How Do You Say, 'Excuse Me' In French?

The French for "excuse me" is excusez-moi or excuse-moi, depending on who you’re talking to. If in doubt, it’s probably safer to use excusez-moi! When should I use excusez-moi?

You’d use the more formal excusez-moi when talking to:

• A teacher or boss
• A stranger
• Somebody older than you
• More than one person

When should I use excuse-moi? Excuse-moi should be used when addressing:

• Friends
• Family members
• People you know well
• People younger than you

Other Useful French Words and Phrases

• S'il vous plait (formal) or s'il te plait (informal) = Please
• Merci = Thank you
• Je suis desolé(e) = I'm sorry
• Je ne comprends pas = I don't understand

Luckily, you'll find that most French people will just be happy that you're trying to speak French, and won't mind if you make mistakes!