgiveness to show you are serious.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Je demande pardon ___ mon ami.
You ask forgiveness TO someone, so you use 'à'.
Which is more appropriate for a minor accident?
You bump into someone at the store. What do you say?
'Demander pardon' is too heavy for a minor bump.
Match the phrase to its register.
Match 'Demander pardon' to its formality.
It is a standard, neutral phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: J'ai oublié ton anniversaire. B: ...
This is a serious mistake, so an apology is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe demande pardon ___ mon ami.
You ask forgiveness TO someone, so you use 'à'.
You bump into someone at the store. What do you say?
'Demander pardon' is too heavy for a minor bump.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It is a standard, neutral phrase.
A: J'ai oublié ton anniversaire. B: ...
This is a serious mistake, so an apology is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for professional apologies.
It is similar, but 'demander pardon' is more active.
Yes, 'demander' changes based on the subject.
That is their choice, but you have done your part.
It's better to use 'Pardon' for small things.
It is neutral to formal.
Related Phrases
S'excuser
synonymTo apologize
Présenter ses excuses
specialized formTo offer apologies
Avoir tort
builds onTo be wrong
