How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in French
Excusez-moi
ex-kew-zay mwah
[ex-kew-zay mwah]
💬 Usage Tip: With verb-plus-[moi] forms like this, the words are linked with a hyphen: [excusez-moi], [pardonnez-moi]. The [z] sound also carries straight into [moi] when you say it.
Phrase Breakdown
Excusez
[ex-kew-zay]
Excuse me
Used to politely get someone's attention or apologize.
Excusez-moi, puis-je passer?
Excuse me, may I pass through?
-moi
[mwah]
Me
Refers to the speaker in a polite request.
Excusez-moi pour le retard.
Excuse me for being late.
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