Pardon me Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɑɹdən/ /ˈmi

PAR-dun MEE

UK

pˈɑːdən/ /mˈiː

PAH-dun MEE

Definition

A polite expression used to apologize, ask someone to repeat what they said, or get someone's attention.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or polite; less common in everyday speech than 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. Used when interrupting, not hearing, or needing clarification. In the U.S., often replaced by 'excuse me'. Risk of sounding overly formal with friends.

• Spanish: perdón - disculpe
• Portuguese (BR): com licença - desculpe
• Portuguese (PT): com licença - desculpe
• Chinese (Simplified): 对不起 - 劳驾 - 请再说一遍
• Chinese (Traditional): 對不起 - 勞駕 - 請再說一遍
• Hindi: माफ़ कीजिए - क्षमा कीजिए
• Arabic: عذرًا - لو سمحت
• Bengali: মাফ করবেন - দুঃখিত - আপনি কি আবার বলবেন
• Russian: простите - извините
• Japanese: 失礼します - すみません
• Vietnamese: xin lỗi - làm ơn cho hỏi
• Korean: 실례합니다 - 죄송합니다
• Turkish: affedersiniz - pardon
• Urdu: معاف کیجیے گا
• Indonesian: maaf - permisi

Example Sentences

Pardon me, could you repeat that?

basic

Pardon me for interrupting, but I have a question.

basic

Pardon me, where is the nearest restroom?

basic

Oh, pardon me, I didn’t see you standing there.

natural

Pardon me, did you just call my name?

natural

Sorry, pardon me—what did you say about tomorrow?

natural