What does "I beg your pardon" mean? What other expression can I use instead?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In this context, "I beg your pardon" is used as an exclamation. Paddington doesn't fully understand what is being said and get's offended. It's like he's saying, "what?!". Another phrase you could use here is "excuse me?". "I beg your pardon" can also be used when you can't hear what someone has said or as a way to apologise. "Excuse me" can be used in the same ways as "I beg your pardon". Ex: I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to run into you. = Excuse me. I didn't mean to run into you. Ex: I beg your pardon, can you say that again, please? I didn't quite hear you. Ex: Excuse me?! You think my shoes are ugly? That's very rude. Ex: I beg your pardon?! You want me to jump into the pool? I think not.

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Popular Q&As

12/14

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