excuse me

1 of 1interjection

/ɪkˈskjuz mi/

1

said before asking someone a question, as a way of politely getting their attention

Excuse me, could you help me with this?
Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Excuse me, can I speak to the manager?
Excuse me, where did you buy your shoes from?

2

said to politely ask someone to move or make space so that one can get past them

Excuse me, can you let me through?
Excuse me, I need to pass.
Excuse me, could you move over a bit?
Excuse me, I'm trying to get to the front.
Excuse me, I need to get to the other side.

3

said to apologize for interrupting someone

Excuse me, but could I ask you a quick question?
Excuse me, there’s someone at the door for you.
Excuse me, but I need to speak with you for a moment.
Excuse me, I didn’t realize you were speaking.
Excuse me, I just wanted to let you know something.

4

said to politely inform someone that one is going to leave or talk to another person

Excuse me, I need to go take care of something.
Excuse me, I’ll be back shortly.
Excuse me, I’m going to step out for a moment.
Excuse me for a second, I’ll be right back.
Excuse me, I need to take this call.

5

said to apologize when one makes a rude noise or does something wrong

Excuse me, I wasn’t looking where I was going.
Oh, excuse me.I didn’t notice you were standing so close.
Excuse me, I didn’t mean to sneeze so loudly.
Excuse me, I accidentally bumped into you.
Excuse me, I didn't mean to burp out loud.

6

said to ask someone to repeat what they have said because it could not be heard

Excuse me, could you repeat that please?
"Please fill out this form.""Excuse me?"
Excuse me, could you say that again?
"Can you pass the salt?""Excuse me?"
Excuse me, what did you say?

Synonyms:

sorry come again huh pardon

7

said before one disagrees with someone in order to not be rude or offensive

Excuse me, but I don't think that's true.
Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s what he meant at all.
Excuse me!That was my idea, not yours!