Excuse me Meaning in English

expression

US

ɪkˈskjus/, /ɪkˈskjuz/ /ˈmi

ik-SKYOOS-mee

UK

ɪkˈskjuːs/ /mˈiː

ik-SKYEWS-mee

Definition

A polite expression used to get someone's attention, ask a question, apologize, or ask someone to move aside.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in everyday speech. Used before interrupting, apologizing for minor issues, or politely getting past people. When asking questions, it's more polite than just starting to speak. Sometimes used alone or before a request.

• Spanish: perdón - disculpe - con permiso
• Portuguese (BR): com licença - desculpe - com perdão
• Portuguese (PT): com licença - desculpe - com licença (para pedir passagem)
• Chinese (Simplified): 劳驾 - 对不起 - 请问 (用于提问)
• Chinese (Traditional): 勞駕 - 對不起 - 請問 (用於提問)
• Hindi: माफ़ कीजिए - क्षमा कीजिए - सुनिए
• Arabic: عفواً - لو سمحت - اسمح لي
• Bengali: মাফ করবেন - দাঁড়ান - দুঃখিত
• Russian: извините - простите
• Japanese: すみません - 失礼します
• Vietnamese: xin lỗi - làm ơn cho hỏi
• Korean: 실례합니다 - 죄송합니다
• Turkish: affedersiniz - pardon
• Urdu: معاف کیجیے - سوری
• Indonesian: permisi - maaf

Example Sentences

Excuse me, where is the restroom?

basic

Excuse me, can you help me?

basic

Excuse me for being late.

basic

Excuse me, could I get past you?

natural

Oh, excuse me! I didn't mean to bump into you.

natural

Excuse me, do you know what time it is?

natural