excuse me
excuse me — idiom
1. a polite phrase spoken to make a stranger notice you, for example because you wa
a polite phrase spoken to make a stranger notice you, for example because you want to ask them a question or tell them something has happened
"Excuse me," said the passenger to the driver, "I think your back tyre is flat."
fixed phrase followed by a full sentence expressing the concern
"Excuse me, do you know what time the last train leaves?" the tourist asked the ticket officer.
A woman tapped the librarian on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me, I need help finding a book."
"Excuse me, could you tell me which way the hospital is?" the cyclist asked the shopkeeper.
文法句型
Excuse me + [question/request]
用法筆記
This sense is the most general use of the phrase. It is safe in almost any situation with strangers — on the street, in a shop, on public transport.
常見錯誤
2. said politely when you want someone to make room for you to get past, for exampl
said politely when you want someone to make room for you to get past, for example in a crowded space
"Excuse me," the passenger whispered as she squeezed past the man blocking the aisle.
fixed phrase used alone as a polite request to pass
The waiter said "Excuse me please" and carefully carried a tray of drinks past the busy table.
People in the crowded train kept saying "Excuse me" as they moved towards the doors at each stop.
A cyclist rang his bell and called out "Excuse me" to warn pedestrians blocking the bike path.
- pardon me
more formal, less common in everyday casual use
- coming through
informal, e.g. when carrying something heavy
文法句型
Excuse me + [optional 'please']
用法筆記
Often used alone without any other words — the context of a crowd or tight space makes the meaning clear. In British English, 'sorry' is also used this way.
常見錯誤
3. said politely when you need to leave a place, end a conversation, or step away f
said politely when you need to leave a place, end a conversation, or step away from a group of people
"Excuse me for a moment — I need to take this phone call," the host told her dinner guests.
Excuse me + for + [reason] to politely step away temporarily
A colleague at the meeting said "Excuse me, I have another appointment" and quietly closed her laptop.
"Excuse me, everyone — I'm afraid I have to leave early to pick up my son from school," said the teacher.
The dinner guest stood up and said "Excuse me" before heading to the restroom.
- I'm sorry
used the same way in British English, e.g. 'I'm sorry, I have to go'
文法句型
Excuse me + [reason for leaving]
用法筆記
When leaving a social setting permanently (not just stepping away), 'goodbye' or 'I'm off' may be more appropriate in informal contexts. This sense is best for temporary departures or leaving a group early with a brief explanation.
常見錯誤
4. a way of apologising for a small mistake or accident, such as bumping into someo
a way of apologising for a small mistake or accident, such as bumping into someone, interrupting, or making a small noise
A man bumped into a stranger on the pavement and quickly said, "Oh, excuse me."
excuse me used right after a minor accident to apologise
"Excuse me," the woman whispered after accidentally stepping on someone's foot in the cinema.
The child sneezed loudly at the table and then said "Excuse me" to the family members around him.
"Excuse me for interrupting," the assistant said as she entered the office with an urgent message.
The toddler accidentally knocked over a cup and looked up at her parents and said, "Excuse me."
文法句型
Excuse me + [optional explanation of accident]
用法筆記
This is for very small, accidental offences. For serious mistakes, use 'I'm (so) sorry' or 'I apologise'. In British English, 'sorry' alone can replace 'excuse me' in many of these situations.
常見錯誤
5. said before expressing a different opinion, especially in a polite or careful wa
said before expressing a different opinion, especially in a polite or careful way to avoid sounding rude
"Excuse me, but I think the total on this bill is wrong," the customer said to the cashier.
Excuse me + but + [polite correction/disagreement]
"Excuse me," the student said in class, "I have a different view on that point."
"Excuse me, but the information on this form doesn't match what I told you earlier," the patient reminded the nurse.
"Excuse me, but I believe the restaurant closes at ten, not nine," the diner said gently.
- with respect
formal, used in professional or official settings
- I'm sorry, but
very common alternative in British English, slightly softer
文法句型
Excuse me, but + [polite disagreement]
用法筆記
The tone of voice matters greatly here. A gentle, uncertain tone maintains politeness, while a firm or sharp tone can make 'excuse me' sound challenging or confrontational.
常見錯誤
6. said with a rising tone when you did not hear or understand what someone said an
said with a rising tone when you did not hear or understand what someone said and would like them to say it again
"Excuse me?" the old woman said, cupping a hand behind her ear because the train was too loud.
Excuse me? with rising intonation to ask for repetition
"Excuse me?" asked the receptionist, who had not caught the name the caller had said.
"Excuse me, I didn't catch that — could you repeat the address?" the taxi driver asked over his shoulder.
The cashier said "Excuse me?" when the customer mumbled something she could not understand.
- sorry?
much more common in British English for asking someone to repeat
- pardon?
formal, common in British English
- come again?
informal, casual
文法句型
Excuse me? (rising intonation)
用法筆記
In American English, a rising 'Excuse me?' can sound slightly offended if said abruptly. In British English, 'sorry?' is more common for asking someone to repeat. A clearer alternative is 'Could you say that again, please?'