7 Ways to Say “Excuse Me” in Arabic (When Talking to Someone Politely)
You already know this feeling.
You want to pass by someone.
You want to ask a question.
You want to interrupt politely.
You want to apologize—just a little.
In English, “excuse me” magically handles all of that.
In Arabic? Not so fast.
There is no single Arabic word that works everywhere. And that is not a flaw. It is how the language stays human, flexible, and socially aware.
Let’s unpack how Arabic really handles “excuse me”—the way people actually speak, not the way dictionaries pretend they do.
Why “Excuse Me” Does Not Map to One Single Arabic Word
Like everything else that Arabic makes richer and deeper, the expression “excuse me” can be delivered in a range of closely similar phrases in Arabic.
So, for every time you need to use ‘excuse me’ to apologize, to ask for something politely, to interrupt someone, you have no less than 7 phrases in Arabic.
Why “Excuse Me” Sounds Different in Arabic
In English, one phrase does many jobs.
In Arabic, the job matters more than the phrase.
Arabic prefers:
- function over literal wording
- tone over formula
- intention over direct translation
So instead of forcing one expression everywhere, Arabic gives you tools. You choose the one that fits the moment.
Let’s meet those tools.
How Do You Say Excuse Me in Arabic?
اعذُرني (Iʿdhurnī) – The Literal but Less Common “Excuse Me”
Literal meaning: Forgive me / excuse me
This is the phrase learners often find first—and then rarely hear.
Why?
Because it sounds correct, formal, and careful… almost too careful.
You might hear it:
- in formal writing
- in serious apologies
- when correcting someone respectfully
- in speeches or official contexts
In daily conversation, it can feel stiff. Not wrong—just heavy.
Think of it as grammatically perfect, socially selective.
لو سمحت (Law Samaḥt) – The Most Polite Way to Ask
This one? Gold.
Law samaht means “if you allow”, but socially it means:
“May I?”
“Could you?”
“Excuse me, can I ask…?”
Use it when:
- speaking to strangers
- asking for help
- making polite requests
- wanting to sound respectful without sounding formal
This is one of the safest phrases you can use anywhere in the Arab world.
If in doubt, choose Law samaht.
من فضلك (Min Faḍlak) – “Please” That Works Like “Excuse Me”
Arabic often replaces “excuse me” with please.
It works when:
- making requests
- ordering politely
- speaking in service settings
- addressing someone you do not know well
It sounds neutral, calm, and appropriate.
Arabic does not need to apologize before asking.
It prefers to ask politely instead.
عفوًا (ʿAfwan) – Excuse Me for Interrupting or Passing By
Afwan is short and light. People do use it to apologize, but another meaning for afwan is “excuse me”.
Use it when:
- passing through a crowd
- brushing past someone
- interrupting briefly
- getting someone’s attention
You will often hear it paired with:
- a small hand gesture (placing the right hand on chest)
- eye contact
- a slight smile
It does a lot of social work in one soft word.
آسف / آسفة (Āsif / Āsifa) – Excuse Me as an Apology
When you cause inconvenience, Arabic goes straight to honesty.
- آسف → used by men
- آسفة → used by women
This is not about politeness formulas.
It is about acknowledging impact.
You bumped into someone?
You interrupted too much?
You made a mistake?
Say sorry. Arabic appreciates that clarity.
لو ممكن (Law Mumkin) – A Soft, Friendly Request
This one feels warm.
لو ممكن means “if possible”, and it softens everything that follows.
Use it when:
- you want to sound friendly
- you do not want to pressure anyone
- you are asking casually
It signals cooperation, not demand.
Native speakers love this phrase for everyday interactions.
من بعد إذنك (Min Baʿd Iznak) – Asking Permission Politely
Literal meaning: With your permission
Use it when:
- interrupting someone
- stepping away (in local dialects, you hear Bil’izin, بالإذن , which means the same thing)
- leaving a conversation
- entering or exiting a space
It carries respect without distance.
You will hear it across regions, ages, and settings. It travels well.
Colloquial Arabic: What Native Speakers Really Say
Here is the truth learners need to hear early:
Literal phrases fade fast in real life.
What replaces them?
- tone
- timing
- body language
- softeners like law لو (if)
Arabic politeness lives in how something is said, not just what is said.
Listen closely to real conversations. You will notice fewer rigid phrases and more flexible combinations.
Choosing the Right Way Based on the Situation
Ask yourself:
- Am I talking to a stranger or someone I know?
- Is this formal or casual?
- Am I asking, interrupting, or apologizing?
You do not need to memorize rules. You need to read situations.
That skill grows naturally with exposure.
Final Tip for Arabic Learners
Learn phrases as social tools, not dictionary entries.
Watch how native speakers soften requests. Practice full expressions, not single words. Trust that sounding polite matters more than sounding literal.
And if you want to build this intuition step by step— with real examples, guided practice, and zero overwhelm—Download the AlifBee app and learn Arabic through a structured, complete learning path that feels fun, clear, and human.
You can also learn 8 Ways to Say Please in Arabic, or delve deeper into Arabic Business Etiquette.
