SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fr-excusez-moi

You need to ask a stranger a question in Paris. What polite phrase gets their attention first?

Excusez-moi means excuse me.

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  1. Enchanté
  2. Excusez-moi ✔
  3. De rien

Why: Excusez-moi is the polite excuse me before a question. Enchanté means pleased to meet you, and de rien means you're welcome.

Huh, didn't know that: Follow it with bonjour: 'Excusez-moi, bonjour' sounds friendly and polite in France.

The dad joke
What did the polite volcano say before asking for directions? Excusez-moi, I lava question.
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References

Answer: Excusez-moi. Excusez-moi is the polite excuse me before a question. Enchanté means pleased to meet you, and de rien means you're welcome.

  1. Larousse French-English: excuser www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-anglais/excuser
    excusez-moi [regret] forgive me, I'm sorry, I do apologize [interpellation, objection, après un hoquet] excuse me
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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