homework excuse in french

Pardon My French: Your Guide to Saying “Excuse Me” in French

Boost your language skills and impress native speakers with your politeness — master the art of French etiquette with our guide on the most common ways to excuse yourself in French!

Intermediate

Excusez-moi

Je suis navré, avec votre permission, alternative ways to say “excuse me” in french.

Learning a new language is not only about mastering grammar and vocabulary. Understanding the cultural context and nuance behind phrases is equally important, and the French language, rich in idioms and expressions, is no exception. One of these essential phrases is "excuse me."

In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say "excuse me" in French. From navigating crowded marketplaces in Paris to politely interrupting a conversation in a Provencal café, the correct use of this phrase will help you blend in effortlessly with French society.

More than linguistic knowledge, you'll learn a slice of French etiquette , enabling you to engage with the French culture more authentically and confidently. So, let's dive in and explore the different ways to say "excuse me" in French.

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Pardon is the most common way to say "excuse me" in French and a versatile word that can be used as both an apology and an excuse. Invariably, this is the French word you will come across most often when navigating social interactions in France.

You can use Pardon in a variety of situations, such as when bumping into someone, interrupting a conversation , or asking for clarification. It replaces Excusez-moi , which is considered too formal for everyday use.

Pardonnez-moi

Pardonnez-moi is a more formal and sincere way of asking for forgiveness or apologizing. It is often used in serious situations, such as:

As mentioned earlier, Excusez-moi is considered more formal than Pardon . It is usually reserved for situations that require a higher level of politeness or respect — you can use Excusez-moi when addressing someone older than you or in a position of authority, as well as in professional settings.

When used correctly, it can help you navigate potentially awkward situations with grace and dignity.

Excuse-moi is the informal version of Excusez-moi . It is used in casual situations with friends, family, or peers — i.e., when addressing someone you know well and are on friendly terms with. In this case, you can also use the tu form of the French “you” (instead of vous ) when referring to someone you know well.

Désolé translates to "sorry" and is used more often by younger generations. It can convey both an apology and a request for forgiveness.

Similar to Pardon , it is a versatile phrase that can be used in various social situations — for example, when making a mistake, apologizing for something , or expressing regret.

Je suis navré is a more formal way of saying désolé and is used in more serious situations that require a deeper level of sincerity or respect, such as when conveying sincere regret, offering condolences, or expressing sympathy .

Literally translating to "with your permission," Avec votre permission is used to ask for someone's consent or approval, such as when passing someone in a crowded space or interrupting a conversation.

While it can be considered a polite way of saying "excuse me," it is not commonly used in everyday language.

In this section, we delve further into some alternative expressions and phrases to say "excuse me" in French.

While the phrases we've already discussed are the most commonly used, becoming familiar with a broader range of expressions will help you fully embrace the nuances of the French language and culture. These alternatives can enrich your vocabulary, making your conversations more natural and fluent.

Here’s a handy explanatory table:

Overall, learning how to say "excuse me" in French is an essential part of language learning, since it’s a fundamental expression used in various social interactions. By familiarizing yourself with these different ways of saying it, you'll be well-equipped to navigate your way through any situation and communicate effectively in French.

Remember that context and tone play an important role in determining which phrase to use , so always pay attention to the specific circumstances, and choose your words accordingly.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the most common and useful ways to say "excuse me" in French — and the necessary French words to do so.

As you continue your journey learning the beautiful language, don't forget to practice using these phrases in different situations to improve your fluency and confidence. Remember that politeness is highly valued in French culture, so mastering these expressions will not only help you communicate effectively but also make a great impression on the locals.

Practice using our Langster app , and you'll become more confident in using these phrases and blend in seamlessly with the French. Bonne chance!

Ellis is a seasoned polyglot and one of the creative minds behind Langster Blog, where she shares effective language learning strategies and insights from her own journey mastering the four languages. Ellis strives to empower learners globally to embrace new languages with confidence and curiosity. Off the blog, she immerses herself in exploring diverse cultures through cinema and contemporary fiction, further fueling her passion for language and connection.

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40 Ways to Say I’m Sorry in French & Audio Pronunciation

How to say I’m sorry in French? I’ll explain in depth the main French expressions to apologize and give you some French apologies examples + translation + audio.

How do you say ‘I’m sorry’ in French? What about ‘excuse-me’ or ‘please accept my apologies’?

There are many ways to say ‘I’m sorry in French’: from expressing a polite ‘excuse-me’ to get someone’s attention to a deep and serious apology, you’ll have to chose your words carefully. Some French expressions look like English expressions but may not be used exactly the same way.

So let’s dig into the whole ‘I’m sorry’ French world.

This free French lesson – like many on French Today’s blog – features audio recordings. Click on the link next to the headphones to hear the French pronunciation.

3 Shortcuts To Say I’m Sorry in French

Before we dive into in-depth explanations, let’s see three fast way to say I’m sorry in French.

• Désolé(e) ! Sorry!
• Pardon ! Sorry! Excuse-me!
• Toutes mes excuses ! My apologies!

Any of these three expressions would work to say sorry as if you bumped into someone, or to be polite when you did something slightly wrong.

You could also use “désolé(e)” or “pardon” when you want to get someone’s attention, like a waiter.

Now, let’s take a deeper look at how to translate ‘I’m sorry’ in French.

How To Say I’m Sorry In French?

The most common way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in French is “ je suis désolé(e) “.

How To Spell I’m Sorry In French?

“Désolé” is a French adjective , so its spelling will agree depending who speaks. The good thing is that the pronunciation won’t change whether it’s spelled désolé/e/s. We typically use it with the verb to be in French .

• Pierre est désolé . Pierre is sorry.
• Camille est désolée . Camille is sorry.
• Camille et Pierre sont désolés . Camille and Pierre are sorry.
• Elles sont désolées . They are sorry.

How to Nuance I’m Sorry In French?

It’s very common to modify this statement with an adverb to make it more profond, more apologetic, more formal.

• Je suis vraiment désolé . I’m really sorry.
• Je suis sincèrement désolé . I’m sincerely sorry.
• Je suis profondément désolé . I’m deeply sorry.

Now let’s see other ways of saying I’m sorry in French.

2 Fancy Ways of Saying I’m Sorry in French

If you wanted to switch to a more formal French register , you could also use French synonyms for I’m sorry.

A Very Deep I’m Sorry

You could say “ je suis navré(e) “. It’s very strong though: a good expression if you are truly deeply sorry about something.

Je suis navré de vous avoir fait de la peine . I’m so sorry to have hurt you.

A Confusing I’m Sorry

There’s another way to say I’m sorry in French which is quite confusing for English speakers. It’s “ je suis confus ” – “ je suis confuse ” if said by a woman (the final e will make the S sound like a Z).

This way of saying I’m sorry is quite old-fashioned. I’ve never used it myself.

Je croyais vraiment que notre rendez-vous était à 15h. Je suis vraiment confus . I really thought our appointment was at 3 PM. I’m truly sorry.

So what if you wanted to say ‘I’m confused’ in French? Ah, that’s another story altogether. I’ll direct you to my article on how to express confusion in French .

Now let’s see how to translate another way of expressing ‘I’m sorry’: the expression ‘excuse-me’.

How To Translate Excuse-me In French?

Just like in English, ‘excuse-me’ in French could be used to offer an apology as well as to ask for someone’s attention.

Let me give you some examples of situation where you’d say ‘excuse-me’ in French.

• Je suis sincèrement désolée d’avoir oublié de vous répondre. S’il vous plaît excusez-moi . I’m really sorry to have forgotten to answer you. Please excuse-me.
• Excusez-moi ! Je peux avoir l’addition s’il vous plaît ? Excuse-me! May I have the check please?
• Pardon ! Vous avez l’heure ? Excuse-me! Would you have the time?

4 Ways of Translating Excuse-me To Get Someone’s Attention

When you want to get someone’s attention in French, you may use:

• Excusez-moi – in the vous form.
• Excuse-moi – in the tu form.
• Veuillez m’excuser – quite formal and in the vous form.

Note that expressions one to three use the French imperative mood .

A new approach to learning both traditional and modern French logically structured for English speakers.

More Details & Audio Samples

Now let’s widen the conversation to see how to apologize in French

How To Apologize In French

To offer a deeper apology in French, you could use variations of ‘excuse-me’ and ‘I’m sorry’ in French.

“Excusez-moi” To Apologize

• Je vous prie de bien vouloir m’excuser . Very formal.
• Je vous présente mes excuses . Formal.
• Veuillez m’excuser . Quite formal.
• Toutes mes excuses . Colloquial
• Je m’excuse . Although you may hear this, saying “je m’excuse” is not very polite. You’re supposed to ask for forgiveness… When you say “je m’excuse”, you are literally forgiving yourself… Well, the intend is to ask for forgiveness, and as I said, saying “je m’excuse” is very common in France. But it’s not proper French!
• Je ne sais pas comment m’excuser . You’re in trouble if you don’t even know how to present your apologies!

“Désolé” To Apologize

• Je suis sincèrement désolé(e) I’m sincerely sorry
• Je suis profondément désol(é) I’m deeply sorry
• Je suis vraiment désolé(e) I’m truly sorry

“Pardon” To Apologize

• Je vous prie de bien vouloir me pardonner . Very formal.
• Je vous demande pardon . Using vous.
• Je te demande pardon . Using tu.
• S’il te plaît, pardonne-moi . Using tu.
• J’espère sincèrement que vous pourrez me pardonner . I sincerely hope you will be able to forgive me.

Now, let’s see some examples of useful sentences to apologize in French.

10 Examples Of Apologies in French

If you needed to apologize in French, these already made examples could come in handy. Watch out to select the right you in French .

Please press play on the audio player to hear my recording of the apologie in French. Please note when possible, I used a modern spoken French pronunciation .

• Play Audio . J’ai vraiment agi comme un idiot. Je te présente mes excuses et je vais tout faire pour que tu me pardonnes. I really acted in a stupid way. Please accept my apologies and I’ll do everything for you to forgive me.
• Play Audio . Je ne veux pas perdre notre merveilleuse amitié. Je suis sincèrement désolé. S’il te plaît, donne-moi une autre chance. I don’t want to lose our wonderful friendship. I’m so sorry. Please give me another chance.
• Play Audio . Je me rends compte maintenant que j’ai vraiment exagéré. Je suis navré de t’avoir blessé. Qu’est-ce que je peux faire pour me faire pardonner ? I realize now I really went overboard. I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings. What can I do for you to forgive me?
• Play Audio . Ce que j’ai fait est impardonnable. Je regrette tellement. Quand tu le voudras, j’aimerais te voir pour te présenter mes excuses en personne. What I did is unforgivable. I really regret it. When you want, I’d like to see you to apologize in person.
• Play Audio . Je ne pensais pas ce que j’ai dit. J’espère que tu pourras me pardonner. I didn’t think what I said. I hope you’ll find it in you to forgive me.
• Play Audio . Je regrette profondément ce que j’ai fait. Je ne voulais pas vous faire de mal. J’espère que vous pourrez me pardonner au nom de notre longue et belle amitié. I sincerely regret what I did. I didn’t want to hurt you. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me in light of our long and beautiful friendship.
• Play Audio . Je me suis laissé emporter par mes émotions et je regrette ce que j’ai dit. J’espère que tu sauras me pardonner, même si je n’ai aucune excuse. I let my emotions have the better of me and I regret what I said. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me even though I have no excuse.
• Play Audio . Je ne sais pas comment m’excuser pour ce que j’ai dit. C’était stupide de ma part, et j’espère que tu sais que je ne le pense pas. Je te demande pardon. I don’t know how to apologize for what I said. It was stupid of me and I hope you know I don’t think what I said. Please forgive me.
• Play Audio . J’ai honte de mon comportement. Je m’en veux tellement. Je te présente mes sincères excuses. Je suis vraiment désolé. I’m ashamed of my behavior. I’m so mad at myself. Please accept my sincere apologies. I’m really sorry.
• Play Audio . Je suis désolé de t’avoir fait du mal. Qu’est-ce que je peux faire pour que tu me pardonnes ? I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. What can I do so you forgive me?

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Let’s Start…

France & Apologies – Cultural Tips

As you may know, I am both a French and American citizen. I was born and raised in Paris, then left for the US in my early twenties. I lived there for 17 years, then returned to France in 2009.

In the US, I learned to apologize. For example, in a work environement, if there’s a misunderstanding, I will always start by apologizing. Same when I handle customer service: the customer is always right, which means that if anything is not easy for them, we should apologize.

I even tend to apologize when it’s clearly not my fault.

Well… it’s not in the French culture to apologize this much. Not in customer service, even less so in our personal lives.

There’s really a culture shock there.

French people may apologize briefly if they bump into you, or to get your attention, like before asking for something like the check. That’s normal.

The French may offer a deep apology when they really messed something up. A lot of people will do their best to get out of it, but it’s possible.

However, most French employees won’t take responsibility for the company they represent, or for a mistake made by a colleague. It’s unlikely you’ll get an apology when returning a piece of appliance that doesn’t work for example. It’s more likely you’ll have a “ ce n’est pas de ma faute ” – ‘it’s not my fault’ attitude! Charming…

In the personal life, the French are unlikely to apologize for a misunderstanding, or for something that wasn’t clearly their fault. So no “polite” apologies in France either…

What about your experience with French people? Do you have a story to share? I’d love to read it! Please do share it in the comment section below.

I post new articles every week, so make sure you subscribe to the French Today newsletter – or follow me on  Facebook , Twitter  and  Pinterest .

Please react! Leave a comment, make a suggestion, share this article… Your engagement really encourages me to create more free French lessons!

Camille Chevalier-Karfis

Born and raised in Paris, I have been teaching today's French to adults for 25+ years in the US and France. Based on my students' goals and needs, I've created unique downloadable French audiobooks focussing on French like it's spoken today, for all levels. Come to Paimpol and enjoy an exclusive French immersion homestay with me in Brittany .

More Articles from Camille Chevalier-Karfis

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One of the essential phrases you’ll hear in everyday conversations, irrespective of the country or language, is “Excuse me.” Just like learning how to insult someone in French , this expression takes on multiple forms and uses, each with its nuance and appropriateness for different situations. This article delves into the world of “Excusez-moi” and its counterparts, exploring the ways of saying it, its pronunciation, and when to use which variant. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this essential French phrase.

Common Ways of Saying “Excuse Me” in French

French, like many languages, has several ways to convey a message. When you wish to get someone’s attention or navigate through a crowded street in France, knowing the right phrase can make all the difference. Here are some of the most common expressions used:

• Excusez-moi – This is a direct translation of “Excuse me” and is one of the most common ways to get someone’s attention, apologize, or pass through a crowd in France.
• Pardon – A shorter and more informal variant, “Pardon” can be used similarly to “Excusez-moi” but is often preferred in quick, casual interactions.
• S’il vous plaît – While this primarily translates to “Please,” it can be used in contexts where you might say, “Excuse me, please” in English.
• Pardonnez-moi – Another formal way to say “Excuse me,” especially when seeking forgiveness or understanding.

Pronouncing “Excusez-moi” and Other Variants

French pronunciation can be tricky for newcomers. Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Excusez-moi: Pronounced as “Ex-kew-zay mwah,” with emphasis on the last syllable of “Excusez.”
• Pardon: This word is pronounced “Par-dohn” with a soft ‘n’ sound at the end.
• S’il vous plaît: You say it as “Seel voo pleh.”
• Pardonnez-moi: This is articulated as “Par-dohn-nay mwah.”

Formal vs. Informal: When to Use Which

While all the phrases can be used interchangeably in many situations, there are moments when choosing one over the other is more appropriate.

In formal settings or when addressing strangers, especially elders, it’s best to stick to “Excusez-moi” or “Pardonnez-moi.” These expressions convey respect and politeness.

With friends, family, or peers, “Pardon” or the abbreviated “Excuse-moi” are more fitting. They are relaxed and suit the casual tone of informal interactions.

Beyond the Basics: Delving Deeper

Understanding the phrase “Excuse me” in French goes beyond merely knowing its translation. The culture, the tone of voice, and the situation all play roles in conveying the correct emotion.

• Apologizing: In the context of apologizing, “Excusez-moi” and “Pardonnez-moi” carry a weight of genuine regret. They indicate that you acknowledge a mistake or oversight and are seeking forgiveness.
• Seeking Attention: When trying to catch someone’s attention, maybe a waiter or a shop assistant, a simple “Pardon” or “S’il vous plaît” suffices. It’s direct without being rude.
• Navigating Crowds: Imagine the bustling streets of Paris. A soft “Pardon” or “Excusez-moi” can be your best friend, helping you weave through the crowds without coming off as impolite.

The beauty of the French language is in its nuances. Multiple ways of expressing a simple concept like “Excuse me” enrich your conversational skills and allow you to navigate various social scenarios seamlessly. Whether you’re planning a trip to France, learning the language, or just curious, understanding these intricacies will undoubtedly enhance your French-speaking experience.

Are there other common expressions for “excuse me” in French?

Yes, besides “Excusez-moi” and “Excuse-moi,” the French language has other expressions to convey the sentiment of “excuse me.” “Pardon” is one of the most widely used alternatives. Additionally, phrases like “S’il vous plaît” (please) can be employed in contexts where you’re seeking attention or asking for something, serving a similar function to “excuse me.”

When should I use “excusez-moi” in French?

“Excusez-moi” is a versatile expression in French. It can be used to get someone’s attention, to apologize, or to request someone to move or make way. Typically, “Excusez-moi” is used in more formal situations or when addressing someone you don’t know very well. For instance, if you’re in a store and need assistance, “Excusez-moi” would be appropriate to grab an attendant’s attention.

What are the nuances of using “excusez-moi” versus “excuse-moi” in French?

Both “Excusez-moi” and “Excuse-moi” convey the sentiment of “excuse me,” but they differ slightly in formality and usage. “Excusez-moi” is more formal and is commonly used when addressing strangers, in professional settings, or when trying to be especially polite. On the other hand, “Excuse-moi” is a bit more informal and is often used among friends, family, or peers.

Are there regional variations in how “excuse me” is expressed in French?

Yes, like many languages, French has regional dialects and variations. While “Excusez-moi,” “Excuse-moi,” and “Pardon” are universally understood throughout French-speaking regions, certain areas might have local idioms or expressions to convey the same sentiment. However, these standard phrases will be understood and accepted anywhere French is spoken.

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How To Say Sorry In French (7 Key Phrases For Apologizing)

• Read time 8 mins

If you’re in France and make a mistake, how should you go about making your apology (saying sorry in French)?

I’ve already covered how to say please and thank you in French .

Next up is sorry .

Given that there are so many circumstances in which you might need to apologise in French, it helps if your vocabulary is wide and enriched for occasions like these.

Making sure that your vocabulary is full of phrases that you can drop into any apology situation is important — it will help you to convey your meaning.

So, I’ve written this post with that goal in mind.

If you need more phrases to use when apologising in French to native speakers, this is the guide you need.

Apologising in French - vital phrases to be aware of

First I’ll focus on crucial phrases that you should be familiar with when apologising in French.

You might hear each of these phrases in different situations, but when you use them, try to use them in the right context.

I’ve started with je suis désolé — the phrase used most frequently when apologising in French.

Je suis désolé — ‘I’m sorry’

You can use je suis désolé or je suis désolée (for the written feminine equivalent) in a wide range of contexts when apologising in French. In English, it means ‘I’m sorry’.

There are a couple of variations of je suis désolé that you’ll want to keep in mind. For instance, if you wanted to shorten the phrase and use it in a slightly informal circumstance, you would just say désolé .

Or, if you wanted to stress the apology and show how sorry you are, use je suis vraiment désolé , which means ‘I am very sorry’.

One other way to say it is to use the phrase je suis tellement désolé — meaning ‘I’m so sorry’.

And, finally, you might choose to use another adjective such as sincèrement before the word désolé to emphasise your meaning — (which would give you je suis sincèrement désolé — ‘I’m sincerely sorry’).

Usage example:

Je suis vraiment désolé pour votre marriage.

Je suis navré — ‘I’m sorry’

If you’re incredibly sympathetic to the pain you’ve caused someone, je suis navré — and je suis navrée (in the feminine form) — are some of the phrases you should use.

You should only use this one when you’ve committed a grave error or mistake, so reserve this expression for particular situations where you feel heartbroken and truly sorry.

Saying je suis navré when you’ve made a small grammatical error as a beginner during your French course, for instance, is not be one of those times. But if someone has passed away — this is an ideal moment for using je suis navré , (in a similar way to the phrase mes condoléances ).

Tu mère est décédée? Et je parlais justement d’elle. Je suis vraiment navré. Mes condoléances.

Pardon — ‘Pardon’

There’s not much difference between asking for clarification in French with the word pardon and clarifying what someone has said in English with the cognate ‘pardon’.

You can also use the word pardon for apologising in French if you’re standing in someone’s way and blocking their path when they need to pass by.

Just as you would say ‘pardon me’ in a formal situation in English, the situation might call for a bigger apology — especially if you’ve barged into someone in the street by mistake.

So, in cases like these, you should say pardonnez-moi .

Pardonnez-moi. Je ne t’ai pas vu.

Pardon. Je ne voulais pas poussez vous.

Other ways to apologise in French with examples

You won’t always see the word désolé(e) when you’re apologising in French.

That is usually because there are so many ways to say it, and apologising in French can use various synonyms or variations of the actual phrase ‘I’m sorry’.

When you also consider that some circumstances need a stronger word, and others need a less serious acknowledgment and apology, it becomes clear that je suis désolé isn’t required in every situation.

The following four examples, for instance, are variations for apologising in French in other contexts.

Je regrette … ‘I regret …’

Bearers of bad news start their sentences with this French phrase.

Je regrette… means ‘I regret’ and it is used in scenarios where something serious has happened.

You might hear the phrase when your family doctor is giving you the sad news about the health of one of your loved ones, for example.

Also, keep in mind that this phrase is typically used in formal situations and that you can modify this phrase with the appropriate adjective (just as with je suis désolé ).

Here’s our example:

Elle était en bonne santé, mais le cancer est revenu. J’ai le regret de vous le dire.

Votre mari est décédé dans son sommeil la nuit dernière. J’ai le regret de vous dire.

Excusez-moi — ‘Excuse me’

Need to say sorry for having forgotten to introduce yourself at a dinner? You might use this phrase to show that you’re sorry.

The phrase excusez-moi , just like in English, can be used for apologising in French.

It means ‘excuse me’, which, in this context might be taken as ‘excuse my manners’.

Like je regrette , excusez-moi is apt for formal situations. You might, for instance, be apologising in French for having interrupted a formal gathering. This phrase is suitable for situations like these.

Remember, though, that there’s also another meaning for excusez-moi — it is used when you want to get someone’s attention (such as the waiter’s in a French restaurant).

The usage examples just below will clarify some of these meanings for you.

Usage examples:

Je suis désolé. Je ne me suis pas présenté. Excusez-moi.

Très chers invités, excusez-moi d’interrompre cette magnifique cérémonie.

Oh, excusez-moi, je suis un peu nerveux

Mademoiselle Aubert, excusez-moi de vous déranger.

Toutes mes excuses - ‘I apologise’/ ‘My apologies’

Sometimes, apologising in French might mean being subtle when apologising. You might not use the actual word ‘sorry’ in the phrases you choose. Take this phrase — toutes mes excuses , for example. There is a subtlety to this apology.

As opposed to saying je suis vraiment désolé (‘I’m very sorry’), this phrase means ‘my apologies’.

If you wanted to take it a step further in a formal situation, and emphasise how sincerely sorry you are, you might use the phrase mes sincères excuses .

Here are those two phrases in action.

Toutes mes excuses. Je me suis trompé de date.

Mes sincères excuses. Je ne savais pas que votre chien était mort.

C’est de ma faute — ‘I’m to blame’

Sometimes a simple je suis désolé won’t suffice. You might need to take responsibility for your mistake when apologising in French. What’s the best way to do that?

This phrase - c’est de ma faute is one example of the ideal phrase for circumstances where you have made a significant error.

C’est de ma faute means ‘I’m to blame’, and the variation c’est de ma faute means ‘it’s my fault’. The word faute even looks a little similar to the English word ‘fault’, so there’s no reason to get this one wrong!

Use these phrases to show that you acknowledge the fault and then follow it up with the appropriate sentence to show that it won’t happen again.

Here is a usage example to help you understand how to use it.

J’ai laissé la porte ouverte et ils ont volé notre télévision. C’est de ma faute. Je suis tellement désolée.

Showing the depth of your regret — things to remember when apologising in French

Now you’ve got the essential French phrases required to show remorse, it’s time to start using these essential phrases.

If you’re studying a French course at a B1 intermediate level , don’t just stick to je suis désolé(e) . Now’s the time to push yourself! There’s a vital reason for this.

Every circumstance is different. There are formal and informal situations that will need you to adjust your apologetic phrases. Keep this in mind and always make the effort to acknowledge who you are apologising to and which context requires which apology.

Start apologising sincerely in French with some of these phrases and show how much you regret what happened.

Are there any French apology phrases that you want to be added to our list?

Comment below with your suggestion!

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'; audChoice = audChoice.replace(/ selected=["']selected["']/gm, '');var audT = document.getElementById('audT');if ((audT) && (audPref)) { //Parse the content if(audPref.indexOf(':') > -1) { var audPrefAccent = audPref.split(':')[0]; var playbackRate = audPref.split(':')[1]; } else { var audPrefAccent = audPref; var playbackRate = 1; } var re = new RegExp('( UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations : /ɪkˈskjuːs/, : /ɪkˈskjuːz/ USA pronunciation: IPA/ ɪkˈskjuz; -ˈskjus/ US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling( ik skyo̅o̅z ; ik skyo̅o̅s ) | | | | | | of ' ' (v): ( ) WordReference English-French Dictionary © 2024: Anglais Français excuse (explanation) ( ) excuse   The teacher was tired of his excuses for work not done.   Le professeur était fatigué de ses excuses pour le travail non fait. (pretext) ( ) prétexte     excuse   He used the mistletoe as an excuse to kiss her.   Il a utilisé le gui comme prétexte pour l'embrasser. Anglais Français (inadequate specimen) minable    ( ) pourri    ( ) piètre   You're an excuse for a man! I never want to see you again!   Tu n'es qu'un type minable ! Je ne veux plus jamais te revoir. (pardon, forgive [sb]) excuser , pardonner   Please excuse me. I didn't mean to step on your foot.   Excusez-moi ( pardonnez-moi), je ne voulais pas vous marcher sur le pied. (justify [sth]) excuser , pardonner     justifier   You cannot excuse bad behaviour.   On ne peut pas excuser ( pardonner) un tel comportement.   On ne peut pas justifier un tel comportement. (exempt [sb]) dispenser , exempter   The gym teacher excused him as he had sprained his ankle.   Le prof de sport l'a dispensé car il s'était tordu la cheville. from [sth] (exempt [sb] from [sth]) ( ) exempter   As I am a fireman I wish you to excuse me from national service.   Étant donné que je suis pompier, je souhaite être exempté du service militaire. (dispense with [sth]) ( ) se passer de, se dispenser de     laisser de côté   We will excuse the formalities and get right down to business.   Nous allons nous passer ( nous dispenser) des formalités et entrer directement dans le vif du sujet.   Nous allons laisser de côté les formalités et entrer directement dans le vif du sujet. (politely say you are leaving) prendre congé   Mary excused herself and left the meeting to pick up her son from school. WordReference English- French Dictionary © 2024: Anglais Français (polite interruption) excusez-moi, excuse-moi   Excuse me, where's the post office, please?   Excusez-moi, où se trouve la poste ?     pardon   Pardon, où se trouve la poste ?     s'il vous plaît, s'il te plaît   S'il vous plaît, Madame, pourriez-vous me dire où est la poste ? (request to repeat) ( ) Pardon ?   Excuse me? I didn't quite catch what you said.   Pardon ? Je n'ai pas bien compris ce que vous avez dit. (indignance) ( ) Pardon !   Well, excuse me! I won't bother asking you again!   Oh, pardon ! Je ne te dérangerai plus avec mes questions ! (type of dance) danse en couple où l'on peut changer de partenaire (not convincing) piètre excuse   Ben offered a feeble excuse when his mom asked him why he was home so late.   Ben a fourni une piètre excuse quand sa mère lui a demandé pourquoi il rentrait si tard. (unconvincing attempt to justify) ( ) piètre excuse    ( ) excuse bidon    ( ) excuse foireuse   Saying that your alarm clock didn't ring is a lame excuse for being this late. Dropping your cigarette is a lame excuse for crashing your car.   Dire que votre réveil n'a pas sonné est une bien piètre excuse devant un tel retard. (unconvincing attempt to justify) piètre excuse, mauvaise excuse    ( ) excuse bidon   He gave a poor excuse for his absence. Having a cold is a very poor excuse for missing five days of work.   Un rhume est une bien piètre excuse pour ne pas aller au travail pendant cinq jours.   Il a donné une excuse bidon pour justifier son absence. (bad example of) piètre exemple de [qch], mauvais exemple de [qch] Discussions du forum dont le titre comprend le(s) mot(s) "excuse" : Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. Dans d'autres langues : espagnol | italien | portugais | roumain | allemand | néerlandais | suédois | russe | polonais | tchèque | grec | turc | chinois | japonais | coréen | arabe Publicités Publicités utilisez pour une recherche plus rapide de WordReference. © 2024 WordReference.com English version un éventuel problème. Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Translation of excuse – English–French dictionary (Translation of excuse from the GLOBAL English-French Dictionary © 2016 K Dictionaries Ltd) Translation of excuse | PASSWORD English-French Dictionary (Translation of excuse from the PASSWORD English-French Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd) Examples of excuse The promise of future consultation and feasibility studies is to be welcomed, but this should not be an excuse for doing nothing. There is no excuse for us; we know where benzenes and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons come from. Do you have an excuse or some information? We want to remedy the situation with constructive structural reforms and not with a fund that gives an excellent excuse to businesses and leaves them with a clear conscience. There is no excuse for delays. At this time of economic crisis it is essential that the benefits of free movement are recognised and that economic hardship is not used as an excuse for discrimination. We heard this excuse before. I say that not as an excuse. Please do excuse me, but the debate began a little earlier than scheduled. We can certainly make excuses for the way in which we gave the impression that we supported the military coup. Please excuse my poor pronunciation. Translations of excuse Get a quick, free translation! Word of the Day make ends meet to have just enough money to pay for the things that you need Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be) Learn more with +Plus Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}} Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English English–Dutch Dutch–English English–French French–English English–German German–English English–Indonesian Indonesian–English English–Italian Italian–English English–Japanese Japanese–English English–Norwegian Norwegian–English English–Polish Polish–English English–Portuguese Portuguese–English English–Spanish Spanish–English English–Swedish Swedish–English Dictionary +Plus Word Lists PASSWORD English–French    Verb Translations All translations To add excuse to a word list please sign up or log in. Add excuse to one of your lists below, or create a new one. {{message}} Something went wrong. There was a problem sending your report. Translation of "excuse" in French Suggestions, suggestions that contain excuse. Results: 20620 . Exact: 20620 . Elapsed time: 224 ms. How to apologize Chapter 14 - Vocabulary classified by themes In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Traduction excuse | Dictionnaire Anglais-Français excusable , excise , exclusive , exclude me! me! me? toute faite légale classique my French me please 'excuse' également trouvé dans les traductions du dictionnaire Français-Anglais me! me! me! toute trouvée en béton toute trouvée Modifier l'entrée Supprimer l'entrée Ajouter une suggestion Ajouter un commentaire ! En attente Inscrivez-vous pour ajouter une entrée Sentence examples of "excuses" in French In this section, you can see how words and expressions are used in different contexts using examples of translations made by professionals. The Contexts section will help you learn English, German, Spanish and other languages. Here you can find examples with phrasal verbs and idioms in texts that vary in style and theme. Examples can be sorted by translations and topics. Learn foreign languages, see the translation of millions of words and expressions, and use them in your e-mail communication. Translation bot Translate in Telegram Join for free PROMT Master NMT Accurate document translation Add to Favorites You must be logged in to add to Favorites Log In or Register The Ten Best Excuses for Late Homework from a Teacher Who's Heard Hundreds of Them Trent Lorcher Categories : Study & learning tips for parents & students Tags : Homework help & study guides Best Excuses for Late Homework 1. Know how gullible your teacher is. Some teachers will believe anything, especially new teachers. More experienced teachers are much more difficult to fool and more likely to be bitter and jaded. Experienced teachers have also heard most of the lame excuses you have planned. 2. Know how strict your teacher is . I’ll let you in on a teaching secret: most teachers want you to succeed. They want to believe you stayed up all night nursing your sick hamster. Use this to your advantage. 3. Find out if your teacher likes you. I’ll let you in on another secret: teachers play favorites. Are you a favorite? If you are, use any excuse you like. 4. Find out your teacher’s interests . Here’s another secret: teachers love being the center of attention. Why else would they subject themselves to the torment that comes with instructing teenagers? They love talking about themselves. Listen when they do. The 10 Best Homework Excuses 1. I got my backpack stolen: use rampant crime among high school students to your advantage. No teacher in his right mind would expect you to turn in that big assignment if it got stolen the very day it was due. Although most teachers won’t follow through, filing a missing backpack report might not be a bad idea. 2. My mom and dad got in a huge fight last night and the cops came and I couldn’t concentrate on the assignment: Domestic violence isn’t something to lie about…unless it’s done to save your grade. This excuse works on so many levels: (1) Your teacher will never bring this up to your parents; and (2) you will garner sympathy for the rest of the year. The only way this could go wrong is if your teacher reports this to your guidance counselor and your counselor contacts your parents. That’s probably not going to happen. 3. I stayed at my dad’s this weekend and left it there and my mom refuses to let me go back and get it: Teachers are suckers for dysfunctional family stories. This is an all time classic. 4. I left my binder in my mom’s car and she’s at work across town: This is a twist on the easy to see through “I left it at home” excuse. A teacher can reasonably expect someone from home to bring your homework, but not even the meanest teacher would expect your mom to leave work. 5. I was really sick yesterday and unable to do anything. The only reason I came is because I didn’t want to miss any more work: Teachers will admire your perseverance and give you the extra day. 6. It’s that “time of the month”: If you’re a boy, don’t try this. This only works for females on male teachers. 7. Grandma died: Even if the teacher doubts the veracity of your grandma’s death, he’s not gonna call you out on it just in case it’s true. There are obvious problems with this excuse, including the guilt you’ll feel if your grandma does die that week. 8. My dog died and I was too upset to do my homework: This is rarely used, but effective, especially if your teacher has a dog. Only a heartless task master would not cut you a break over losing your best friend. 9. I had to take care of my baby sister who was up last night throwing up: Another underused classic. Be careful your teacher isn’t an e-mailer or he just might e-mail your parents for an update on your baby sister who doesn’t exist. 10. Tell the truth: This is a revolutionary excuse. Often if you just go to your teacher in the morning and tell him or her the truth, you’ll get some additional time. What’s your favorite homework excuse? Image by  Jan Vašek  from  Pixabay This post is part of the series: Homework Excuses Find the best, the worst, the most popular, and the funniest homework excuses with just a few clicks of the mouse. The 10 Most Common “I Forgot my Homework” Excuses Funny Homework Excuses Speak with Confidence How to Say “Excuse My French” in French: Formal and Informal Ways Are you looking to learn how to say “excuse my French” in French? Whether you’re interested in the formal or informal way of expressing this phrase, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways to apologize for using inappropriate language or expressing strong emotions in French. We will also touch on any regional variations, but mainly focus on the more widely used expressions and provide helpful tips and examples along the way. Table of Contents 1. Formal Apologies When it comes to formal settings, such as professional environments, it’s essential to choose your words carefully. Here are a few commonly used phrases to apologize for potentially offensive language: Pardonnez-moi mon langage – Forgive me for my language. Veuillez excuser mon langage – Please excuse my language. Je vous prie d’excuser mes paroles – I beg your pardon for my words. 1.1 Formal Apologies Example: Madam Smith, Please forgive me for my choice of words during our meeting. It was entirely unintentional, and I assure you it won’t happen again. Veuillez excuser mon langage . Sincerely, [Your Name] 2. Informal Apologies In less formal settings, like among friends or peers, there are different ways to apologize for using strong language. Here are a few commonly used informal expressions: Désolé pour mes gros mots – Sorry for my curse words. Pardon pour mon langage grossier – Pardon for my coarse language. J’espère que tu pourras excuser mes paroles – I hope you can forgive my words. 2.1 Informal Apologies Example: Hey, Sorry for the strong language earlier. I got carried away, and I didn’t mean to offend you. J’espère que tu pourras excuser mes paroles . Cheers, [Your Name] 3. Regional Variations French is spoken in various regions around the world, and sometimes you may come across different expressions for the same apologies. Here are a couple of regional variations worth noting: 3.1 Quebec, Canada In Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada, you may hear the phrase: Excusez mes québécismes, mais… (Excuse my Québécois expressions, but…) In France, the following expression can be used, although it is less commonly heard: Veuillez excuser mon langage fleuri (Please excuse my flowery language) 4. Tips for Using Apologies Effectively To ensure that your apologies are well-received, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Timing: Apologize as soon as you realize you’ve made an inappropriate comment. Sincerity: Be genuine and show remorse for your words. Non-repetition: Assure the person that you won’t repeat the offense. Corrective Action: If necessary, explain what measures you’ll take to avoid similar incidents in the future. Consider Context: Tailor your apology based on the relationship and formality of the situation. 5. Conclusion Now that you’re equipped with the formal and informal ways to apologize in French, you can confidently address your language mistakes. Remember to consider the context and choose the appropriate expression accordingly. By using the right apology, you can mend relationships and continue communicating effectively. Related Guides: How to Say Excuse in French: A Comprehensive Guide Guide on How to Say “Excuse Me” in French How to Say “Excuse Me” in French: The Ultimate Guide How to Say “Excuse Me Madam” in French How to Say “Excuse Me, Please” in French: Formal and Informal Ways How to Say “Excuse Me, Sir” in French: Formal and Informal Ways How to Say “Excuse Me” and “Sorry” in French Guide: How to Say “Excuse Me” in French About The Author Sienna Bessie excuse translation | French-English dictionary excuser , excuses , s'excuser Additional comments: en béton toute trouvée toute trouvée 'excuse' also found in translations in English-French dictionary légale classique plate toute faite Edit the entry Delete the entry Add a suggestion Add comment ! Put in pending Sign up to add your entry excuse my French excuse my French ( old-fashioned, humorous idiom ) /ik-ˈskyüz mī ˈfren(t)sh/ used to apologize for using profanity or offensive language. said before using a swear word to warn listeners. humorously suggests that the offensive language is not typical of the speaker. historically used to apologize for using non-English words (mostly French) that the listener might not understand. Example Sentences That meeting was a complete disaster, excuse my French , but it was just a load of bullshit. Excuse my French , but that movie was absolute crap. Excuse my French , but that was a hell of a game. I am about to become somewhat crude, so please excuse my French . However, this situation is a complete mess. I am about to be blunt, so excuse my French , but your attitude has been really annoying lately. Excuse my French , but as they say in Paris, “C’est la vie”—such is life! Origin and History The idiom “excuse my French” has an interesting history that intertwines with cultural perceptions and linguistic practices between the English and the French. The earliest uses of the phrase did not necessarily involve cursing but were actually literal apologies for using French language terms in conversation, a practice that might confuse listeners who were unfamiliar with French. This usage is documented as far back as the 1830s, where English speakers would insert French phrases into their speech, perhaps to showcase refinement or education, and then apologize for the potential obscurity—hence, “Excuse my French.” Evolution into an Apology for Profanity However, the transformation of the idiom into an apology for profanity has deeper roots in the long-standing rivalry and cultural exchanges between England and France. Particularly from the early 1800s, during periods such as the Napoleonic Wars, the English began to associate the French language with something disagreeable or offensive, similar to swear words. This association may reflect a broader trend where various derogatory terms included the word “French” in England and “English” in France, each attributing undesirable traits or items to the other culture. For instance, “French pox” referred to syphilis in England, while the French called syphilis “le mal de Naples.” Usage in Modern Media and Culture By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, “Excuse my French” began appearing more frequently as a precursor to or apology for swearing, with one notable instance occurring in an 1895 edition of Harper’s Weekly . This evolution in usage reflects how phrases can transition from literal to figurative meanings over time, influenced by social attitudes and intercultural dynamics. Linguistic and Cultural Significance Various media outlets have humorously used the phrase in modern times, often masking the impact of swearing with humor or attributing it to the French, despite the audience’s understanding that the term is vulgar and not French. This usage underscores the complex ways in which language can serve as a vehicle for cultural expression and social norms. See also : pardon my French What's on your mind? Similar Idioms free spirit melting pot 110 IMAGES How to Say Homework in French How To Say I Forgot My Homework In French How to Say "Excuse Me" in French Excuse Me In French: 10 Expressions Beyond "Excusez-Moi" Excuse Me In French: 10 Expressions Beyond "Excusez-Moi" FREE homework passes for French class by Mme R's French Resources VIDEO 1000 Homework Excuse "The dog ate my homework" excuse won't work Homework for French class THE HOMEWORK EXCUSE GOT TRUE #shorts Student's Making Excuse For Homework🤣 #shorts #fyp #viral COMMENTS 14 Different Ways To Say 'Excuse Me' In French It's a formal way to say excuse me or apologise and a common way to excuse yourself or get someone's attention. Usage example: Excusez-moi, désolé d'être insensible. Excuse me, sorry for being insensitive. 2. Pardonnez-moi. If you want an alternative option to say excuse me in French, you can use pardonnez-moi. Pardon vs. Excusez-moi vs. Désolé vs. Je m'excuse I was walking with 2 french friends, one accidentally stepped in a puddle, splashing the other person. He said, "Je m'excuse, je m'excuse." (Whereas I, a non-french native speaker, would have said "Désolé, désolé" or maybe "pardon".) Then, when I was in France in the buses, I noticed people would say "pardon" if he or she bumped into ... Pardon My French: Your Guide to Saying "Excuse Me" in French Excuse-moi is the informal version of Excusez-moi. It is used in casual situations with friends, family, or peers — i.e., when addressing someone you know well and are on friendly terms with. In this case, you can also use the tu form of the French "you" (instead of vous) when referring to someone you know well. Usage. French translation of 'excuse' French Translation of "EXCUSE" | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. 40 Ways to Say I'm Sorry in French Just like in English, 'excuse-me' in French could be used to offer an apology as well as to ask for someone's attention. Let me give you some examples of situation where you'd say 'excuse-me' in French. Je suis sincèrement désolée d'avoir oublié de vous répondre. S'il vous plaît excusez-moi. I'm really sorry to have ... English Translation of "EXCUSE" English Translation of "EXCUSE" | The official Collins French-English Dictionary online. Over 100,000 English translations of French words and phrases. excuse dispenser v. The judge excused the witness from appearing in court. Le juge a dispensé le témoin de se présenter devant la cour. less common: pardonner qqch./qqn. v. ·. exempter v. Excuse Me in French: Best Ways to Say Here are some of the most common expressions used: Excusez-moi - This is a direct translation of "Excuse me" and is one of the most common ways to get someone's attention, apologize, or pass through a crowd in France. Pardon - A shorter and more informal variant, "Pardon" can be used similarly to "Excusez-moi" but is often ... How To Say Sorry In French (7 Key Phrases For Apologizing) Je suis désolé — 'I'm sorry'. You can use je suis désolé or je suis désolée (for the written feminine equivalent) in a wide range of contexts when apologising in French. In English, it means 'I'm sorry'. There are a couple of variations of je suis désolé that you'll want to keep in mind. For instance, if you wanted to ... excuse excuse [sth] ⇒ vtr. (dispense with [sth] ) (faire sans) se passer de, se dispenser de v pron + prép. laisser de côté vtr. We will excuse the formalities and get right down to business. Nous allons nous passer (or: nous dispenser) des formalités et entrer directement dans le vif du sujet. Nous allons laisser de côté les formalités et ... EXCUSE EXCUSE translate: excuse [feminine], excuse [feminine], prétexte [masculine], pardonner, excuser, excuser, dispenser…. Learn more in the Cambridge English-French ... excuse Translation of "excuse" in French. Noun. Verb. excuse f prétexte m raison f occasion f alibi m. justification f. excuser justifier pardonner dispenser prétexter. s'excuser. Show more. The information omitted the words "without reasonable excuse". The French Tutorial How to apologize. The verb to apologize is s'excuser . Excuser (or pardonner ) means to forgive. There are many ways to apologize, depending on the seriousness and on the person you got in front of you. How do you say excuse me in French? The polite way of saying "excuse me" in French is excusez-moi. The colloquial form using the informal second person singular is excuse ... Create an account Ask a question. Our experts can answer your tough homework and study questions. Ask a question Ask a question. Search Answers. Learn more about this topic: Formal 'You' in French. from ... Traduction excuse en Français n excuse f. → That's no excuse! → I don't think he's really sick, I think it's just an excuse. an excuse to do sth une excuse pour faire qch. → Once I had had a baby I had the perfect excuse to stay at home. an excuse not to do sth une excuse pour ne pas faire qch. → He kept finding excuses not to go home. Sentence examples of "excuses" in French contexts with the word "excuses" in French with translation into English by PROMT, avec force excuses, présenter excuses, prompt aux excuses, set expressions and idioms, word meanings in diffrerent contexts ... all 84 apologize 42 excuse 34 apology 7 other translations 1. show all. Je dois présenter mes excuses. I have to apologize. Je refuse ... The Ten Best Excuses for Late Homework from a Teacher Who's Heard 1. Know how gullible your teacher is. Some teachers will believe anything, especially new teachers. More experienced teachers are much more difficult to fool and more likely to be bitter and jaded. Experienced teachers have also heard most of the lame excuses you have planned. 2. Know how strict your teacher is. dog ate my homework excuse translation in French dog ate my homework excuse translation in English - French Reverso dictionary, see also 'homework club, housework, homeowner', examples, definition, conjugation French translation of 'homework' French Translation of "HOMEWORK" | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. How to Say "Excuse My French" in French: Formal and Informal Ways Veuillez excuser mon langage - Please excuse my language. Je vous prie d'excuser mes paroles - I beg your pardon for my words. 1.1 Formal Apologies Example: Madam Smith, Please forgive me for my choice of words during our meeting. It was entirely unintentional, and I assure you it won't happen again. excuse translation in English nf. (=prétexte) excuse. Il trouve toujours une bonne excuse pour ne pas faire la vaisselle. He always finds a good excuse for not doing the washing-up. mot d'excuse (ÉDUCATION) note from one's parent (s) (to explain absence etc) , note. Vous devez apporter un mot d'excuse signé par vos parents. You have to bring a note from your parents ... excuse my French meaning, origin, example, sentence, history Excuse my French, but that was a hell of a game. I am about to become somewhat crude, so please excuse my French. However, this situation is a complete mess. I am about to be blunt, so excuse my French, but your attitude has been really annoying lately. Excuse my French, but as they say in Paris, "C'est la vie"—such is life! Origin and ... assignment essay homework paper phd resume review speech thesis