sorry- when you do something wrong to someone else you say this. excuse me- when you do something impolite you say this. example- (Bump into someone) sorry! (Burps) excuse me!

I often use "sorry" and "excuse me" interchangeably in situations where I might bump into someone, or if I notice I might be blocking someone's path. I would only use "excuse me" (and never "sorry") if I wanted to pass and someone was blocking my way, or to get someone's attention. "Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the court house?" "Excuse me; can I interrupt your conversation to ask you a quick question?" I would only use "sorry" (and not "excuse me") if I said or did something that caused offense or injury to another person. I hope that's a little helpful :)

Use "excuse me" for something which is very minor or not important. For example, if you lightly bump into someone, say "excuse me". Also you can use "excuse me" to get someone's attention, especially if you do not know that person. Use "sorry" for something which is a bit worse. For example, if you bump into someone and they fall down, say "sorry".