TravelAdvanced

Saying "excuse me" on the subway in English (advanced)

Advanced English for saying "excuse me" on the subway. Key line: “Excuse me, could I squeeze past? My stop's next.”

Full script

LinExcuse me, could I squeeze past? My stop's next.
ThemYeah, of course. Let me shift over before your bag starts a fight.
LinThanks, I packed like I was moving house, not riding three stops.
ThemHonestly, I was wondering whether there was a camping trip involved.
LinFair question. Could you watch my elbow too? It has terrible timing.
ThemYou're good, I dodged it. Subway etiquette should include defensive driving lessons.
LinMade it, thanks for letting me through. I owe you hazard pay.
ThemNo worries. Next time, your backpack gets its own ticket.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

get by

✓ Could I squeeze past?

Use this to get by politely

Polite and clear; better than just Excuse me

next stop

✓ My stop's next.

Say this before getting off

Say it near your stop so people move sooner

move over

✓ Let me shift over.

Say when making space

Common when giving someone room

thanks

✓ Thanks for letting me through.

Say after they let you pass

Add this after, sounds natural

Quick answers

get by: what to say in English

Say “Could I squeeze past?” — use this to get by politely. Polite and clear; better than just Excuse me.

next stop: what to say in English

Say “My stop's next.” — say this before getting off. Say it near your stop so people move sooner.

move over: what to say in English

Say “Let me shift over.” — say when making space. Common when giving someone room.

thanks: what to say in English

Say “Thanks for letting me through.” — say after they let you pass. Add this after, sounds natural.

Next: Ordering coffee All scenes