How to Say Sorry in French: Désolé, Excusez-Moi and Pardon
Sorry in French depends on the job: excusez-moi to get attention, désolé(e) for a real apology, pardon for both. Learn which fits, with pronunciation.
“Sorry” in French depends on the situation: excusez-moi (or pardon) to get someone’s attention or for a minor bump, and désolé(e) for a real apology - with the e added when a woman is speaking. For something serious, say je suis vraiment désolé(e).
Quick answer
”Sorry” in French depends on the situation: excusez-moi (or pardon) to get someone’s attention or for a minor bump, and désolé(e) for a real apology - with the e added when a woman is speaking. For something serious, say je suis vraiment désolé(e).
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Excusez-moi / excuse-moi: getting attention
The formal/informal pair, used to call a waiter, pass by someone, or interrupt politely - not really a genuine apology, more a courtesy marker. See calling a waiter with s’il vous plaît for the related etiquette.
Pardon: the flexible one
The shortest, most versatile option - works for both attention and a light apology. As a standalone question, pardon ? also means “what did you say?”, a twin of comment ?.
Désolé(e): the real apology
Gender agreement matters here: désolé if a man is speaking, désolée if a woman is speaking. Patterns: désolé pour + noun, désolé de + infinitive. For the subjunctive that shows up in fuller apology sentences (je suis désolé que…), see the French subjunctive.
The apology ladder
| Phrase | Strength |
|---|---|
| désolé(e) | standard |
| vraiment désolé(e) | stronger |
| je suis vraiment désolé(e) | stronger, complete sentence |
| toutes mes excuses | formal, written |
| veuillez m’excuser | very formal |
Quick recap
- Getting attention → excusez-moi / pardon
- Genuine apology → désolé(e)
- Formal, written → toutes mes excuses
Apologize with the right register
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Questions about this note
What's the difference between désolé and excusez-moi?
Désolé is a genuine apology; excusez-moi gets attention or excuses a minor interruption.
Does pardon mean sorry?
Yes, and also "excuse me" or "what did you say?" - very versatile.
Is it désolé or désolée?
Désolée if a woman is speaking, désolé for a man.
How do you formally apologize in French?
Toutes mes excuses or veuillez m'excuser.
How do you say "I'm sorry to hear that"?
Je suis désolé(e) pour toi / vous.