不好意思
bù hǎoyìsi
The English phrase "sorry casually" can be translated into Chinese as 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi).
不好意思 is a mild apology used to express slight embarrassment or to politely excuse oneself when interrupting someone. It is also commonly used as a way to say "Excuse me" when trying to get someone's attention or passing through a crowd.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "not good meaning" or "not good intention", implying that one's current situation or action is slightly awkward or embarrassing.
Which one should you use?
While 不好意思 is used for minor social inconveniences or embarrassment, 对不起 is a much stronger, more formal apology used for actual mistakes or causing harm.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, 不好意思 functions as an adjective or a state of being rather than a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
bù hǎoyìsi
Did you know?
- You can turn the phrase into a question by adding 吗 to the end, asking 不好意思吗, which translates to 'Are you not embarrassed?' or 'Do you have no shame?'
- The word 意思 in 不好意思 is one of the most versatile words in Chinese, capable of meaning 'meaning', 'intention', 'small gift' or 'token of appreciation' depending on the context.
- If you are feeling extremely flattered or overwhelmed by a compliment, you might use 不好意思 to express that the praise makes you feel slightly awkward or embarrassed.
Examples in context
- 不好意思，请问洗手间在哪里？Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?Excuse me, may I ask where the restroom is?
- 不好意思，我迟到了。Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ chídào le.Sorry, I'm late.
- 不好意思，打扰一下。Bù hǎoyìsi, dǎrǎo yīxià.Sorry, excuse me for a moment.
Example conversation
Zihan interrupts Junjie while he is reading a book.
- 梓涵 Zihan俊杰，不好意思，打扰一下。Jùnjié, bù hǎoyìsi, dǎrǎo yíxià.Junjie, sorry to bother you for a moment.
- 俊杰 Junjie没事，梓涵，有什么事吗？Méishì, Zǐhán, yǒu shéme shì ma?It's okay, Zihan, what's up?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想问你借一支笔。Wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ jiè yì zhī bǐ.I wanted to ask to borrow a pen from you.
- 俊杰 Junjie没问题，给你。Méi wèntí, gěi nǐ.No problem, here you go.
