excuse
excuse — 名詞
1. a statement you make to account for a mistake or fault you committed, regardless
理由；藉口
為自己的錯誤或過失所做的解釋
a statement you make to account for a mistake or fault you committed, regardless of whether it is honest or made up.
Amira's excuse for being late was that her train had been delayed by an hour.
Amira 遲到的理由是她搭的火車延誤了一小時。
excuse + for + being late; that-clause after 'was'
The child came up with a clever excuse about a broken alarm clock.
那個孩子想出一個巧妙的藉口，說是鬧鐘壞了。
collocation: came up with an excuse
When the manager asked about the missing report, Pedro had no real excuse to offer.
當經理問起那份失蹤的報告時，Pedro 提不出真正的理由。
Élise accepted his excuse for forgetting her birthday, though she still felt hurt.
Élise 接受了他忘記她生日的解釋，但仍然感到受傷。
A doctor's note is often required as a valid excuse for missing an exam at university.
在大學，請病假通常需要醫生證明作為請假理由。
- reason
broader term — a reason can explain anything, not just wrongdoing (the reason it rained / the reason she smiled).
- justification
stronger and more formal — suggests the person believes they were right ('His actions had no moral justification').
- defense
implies arguing against an accusation, often in a formal setting ('The lawyer prepared a strong defense').
文法句型
excuse + for + noun/gerund
excuse + that-clause
用法筆記
This sense covers both genuine and invented reasons. To specify that the reason is false, use sense 2 (PRETEXT) or the expression 'make excuses'.
常見錯誤
2. an invented or stretched reason that conceals your true motive for acting or not
託辭；藉口
用來隱藏真實意圖的虛假理由
an invented or stretched reason that conceals your true motive for acting or not acting in a certain way.
Ari used the conference as an excuse to spend a weekend in Tokyo with old friends.
Ari 以參加研討會為藉口，趁機去東京和朋友度週末。
excuse to + infinitive for hidden motive
Shirin pretended she had a headache, but it was just an excuse to leave the party early.
Shirin 假裝頭痛，但那只是為了提早離開派對的藉口。
Bao claimed he needed to study, which was really an excuse to avoid helping his brother move house.
Bao 說他要讀書，其實是為了逃避幫哥哥搬家。
The dog ate my homework is probably the oldest excuse a teacher has ever heard.
「我的狗把我的作業吃掉了」大概是老師聽過最老套的藉口了。
Xiu's frequent business trips became a convenient excuse for not visiting her parents.
Xiu 頻繁的出差成了她不探望父母的方便藉口。
- pretext
more formal and stronger sense of falsehood ('He left early on the pretext of a family emergency').
- cover
informal; suggests hiding something secret or shameful ('The charity was just a cover for money laundering').
- alibi
specifically a claim of being elsewhere when something happened ('He had a perfect alibi for the night of the robbery').
文法句型
excuse + to + infinitive
an excuse for + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (REASON FOR WRONG), this sense always implies the reason is dishonest. The speaker is using the excuse as a cover.
常見錯誤
3. an explanation you give for not being able to go somewhere or attend an event, e
缺席理由
解釋為何無法出席某場合
an explanation you give for not being able to go somewhere or attend an event, especially when you have a duty to be there.
Christopher sent a brief excuse to his boss saying he would miss the Monday meeting.
Christopher 向老闆發送了一個簡短的請假理由，說他無法參加週一的會議。
collocation: send/offer an excuse
All students need a written excuse from a parent if they miss three or more days of school.
學生如果缺課三天以上，必須提交家長出具的書面請假理由。
The senator made her excuses and left the banquet before the main speech began.
那位參議員向大家告辭，在宴會正式致詞前先行離席。
Ritu phoned in her excuse for missing choir practice half an hour before it started.
Ritu 在合唱團練習開始前半小時打電話來說無法參加。
- apology
expresses regret rather than a neutral explanation ('I owe you an apology for missing your party').
- explanation
broader and more neutral — no suggestion of wrongdoing or fault ('She gave a simple explanation for her absence').
文法句型
excuse for + noun
make your excuses
用法筆記
Common in formal and semi-formal contexts where attendance is expected (school, work, meetings). The noun can be uncountable in the phrase 'by way of excuse'.
常見錯誤
4. untrue or exaggerated reasons you repeatedly give to avoid doing something you s
找藉口
為了逃避責任而編造理由
untrue or exaggerated reasons you repeatedly give to avoid doing something you should do, often seen as a character flaw.
Caio kept making excuses about why he could not finish the project on time.
Caio 一直找藉口解釋為什麼無法按時完成專案。
fixed phrase: make excuses about + why-clause
Stop making excuses and just tell me the truth about what happened last night.
別再找藉口了，老實告訴我昨晚到底發生了什麼事。
Her teacher grew tired of her constant excuses for not handing in homework assignments.
老師對她不斷為沒交作業找藉口感到厭煩。
Ilan always has an excuse ready when it is time to clean the kitchen after dinner.
每次吃完晚飯該洗碗的時候，Ilan 總是準備好一個藉口。
- cop-out
very informal, slang ('Quit your cop-out and just do the work').
- run away from responsibility
descriptive phrase rather than a single word, but captures the same idea.
文法句型
make excuses
stop making excuses
用法筆記
Almost always in the plural ('excuses') and paired with 'make'. Carries a negative judgment — the speaker implies the person is avoiding responsibility.
常見錯誤
5. a short written statement from a doctor, parent, or official that explains why y
請假單
醫生或家長出具的書面缺席證明
a short written statement from a doctor, parent, or official that explains why you were absent from school or work.
Putri handed her teacher a doctor's excuse explaining she had been ill with the flu.
Putri 交給老師一張醫生證明，說明她得了流感。
collocation: doctor's excuse
The company requires a written excuse for any absence longer than three working days.
公司規定任何超過三天的缺勤都必須提供書面請假單。
Yan forgot to get a parent's excuse for the field trip permission form.
Yan 忘記請家長填寫校外教學同意書的請假單。
Without a valid excuse from a clinic, the school counts the day as an unexcused absence.
沒有診所開立的有效證明，學校會將該日記為無故缺席。
- sick note
informal term for the same document, common in British English ('Bring a sick note from your GP').
- doctor's note
most common US term, neutral register.
文法句型
a/the doctor's excuse
a parent's excuse
用法筆記
This is a physical document, not a verbal explanation. Often called a 'doctor's note' in less formal US English. In British schools, the term 'sick note' is common.
6. a person or thing considered a very disappointing or low-quality example of its
拙劣樣本
品質極差、令人失望的人或事物
a person or thing considered a very disappointing or low-quality example of its kind.
That broken-down old van is a pathetic excuse for a delivery vehicle.
那輛破舊的廂型車作為送貨車實在太不像樣了。
pattern: a pathetic excuse for a + noun
The hotel turned out to be a poor excuse for a five-star resort, with dirty rooms and cold food.
那間飯店根本算不上五星級度假村——房間骯髒，食物冰冷。
Ava called him a sorry excuse for a teammate after he missed three practices in a row.
Ava 罵他是個差勁的隊友，因為他連續三次缺席練習。
What an excuse for a wedding cake — it was dry and barely had any icing on top.
這算什麼結婚蛋糕——又乾又沒什麼糖霜。
文法句型
a poor excuse for a + noun
what an excuse for a + noun
用法筆記
Always used in the structure 'a [adjective] excuse for a [noun]'. Common adjectives: poor, sorry, pathetic, lame, miserable. Strongly negative and expressive.
常見錯誤
excuse — 動詞
1. to forgive someone for a small mistake, rude action, or failure, choosing not to
原諒；寬恕
對小過錯不追究、不生氣
to forgive someone for a small mistake, rude action, or failure, choosing not to be angry about it.
Please excuse my younger sister for spilling juice on your carpet — she did not mean to.
請原諒我妹妹把果汁灑在你的地毯上——她不是故意的。
excuse + person + for + gerund
The director excused the intern's error because it was his first week on the job.
主管原諒了實習生的錯誤，因為這是他上班的第一週。
We excused her lateness after she explained that the bus had broken down on the highway.
她解釋說是公車在高速公路上拋錨了，我們便原諒了她的遲到。
You can be excused for not knowing the answer — the question was extremely difficult.
你不知道答案是可以原諒的——那個問題非常難。
Tunde excused his friend's rude joke, knowing it came from nervousness, not malice.
Tunde 原諒了朋友那句無禮的笑話，知道那是因為緊張而非惡意。
- forgive
stronger and more emotional — used for serious wrongs, not just minor social mistakes ('She forgave him for lying') .
- overlook
implies deliberately choosing not to notice a fault ('I'll overlook the mistake this time').
- pardon
more formal, often in legal or official contexts ('The governor pardoned the prisoner').
文法句型
excuse + person + for + noun/gerund
be excused for + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Weaker than 'forgive' — excusing often means overlooking a minor fault rather than truly forgiving a serious wrong. Strongly associated with polite social situations.
常見錯誤
2. to grant someone permission to skip a duty or activity they would ordinarily hav
豁免；免除
允許某人不做平常必須做的事
to grant someone permission to skip a duty or activity they would ordinarily have to take part in, such as a class, a meeting, or a payment.
The doctor excused the patient from gym class for the rest of the semester.
醫生允許那位病人這學期不用上體育課。
excuse + person + from + noun
Students who already speak French fluently may be excused from the beginner language course.
已經能流利說法語的學生可以免修初級語言課程。
passive: be excused from + noun
The judge excused the witness from testifying after learning she had a medical emergency.
法官在得知證人有醫療緊急狀況後，免除了她出庭作證的義務。
Aarav asked his boss to excuse him from the late shift because his daughter was unwell.
Aarav 請求老闆准許他不用值晚班，因為他女兒身體不適。
Church members over the age of seventy are excused from volunteering at the annual fundraiser.
教會裡七十歲以上的成員不必參加年度募款活動。
文法句型
excuse + person + from + noun/gerund
be excused from + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Always takes 'from' to indicate what the person is released from. Passive voice is extremely common ('be excused from'). This sense is more formal than sense 1 (FORGIVE).
常見錯誤
3. a polite phrase you say before speaking to a stranger, entering a conversation,
打擾一下
禮貌地引起陌生人注意的用語
a polite phrase you say before speaking to a stranger, entering a conversation, or getting someone's attention in a shop, office, or public place.
Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest subway station is located?
打擾一下，請問最近的地鐵站在哪裡？
formula: Excuse me + polite request
Excuse me, I believe you dropped your wallet when you got off the bus just now.
打擾一下，您下公車時錢包掉了。
A woman at the reception desk said, Excuse me, are you here for the job interview?
接待處的一位女士問：「打擾一下，您是來面試的嗎？」
Excuse me, do you have a moment to answer a few questions about our service?
打擾一下，可以耽誤您幾分鐘回答幾個關於我們服務的問題嗎？
文法句型
Excuse me, ...
用法筆記
Use a rising or neutral tone. This is the standard polite opener in British and American English when approaching someone you do not know. 'Sorry' is sometimes used similarly in British English.
常見錯誤
4. a polite expression you say when you need someone to step aside so you can pass
借過
請人讓路以便通過
a polite expression you say when you need someone to step aside so you can pass through a narrow or busy space.
Excuse me, I need to get to the window to buy my train ticket before it closes.
借過一下，我要到窗口買火車票，快關了。
Excuse me + explanation of need
Takeshi said excuse me as he squeezed past the woman with the baby stroller in the aisle.
Takeshi 在走道側身經過那位推著嬰兒車的女士時說了聲借過。
Excuse me, could you please step aside so I can reach the shelf behind you?
借過一下，可以請你讓開一點讓我拿身後的書架嗎？
Riders on the crowded train murmured excuse me as they moved toward the exit doors.
擁擠的火車上，乘客低聲說著借過，朝車門移動。
- pardon me
common alternative in North America.
- coming through
very informal, often used playfully or in crowded parties.
文法句型
Excuse me, ... (in a crowd)
Excuse me (as a polite command)
用法筆記
Tone matters here — a flat or curt 'excuse me' can sound annoyed. Add a smile or 'please' to keep it genuinely polite. In British English 'sorry' is also used ('Sorry, can I just get past?').
5. a polite expression you say to let someone know you are about to leave a convers
失陪；告辭
禮貌告知即將離開的用語
a polite expression you say to let someone know you are about to leave a conversation, room, or event before they expect you to.
Excuse me, I have to leave early today because my son has a doctor's appointment.
失陪了，我今天得早點走，因為我兒子要看醫生。
Excuse me + stated reason for leaving
Yael stood up and said, If you will excuse me, I have a train to catch across town.
Yael 站起來說：「各位失陪了，我要趕跨市火車。」
more formal: if you will excuse me
Please excuse me, everyone — I need to take this phone call from my manager.
各位不好意思，我必須接一通主管打來的電話。
The ambassador excused himself from the dinner table to attend to urgent diplomatic matters.
大使告辭離開晚宴餐桌，去處理緊急外交事務。
- take one's leave
very formal, used in official or old-fashioned contexts.
- head out
informal alternative ('I think I'll head out now').
文法句型
Excuse me + brief reason
(If you'll) excuse me, ...
用法筆記
In formal settings 'if you will excuse me' or 'please excuse me' is standard. In informal contexts, people often just say 'I've got to go' or 'I'm off'.
6. a polite expression you use to apologize for a minor accident, interruption, or
抱歉
為小意外或不當舉動道歉的用語
a polite expression you use to apologize for a minor accident, interruption, or social mistake, such as bumping into someone, sneezing, or making a small noise.
Oh, excuse me — I did not see you standing there with your tray of drinks.
哦，抱歉——我沒看到你端著飲料站在那裡。
Hoa said excuse me after accidentally stepping on her seatmate's foot in the cinema.
Hoa 在電影院不小心踩到鄰座乘客的腳後說了聲抱歉。
third-person use of the fixed expression
The waiter excused himself as he reached across the table to refill the water glasses.
服務生探身越過桌子加水時，先說了一聲抱歉。
Please excuse my messy handwriting — I wrote this note while riding on the bus.
我的字跡很潦草，請見諒——我是坐公車時寫這張紙條的。
Imani let out a loud sneeze during the meeting and quickly whispered, excuse me, to her colleagues.
Imani 在會議中打了個大噴嚏，趕緊小聲對同事說抱歉。
文法句型
Excuse me.
Excuse + possessive + noun
用法筆記
For minor accidents, 'excuse me' is the standard polite response. For more serious offenses, use 'I'm sorry' or 'I apologize' instead. 'Excuse my French' is an idiom meaning 'forgive my swearing'.
常見錯誤
7. a polite expression you use before stating a different opinion or correcting som
恕我直言
禮貌表達不同意見的前導用語
a polite expression you use before stating a different opinion or correcting someone, especially in a formal discussion or debate.
Excuse me, but I think the data actually supports a very different conclusion from yours.
恕我直言，我認為這些數據實際上支持一個截然不同的結論。
formula: Excuse me, but + conflicting viewpoint
Excuse me for saying so, but I believe that plan has several serious flaws we need to address.
恕我直言，我認為那個計畫有幾個嚴重問題需要處理。
Excuse me, but you are mistaken about the date — the deadline is next Friday, not tomorrow.
抱歉，但您記錯日期了——截止日期是下週五，不是明天。
Tamás politely said, Excuse me, but I must disagree with what was just said about the budget cuts.
Tamás 有禮地說：「抱歉，我必須對剛才關於預算刪減的發言表達不同意見。」
- with all due respect
more formal and deferential; used in official settings.
- I beg to differ
formal, politer way of expressing disagreement.
文法句型
Excuse me, but ...
用法筆記
This use of 'excuse me' can sound confrontational depending on tone. In British English it often signals stronger disagreement than in American English. Keep your voice calm and neutral.
常見錯誤
8. a polite expression you say with a rising tone when you want somebody to say aga
再說一次
請求對方重複剛才的話
a polite expression you say with a rising tone when you want somebody to say again what they just said, because you failed to hear or follow it.
Excuse me? I could not hear what you said over the noise of the air conditioner.
不好意思，您說什麼？冷氣的聲音太大，我沒聽清楚。
Excuse me? with rising tone + explanation
Lucía said, Excuse me? when her colleague mumbled something about the meeting time.
當同事含糊提到會議時間時，Lucía 說：「不好意思，請再說一次？」
Excuse me, I did not catch your name — could you please say it one more time?
不好意思，我沒聽清楚您的名字——可以請您再說一遍嗎？
Excuse me? Are you saying the flight has been cancelled or just delayed till evening?
不好意思？您是說航班取消了，還是只是延到晚上？
- sorry?
standard British English for asking repetition; informal.
- pardon?
slightly old-fashioned but still used in British English.
- come again?
very informal, common in American English.
文法句型
Excuse me?
Excuse me + question
用法筆記
Rising intonation is essential — without it, 'Excuse me?' can sound like a challenge or expression of disbelief. In informal American English, 'Sorry?' or 'Come again?' is common.