French Phrase
Excuse‑moi, je peux passer, s’il te plaît ?
Meaning
Literally “Excuse me, may I pass, please?” It is a courteous way to ask someone to move aside so you can get through a crowd, a narrow aisle, or a line. The phrase combines an informal apology with a request for permission, softened by the polite *s’il te plaît*.
When to use
Use this expression in informal settings—like a busy café, a metro carriage, or a supermarket aisle—when you need to slip past someone. Switch to the formal version (*Excusez‑moi, puis‑je passer, s’il vous plaît ?*) with strangers you don’t know well or in professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Excuse-moijepeuxpassers'ilteplaît?
Excuse‑moi (imperative)
The verb *excuser* in the imperative form with the object pronoun *moi* is used for informal apologies or to get someone's attention.
je peux (present of pouvoir)
*Pouvoir* conjugated in the present tense with the subject pronoun *je* expresses ability or permission: “I can / may”.
passer (infinitive)
The infinitive *passer* means “to pass” or “to go through”. After *pouvoir*, the infinitive follows directly.
s'il te plaît (polite formula)
A contraction of *si + il + te + plaît*; literally “if it pleases you”. Use *te* for informal address and *vous* for formal.
🗨In Conversation
Excuse‑moi, je peux passer, s’il te plaît ?
Excuse me, may I pass, please?
Bien sûr, allez‑y.
Sure, go ahead.
✕Common Mistakes
Excusez‑moi, je peux passer, s’il te plaît.
Mixing formal *Excusez‑moi* with informal *te* is inconsistent; match the level of formality.
Je peux passer, s’il vous plaît ?
When using *vous* you should also use the formal imperative *Excusez‑moi* or *Pardon*.
Excuse‑moi, je peux passer s’il te plaît.
Missing the comma before *s’il te plaît* can make the sentence sound rushed; the pause signals politeness.
↔Alternatives
Pardon, je peux passer, s’il te plaît ?
Sorry, may I pass, please?
Excusez‑moi, puis‑je passer, s’il vous plaît ?
Excuse me, may I pass, please? (formal)
Je peux passer, s’il vous plaît ?
May I pass, please?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, politeness is key. Even in informal situations, prefacing a request with *Excuse‑moi* or *Pardon* shows respect. When speaking to someone you don’t know well, always use the formal *vous* form (*s’il vous plaît*). Also, keep eye contact and a friendly tone; a brusque “pass” without the polite formula can be perceived as rude.