French for Beginners: How to Politely Get Attention and Ask Someone to Move
Learn to say excuse me in French for getting attention, after sneezing, and how to ask someone to move out of the way politely. Includes phrases, dialogue, and practice.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In French, getting someone's attention politely is essential for smooth interactions. Whether you need to pass by, interrupt a conversation, or apologize for sneezing, the right phrase sets the tone. This lesson teaches you the key expressions: 'Excusez-moi' for general attention, 'Pardon' for a quick apology or to squeeze past, and 'Pouvez-vous vous pousser?' to ask someone to move. You'll learn when to use each, with accurate pronunciation and cultural notes. By the end, you'll handle common public situations with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- politely get someone's attention in French using 'Excusez-moi' and 'Pardon'.
- ask someone to move out of the way politely in French.
- say 'excuse me' after sneezing in French.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Excusez-moi
Excuse me
ehk-skew-zay-mwah
Use to get attention from a stranger, interrupt, or excuse yourself. Formal or plural; use 'Excuse-moi' with friends.
Pardon
Pardon me / Excuse me
par-dohn
Short, versatile. Use to apologize lightly (e.g., after bumping), to squeeze past, or to ask someone to repeat. Softer than 'Excusez-moi'.
Pouvez-vous vous pousser, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you move aside, please?
poo-vay-voo voo poo-say, seel-voo-pleh
Polite way to ask someone to move out of the way. 'Se pousser' means to move oneself aside. Use 's'il vous plaît' to soften.
Je peux passer ?
Can I get through?
zhuh puh pah-say
Casual but polite. Use when you need to pass through a crowd or narrow space. Often accompanied by 'Pardon'.
À vos souhaits
Bless you (after a sneeze)
ah vo sweh
Said to someone who sneezes. If you sneeze, you can say 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi' to apologize for the interruption.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To get attention politely, start with 'Excusez-moi' or 'Pardon'. For asking someone to move, use 'Pouvez-vous vous pousser, s'il vous plaît ?' or 'Je peux passer ?'. Example: 'Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous vous pousser, s'il vous plaît ?' (Excuse me, can you move aside, please?). After sneezing, say 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi' to apologize. If someone else sneezes, say 'À vos souhaits'.
When to use it
Use 'Excusez-moi' when approaching a stranger, interrupting, or leaving a conversation briefly. Use 'Pardon' for quick apologies, to squeeze past, or to ask for repetition. Use 'Pouvez-vous vous pousser ?' when someone is blocking your way; it's direct but polite with 's'il vous plaît'. 'Je peux passer ?' is casual and common in crowds. After sneezing, a simple 'Pardon' suffices. Avoid 'Excusez-moi' after sneezing if you want to be brief; 'Pardon' is more natural.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous vous pousser, s'il vous plaît ?
Excuse me, can you move aside, please?ehk-skew-zay-mwah, poo-vay-voo voo poo-say, seel-voo-plehOui, bien sûr. Pardon.
Yes, of course. Sorry.wee, byan sewr. par-dohnMerci. Je peux passer ?
Thank you. Can I get through?mehr-see. zhuh puh pah-sayAllez-y.
Go ahead.ah-lay-zeeA little context goes a long way
In France, 'Pardon' is extremely common for minor apologies and to pass by. 'Excusez-moi' is slightly more formal and often used to initiate an interaction. In Quebec, 'Excusez-moi' is also standard, but 'Pardon' may be less frequent; 'Je m'excuse' is common for apologies. After sneezing, saying 'Pardon' is polite, but not obligatory. 'À vos souhaits' is the equivalent of 'Bless you' and is used regardless of the sneezer's age.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Excusez-moi' after sneezing instead of 'Pardon'.
Try this instead: While 'Excusez-moi' is not wrong, 'Pardon' is more natural and quicker for a sneeze. Example: After sneezing, say 'Pardon' rather than 'Excusez-moi'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask someone to move out of your way in French?
Show a sample answer
Pouvez-vous vous pousser, s'il vous plaît ?
This is a polite and clear way. 'Je peux passer ?' is also acceptable in casual settings.
2What do you say in French after you sneeze?
Show a sample answer
Pardon.
'Pardon' is the most natural. 'Excusez-moi' is also possible but less common for a sneeze.
3How do you get a stranger's attention in French?
Show a sample answer
Excusez-moi.
'Excusez-moi' is standard. 'Pardon' can also work but is more for apologies or passing.
Use 'Excusez-moi' to get attention, 'Pardon' for quick apologies and to pass, and 'Pouvez-vous vous pousser ?' to ask someone to move. After sneezing, 'Pardon' is your go-to.
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