How to say “excuse me” like a native speaker
Politely get someone's attention, move past them or ask for something to be repeated. Your tone and the situation distinguish these uses.
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Hear “excuse me” in real speech
Clip 1 · Twominute English
Asking Questions in English · 9:24
About this video
Speakers in this Twominute English lesson explain questions beginning with “do”, “does” and “did”. The video combines grammar discussion with everyday dialogues, including a customer asking to close an account.
In context
Thanks!Excuse me, sir.
May you tell me where to find the art museum?
Clip 2 · Jill Bolte Taylor
My stroke of insight | Jill Bolte Taylor | TED · 3:37
About this video
Jill Bolte Taylor describes her interest in studying the brain and her experience of having a stroke. She connects her scientific work with the changes in awareness she remembers during that event.
In context
they care about different things, and, dare I say, they have very different personalities.Excuse me. Thank you. It's been a joy.
Assistant: It has been.
Clip 3 · Derek Sivers
Weird, or just different? | Derek Sivers · 0:22
About this video
Derek Sivers discusses how something familiar in one place can seem strange in another. He contrasts ways of identifying streets, blocks and houses in the United States and Japan.
In context
So, imagine you're standing on a street anywhere in America and a Japanese man comes up to you and says,"Excuse me, what is the name of this block?"
And you say, "I'm sorry, well, this is Oak Street, that's Elm Street.
When to use “excuse me”
- Getting a server's attention: “Excuse me, could we have the bill?”
- Passing through a crowded aisle: “Excuse me, may I get past?”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “excuse me”
In this request, “excuse” ends with a Z sound. Stress its second syllable and connect it to “me”.
Related phrases
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