English pronunciation · Words Starting with E

Excuse Me Pronunciation

Excuse Me is pronounced ik-SKYOOS-MEE, IPA /ɪkˈskjus ˈmi/.

ik-SKYOOS-MEE

US /ɪkˈskjus ˈmi/

Syllables: ik · SKYOOS · MEE (3 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

phrase (interjection): A polite way to get someone's attention, to apologise for a small intrusion, or to ask someone to move.

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Excuse Me in a Sentence

  • Excuse me, is this seat taken?
  • Excuse me for a moment, I need to take this call.
  • Excuse me, could I get past?

Common Mispronunciations of Excuse Me

Not ik-SKYOOZ-mee

The verb excuse ends in a buzzed z, but this phrase uses the noun form and closes on a hissed s. Compare I excuse you with no excuse.

Not ek-SKOOS-mee

Slide a y in before the oo, giving SKYOOS. Dropping it leaves a sound closer to scoots.

Tip: Tone carries the meaning. Falling on me is an ordinary apology; rising sharply on me signals surprise or offence.

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