French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
pardon
Pronunciation
IPA/paʁdɔ̃/
Meaning
- interjectionsorry
Example
Pardon, je suis en retard.
Sorry, I'm late.
More examples
Pardon ?
Pardon?
Core concept
A small verbal reset that acknowledges a disturbance and restores smooth conversation.
Common phrases
pardon, pouvez-vous répéter
Pardon, could you repeat that
pardon, je n'ai pas entendu
Pardon, I didn't hear you
Similar words
hein: A short vocal sound asking for the words to be repeated.
quoi: A one-word request to repeat something that was not heard.
comment: A brief questioning word used when the preceding words were unclear.
Definition in French
S'emploie pour présenter une excuse brève, attirer l'attention ou demander à quelqu'un de répéter.
Word origin
The interjection developed from French pardon, a word for forgiveness derived from Old French and ultimately Latin perdonare, meaning to forgive fully.
Usage tips
- At the end of a sentence, rising intonation in Pardon? commonly signals that something was not heard and requests repetition.
Other meanings
- excuse meinterjection
- whatinterjection
Related words
- pardonnerforgiveverb
- impardonnableunforgivableadjective