Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 對不起 / 对不起 | duìbùqǐ |
| 抱歉 | bàoqiàn |
| 不好意思 | bù hǎoyìsi |
| 對不住 / 对不住 | duìbùzhù |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 對不起 / 对不起 literally means 'to not be able to face/treat someone correctly'.
Which one should you use?
對不起 / 对不起 is used for more serious apologies or mistakes compared to the lighter 不好意思. 不好意思 is used for minor inconveniences, such as getting someone's attention or a small social slip and is often the closest equivalent to 'excuse me'. 抱歉 is more formal and often used in written contexts or professional settings to express regret. 對不住 / 对不住 is a more colloquial or regional way to express a heavy sense of apology, often used in spoken language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
對不起 / 对不起 is used for more serious apologies or mistakes. Using 不好意思 is a friendly way to say "sorry" or "excuse me" in informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
duìbùqǐ
When do people say it?
The phrase 请问 is used to politely get someone's attention or ask for assistance in a formal context.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the colloquial 對不住 / 对不住 carries a sense of 'being unable to fulfill a debt' or an obligation, adding a layer of person-to-person accountability.
- The word for 'embarrassed' and 'excuse me' is the same: 不好意思.
- The character '對 / 对' in these apologies refers to 'facing' or 'confronting', suggesting that a true apology involves being able to look someone in the eye.
Examples in context
- 抱歉，这是我的球拍。Pardon me, but that is my racket.The first sentence shows how to use 抱歉 to claim an item.Tatoeba #7772614 by jiangche, translation #264997 by CC
- 抱歉那么晚来。Please pardon me for coming late.The second sentence uses 抱歉 to apologize for being late.Tatoeba #390502 by fucongcong, translation #277364 by CK
- 不好意思，你会说英语吗？Pardon me, do you speak English?The third sentence uses 不好意思 to politely ask a question.Tatoeba #2479069 by dngzz1, translation #456591 by lukaszpp
- 请问，地铁站在哪里？Pardon me, where is the subway station?
- 对不起，请原谅。Pardon me, please forgive me.
- 不好意思，能帮我一个忙吗？Pardon me, can you do me a favor?
- 打扰一下，可以和你一起坐吗？Pardon me, can I sit with you?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pardon me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
