In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to excuse a rough guess or approximation.
- Used to manage expectations when giving non-exact numbers.
- Common in both professional meetings and casual planning.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to say 'excuse my rough guess.' You use it when you are giving a number or a timeframe that might not be 100% accurate.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Le projet coûtera environ 5000 euros, pardonnez l'estimation.
The project will cost about 5000 euros, excuse the estimate.
Planning a hike with a friend
On marchera pendant deux heures, pardonne l'estimation.
We will walk for two hours, excuse the estimate.
Texting about arrival time
J'arrive dans 15 min, pardonne l'estimation avec les bouchons !
I'll be there in 15 mins, excuse the estimate with the traffic!
Cultural Background
In French business culture, being 'précis' is a sign of respect. Using this phrase shows you respect the client's time enough not to give them false data. Quebecers might use 'estimation' but are also comfortable with 'évaluation' or the anglicism 'mon guess'. The tone is generally slightly less formal than in Paris. Swiss French speakers (Romands) place an even higher value on precision. 'Pardonner l'estimation' is almost mandatory if you aren't 100% certain of a number. In Francophone West Africa, politeness is paramount. This phrase is used to maintain social harmony (la teranga) while discussing business.
Pair with 'environ'
Always use 'environ' (about) or 'à peu près' after the phrase to reinforce the uncertainty.
Don't over-apologize
In France, saying it once is enough. If you say it three times, you'll sound like you don't know your job.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to excuse a rough guess or approximation.
- Used to manage expectations when giving non-exact numbers.
- Common in both professional meetings and casual planning.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a dinner party. You guess the wine cost twenty euros. You do not want to be wrong. You say pardonnez l'estimation. It saves your reputation. It is a very French way to be humble. You are admitting your data is incomplete. It sounds much better than just guessing. It shows you care about the truth. Use it when you are talking about numbers. It works for time, money, or distance. It is a safety net for your brain.
How To Use It
You usually use the imperative form. Say pardonnez l'estimation to be formal or to a group. Use pardonne l'estimation with close friends. You can place it right after a number. For example: Il y a 20 km, pardonne l'estimation. It functions like a verbal disclaimer. You can also put it at the start of a sentence. It prepares the listener for a guess. It is like saying 'don't quote me on this.'
When To Use It
Use it when you are giving a ballpark figure. It is great for travel times or budget guesses. Use it in a meeting when you haven't checked the data. It is perfect for casual dinner plans too. It makes you sound considerate and careful. Use it when someone asks for a price. Use it when you are estimating how many people will attend. It is a very versatile tool for social navigation.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your accountant or the tax office. Precision is king in official documents. Avoid it if someone specifically asked for an exact count. Using it too much makes you look unprepared. If you are 100% sure, don't use it. Don't use it for things that aren't numbers. You wouldn't 'estimate' if you like a movie. It is strictly for data and measurements.
Cultural Background
French people love precision in their language. They have many words for 'almost.' However, they also value social harmony. Being too certain can seem arrogant. This phrase allows you to be helpful without being cocky. It reflects a culture that respects expertise. If you are not an expert, you apologize for the guess. It is a subtle nod to intellectual honesty. It bridges the gap between being helpful and being accurate.
Common Variations
You might hear pardonnez l'approximation for 'excuse the approximation.' Another common one is si je ne m'abuse (if I am not mistaken). In very casual talk, people just say environ or à la louche. But pardonner l'estimation adds a touch of class. It sounds more educated than just saying 'maybe.' It is a favorite of the French middle class.
Usage Notes
Use the imperative 'Pardonnez' for most situations. It is a polite 'hedge' that protects your credibility when you aren't certain of the facts.
Pair with 'environ'
Always use 'environ' (about) or 'à peu près' after the phrase to reinforce the uncertainty.
Don't over-apologize
In France, saying it once is enough. If you say it three times, you'll sound like you don't know your job.
The 'Vous' Rule
Since this is a formal phrase, it is almost always used with 'Pardonnez' (vous) rather than 'Pardonne' (tu).
Examples
6Le projet coûtera environ 5000 euros, pardonnez l'estimation.
The project will cost about 5000 euros, excuse the estimate.
This shows the speaker is providing a ballpark figure for planning.
On marchera pendant deux heures, pardonne l'estimation.
We will walk for two hours, excuse the estimate.
A casual way to warn a friend that the timing might change.
J'arrive dans 15 min, pardonne l'estimation avec les bouchons !
I'll be there in 15 mins, excuse the estimate with the traffic!
Uses the phrase to account for unpredictable traffic.
Il y a au moins 200 grammes de viande, pardonnez l'estimation.
There are at least 200 grams of meat, excuse the estimate.
The waiter is being polite about the portion size.
J'ai acheté seulement trois paires de chaussures, pardonne l'estimation !
I only bought three pairs of shoes, excuse the estimate!
Used jokingly to hide the fact that they bought more.
Ça fait une éternité qu'on ne s'est pas vus, pardonne l'estimation.
It feels like an eternity since we saw each other, excuse the estimate.
Used figuratively to emphasize a long duration.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal hedge.
Pardonnez l'__________, mais le projet prendra trois mois.
The noun 'estimation' is the correct form to follow the article 'l''.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a business email to a new client?
You need to tell a client that the price might change.
This option uses the correct formal register and the target phrase appropriately.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite response.
Client: 'Quand recevrai-je ma commande ?' Vendeur: '__________'
This provides a specific (though hedged) answer and uses the polite phrase to start.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPardonnez l'__________, mais le projet prendra trois mois.
The noun 'estimation' is the correct form to follow the article 'l''.
You need to tell a client that the price might change.
This option uses the correct formal register and the target phrase appropriately.
Client: 'Quand recevrai-je ma commande ?' Vendeur: '__________'
This provides a specific (though hedged) answer and uses the polite phrase to start.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it's very common for estimating durations or arrival times. 'Pardonnez l'estimation, mais j'arrive dans dix minutes.'
Both are correct. 'Pardonnez' is slightly more traditional and formal, while 'Excusez' is more modern and common in tech startups.
It is feminine (une estimation). However, because it starts with a vowel, we use 'l'' instead of 'la'.
Yes, adding 'mon' (my) makes it slightly more personal and is very natural.
No, this phrase is too formal for slang. In slang, you'd say 'C'est au pif'.
Related Phrases
À vue de nez
similarAt a glance / by rule of thumb
Sauf erreur de ma part
similarUnless I am mistaken
À la louche
informalRoughly / ballpark
Un ordre de grandeur
specialized formAn order of magnitude
