Sorry in French: 62 Ways to Apologize, Excuse Yourself & More (2023)

FAQs

How do you say excuse yourself in French? ›

Instead of asking someone else for forgiveness, Je m'excuse literally means that you excuse/forgive yourself.

Je regrette — I'm sorry (lit. “I regret it”) Veuillez m'excuser — Please excuse me/Please accept my apologies. Je vous demande pardon — I beg your pardon.

Je suis désolé(e) is a common way to apologize and express regret.

The expression originates from the 19th century, and was used literally. When English people used French expressions in conversation, they would often apologise for it, presumably because many of their listeners were not familiar with the language! Example: "Excuse my French, but that guys needs a kick in the ass!"

As mentioned, “excusez-moi” is the single most common way of saying “excuse me” in French. Use this phrase in all situations where you'd normally say excuse me in English. Note, however, that this is the vous-form of the phrase, used for both speaking to more than one person and to a stranger.

In a word, no. “Pardon my French” is an idiom exclusive to the English language, stemming from the two countries' own millennium-old beef—and not one of the bourguignon type. While the rapport between England and France has been a bit rosier in modern times, when it comes to getting along, historically, they do not.

French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day. Guests may also bring a bottle of wine or dessert.

What is a famous French saying? ›

Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup.

Literal translation: “Eat well, laugh often, love a lot.” Actual meaning: “Live life to the fullest” or carpe diem (“seize the day”). Use this positive French saying to console a friend that is having a hard time.

The usual response to merci is de rien (You're welcome – literally, It's nothing) or il n'y a pas de quoi. In a more formal context, you could say Je vous en prie or Je t'en prie.

If someone says Desolé or Mes excuses or Je m'excuse, the standard response seems to be Ce n'est pas grave (literally, “It's not serious”). You will also hear Ne vous inquiétez pas (“Don't worry”) or N'en parlez plus (“Say nothing more about it”).

As with English, French people tend to reply to Ça va? with a positive response – Bien, or Bien, merci – much the same way as we would use fine in English. The following responses are polite enough for a new acquaintance, but general enough for a good friend, too: Très bien, merci. Very well, thank you.

Skipping Hello in France – A Big Mistake

In any case, whether you use the word “bonjour” or not, you should always take the time to greet people in France. It's considered quite rude to go ahead and ask a question without first saying hello in French. Oh! And please smile !!

Non merci (No, thank you)

Non merci is used to politely decline something: Voudriez-vous un croque-monsieur ?

Instead of apologizing, use phrases like '“I'd love to add,” “I think that,” or “Here's a different perspective.” These phrases help you contribute without sounding scared to do so.

How do you say the biggest sorry? ›

To keep their victims nearby, then, they'll make apologies left and right without taking any real actions to improve themselves or make amends. These are not real apologies—they are manipulation tactics. Any counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist in the world will attest that an apology without change is manipulation.

idiom old-fashioned humorous. said when you are pretending to be sorry for using a word that may be considered offensive: Pardon my French, but that's a damned shame!

« excusez-moi » (pour s'excuser) “I'm sorry” ⧫ “sorry”

Every apology should start with two magic words: "I'm sorry," or "I apologize." For example, you could say: "I'm sorry that I snapped at you yesterday. I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted." Your words need to be sincere and authentic .

Comment dois je vous appeler ?

Imagine you are visiting France and someone asks you if you speak French . You want to answer that you speak A little.. Respond to the question. Ingrid: Parlez-vous français? (five seconds) Un petit peu.

They think it is easier

If you speak French to someone and they speak English well, they may just assume it is easier to speak English together. This especially applies if they can tell your French isn't great and they know their English is better.

Linnie was probably just brushing up on her basic French before their trip to Paris, but since "les incompétents" just translates to "the incompetent ones" it's not as impressive as she makes it seem — even if it does confuse Kevin. "Home Alone" is set near Chicago, like many other John Hughes movies.

As mentioned, “excusez-moi” is the single most common way of saying “excuse me” in French. Use this phrase in all situations where you'd normally say excuse me in English.

Is Je suis desole correct? ›

Je suis désolé(e)

This is the most common way to apologize in the French language. It is the literal translation of the English “I am sorry,” and you will hear it quite often. This is one of the French apologies that can be used in almost any situation, regardless of how formal it is.

Pardon my French, or excuse my French, is an apology for the use of profanity; the expression dates from 1895. Pardon is derived from the old French pardoner meaning, “to grant, forgive.” Find out: Are New Idioms Ever Created?

noun. cow [noun] the female of cattle used for giving milk.

Literally, “I call myself”.

Moi aussi (me too) is used in affirmative constructions, while moi non plus (me neither) is used in negative ones.

Non merci (No, thank you)

Non merci is used to politely decline something: Voudriez-vous un croque-monsieur ?

I don't know.

Je suis petite, I am small, or I am little.

je suis né(e) : I was bornnaître, passé composé

You don't know what you're saying. Tu ne sais pas ce que tu dis.

How do you use Excuse my French? ›

said when you are pretending to be sorry for using a word that may be considered offensive: Pardon my French, but that's a damned shame!