pardon

/paʁ.dɔ̃/
noun, interjectionBeginner💡 forgiveness, excuse

Je vous demande pardon pour mon retard.

I ask your forgiveness for my lateness.

formal

Forgiveness or an apology for a mistake or offense.

Il a demandé pardon pour son comportement.

He asked for forgiveness for his behavior.

💡

Often used in formal or polite contexts.

informal

An excuse or permission to do something.

Pardon, puis-je passer ?

Excuse me, may I pass?

💡

Used as an interjection to politely interrupt or ask for permission.

Collocations

demander pardonto ask for forgivenessaccorder un pardonto grant forgiveness

Related Phrases

demander pardonphrase
to ask for forgiveness
accorder un pardonphrase
to grant forgiveness

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'pardon' in formal contexts to express deep regret or seek forgiveness. In informal contexts, it can be used as an interjection to politely interrupt or ask for permission.

Gold Rule

Politeness

'Pardon' is a polite way to ask for forgiveness or permission. Always use it in formal or respectful situations.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'pardoun,' from Latin 'perdonare' (to forgive).

📝Usage Notes

In formal contexts, 'pardon' is often used to express deep regret or seek forgiveness. In informal contexts, it can be used as an interjection to politely interrupt or ask for permission.

Word Breakdown

par-
through
prefix
+
-don
gift
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais