Today's word: Pardon.
Bump someone in a crowd? Pardon. Need someone's attention? Pardon. Going out the door at the same moment someone is trying to come in? Pardon.
You hear it all the time, pronounced PAH-donh.
Begging pardon in English sounds archaic or cringing; we're more likely say "excuse me" (and "excusez-moi" works in French as well). But "pardon" is the verbal oil that keeps things moving smoothly in everyday French life.
Tomorrow: Obstacles to things moving smoothly in everyday French life, including grève and manifestation.
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