French for Kids
How to Say "Excuse me" in French
A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd.
In French (Français)
Excusez-moi
Pronounced: ek-skyu-zay MWAH
What “Excuse me” means and when to use it
The listed French expression in this lesson is “Excusez-moi.” Its beginner pronunciation approximation is “ek-skyu-zay MWAH.” A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd. The approximation is a reading scaffold, not a replacement for the native writing or for listening to a speaker whose variety you are learning.
Use this to get attention politely, pass through a crowded space, interrupt for an important reason, or acknowledge a minor accidental contact. Languages often use different expressions for these functions, and a listed translation may fit some scenes better than others. Begin with the neutral attention-getting scene described here. Say it before the interruption, then wait for acknowledgment. For actual harm, the separately listed sorry phrase may be more appropriate than treating excuse me as a complete apology.
No pushing or forced touch belongs in the role-play. Ideas about interruption and personal space vary, so focus on waiting and observing the response.
French pronunciation workshop
French vowels and consonants do not map neatly onto English. Final consonants are often quiet, although there are important exceptions, and words in a group can link together. French r is commonly formed toward the back of the mouth. Sounds written an, on, or in may be nasal: some air passes through the nose without adding a separate n. Avoid giving every written letter a strong English sound. Our capitalized syllable shows a useful practice emphasis, not a full account of French rhythm, which tends to flow across a phrase.
Now apply those sound ideas specifically to “Excusez-moi.” Read the native form first, then use “ek-skyu-zay MWAH” to locate the broad sound sequence and emphasized syllable. Say the entire expression in one comfortable turn. Do not substitute English sounds more strongly merely because a letter looks familiar, and do not erase marks, accents, or characters when copying it.
Whisper the phrase once to notice which final letters naturally stay quiet, then repeat it in a smooth breath. Do not add a heavy English r or an extra final syllable. Use the approximation as a starting scaffold and compare it with a trusted native-speaker model when one is available.
Respectful context across France & Francophone World
French is spoken in France and in diverse communities across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, and beyond. Forms and accents vary. In many settings, bonjour is an important opening before a request. Vous can show formality or address more than one person, while tu is generally used with family, friends, children, or when invited. Customs around greetings and titles differ, so observing and following a speaker's preference is more respectful than assuming one rule fits the whole Francophone world.
This lesson teaches one useful listed translation, not the only wording used by all French speakers. Age, relationship, region, and situation can change a speaker's choice. A good learner notices those choices, asks respectfully when appropriate, and accepts correction without arguing that a phrase list must outrank a person's own language experience.
Practice activity: scene, speak, reflect
Mark a wide pretend pathway with paper. Partner A stands safely to one side; Partner B approaches, says the translated excuse-me phrase, and waits. Partner A moves the paper marker to open the path. In another round, Partner B raises a question card, says the phrase, and waits for eye contact before an English question is read. Swap roles. Compare a respectful volume with shouting, and finish by choosing whether three English scenes call for excuse me or sorry.
Use three passes. On pass one, read “Excusez-moi” while a partner checks every word or character. On pass two, look only at the scene card and retrieve the expression from memory. On pass three, use an English scene prompt and deliver the French speaking turn at a natural volume. Afterward, explain in English why the phrase fit that scene. This keeps meaning, respectful behavior, and pronunciation together instead of rewarding speed alone.
A successful attempt is understandable and considerate, not accent-free. Mark one detail you kept consistent—perhaps the stress, a long vowel, a tone direction, a final consonant, or the full word order—and choose one detail for another careful repetition. Stop before practice becomes rushed. Short, attentive rounds build a more reliable memory than saying the phrase many times without listening to yourself or your partner.
Practice dialogue
- Scene prompt (English)
- Learner A needs to ask a librarian a question while the librarian is sorting books.
- Role-play cue (English)
- Learner A waits for a pause and uses the target attention-getting phrase.
- French target speaking turn — Learner A
- Excusez-moi
- Role-play reply/action (English) — Learner B
- Yes, how can I help?
- French speaking turn — Learner B
- Oui
Want to learn 50+ more French phrases?
Explore French with MaiMai. Enjoy free games, songs, and downloadable activities for kids ages 3 to 18.