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How to say it · Out and about

Getting someone's attention

You need a waiter, a driver or a stranger to notice you. Jumping straight into your question, or calling "Hey you!", sounds rude in English.

5 ways to say it
In a busy pizzeria, Mia raises a hand to a passing waiter, with a ringing service bell in her speech bubble.
How politeCasualPolite
Excuse mebest defaultHi, sorrywarm openerSorry to bother youvery politeHey, Jo!use their nameHello?empty counter

Way 1 · best default

Excuse me

The safe way to get anyone's attention: waiters, shop staff, strangers in the street.

How politePolite
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Excuse me, could we get the bill, please?

Excuse me, do you know if this bus goes to the station?

In a conversation

A: Excuse me, could we go through the bill? I think there's a problem.
B: Of course, let me have a look.

Common mistake

Not: Hey you, the bill!

Say: Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?

"Hey you" sounds angry or rude to staff and strangers. Catch their eye, raise a hand a little, and say "Excuse me".

Practice saying this
Next: Hi, sorry

Way 2 · warm opener

Hi, sorry

A friendly start before you ask something. Very British: the "sorry" just means "I'm about to bother you".

How politeMiddle
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, sorry, is this the queue for tickets?

Hi, sorry, I've got a bit of a problem with paying.

In a conversation

A: Hi, sorry, is anyone sitting here?
B: No, go ahead.

Common mistake

Not: Where is platform 4?

Say: Hi, sorry, where's platform 4?

Starting with the question and no greeting feels cold. Two small words first make people happy to help.

Practice saying this
Next: Sorry to bother you

Way 3 · very polite

Sorry to bother you

For when you're interrupting someone who is busy, resting or at home. It shows you know it's a lot to ask.

How politeVery polite
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry to bother you, but has a parcel come for number twelve?

Sorry to bother you, I know you're about to close.

In a conversation

A: Sorry to bother you, but is this your cat in my garden?
B: Oh no, not again! Sorry, I'll come and get her.

Practice saying this
Next: Hey, Jo!

Way 4 · use their name

Hey, Jo!

For someone you know: call their name. It's friendly, and it's how English gets a friend to turn round.

How politeVery casual
ToneCasual
Use itWith friends

Examples

Hey, Jo! Wait, I'm coming with you.

Hey, Jo! You've left your keys on the table.

In a conversation

A: Isn't that Jo over there?
B: Oh, yeah. Hey, Jo! Over here!

Common mistake

Not: Hey you! Wait!

Say: Hey, Jo! Wait!

"Hey you" sounds rude, even to a friend. Use their name. With a stranger, say "Excuse me".

Practice saying this
Next: Hello?

Way 5 · empty counter

Hello?

Calling out when nobody is there, like at an empty shop counter or reception desk.

How politeCasual
ToneCasual
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hello? Is anyone around?

Hello? Sorry, I'm here to pick up a key.

Practice saying this
Test yourself: which would you say?
Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: Teacher, I have a question!

Say: Excuse me, Ms Hall, could I ask a question?

In English, "teacher", "waiter" or "driver" aren't used to call someone. Use their name, or just "Excuse me".

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Excuse meHi, sorrySorry to bother youHey, Jo!

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