What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 不好意思给您添麻烦了 literally means 'feel embarrassed to give you add trouble particle'.
Which one should you use?
While 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is typically used for minor inconveniences or as a way to say "excuse me", the term 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) carries a heavier weight and is used when apologizing for more significant errors.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality changes depending on the specific phrase you choose. For a formal, written-style approach often found in official notices or business emails, use 抱歉给您带来不便 or 给您带来不便，十分抱歉 (meaning "Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you, I am very sorry"). For casual situations, you can use 不好意思啦 or 给你添麻烦了，真不好意思 (meaning "Sorry for causing trouble to you, I'm really sorry").
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb phrase 添麻烦 (tiān máfan) is the standard way to express the action of "causing inconvenience" or "causing trouble" in Chinese.
How do you pronounce it?
bù hǎoyìsi gěi nín tiān máfan le
Did you know?
- While 不好意思 is used for apologies, it can also mean 'shy' or 'bashful' when describing someone's personality.
- While 'sorry' in English is often an internal feeling, the phrase 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) literally translates to 'not good meaning', describing a social feeling of embarrassment.
- The phrase 添麻烦 literally describes 'adding' trouble, reflecting a cultural view of burdens as things that accumulate.
Examples in context
- 不好意思给您添麻烦了。Bù hǎoyìsi gěi nín tiān máfan le.Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you.
- 真的不好意思给您添麻烦了。Zhēnde bù hǎoyìsi gěi nín tiān máfan le.I am truly sorry for causing you trouble.
- 这次不好意思给您添麻烦了。Zhè cì bù hǎoyìsi gěi nín tiān máfan le.Sorry for the inconvenience this time.
Example conversation
Wei is asking Yuting for help with a heavy box.
- 伟 Wei雨婷，能帮我搬这个箱子吗？Yǔtíng, néng bāng wǒ bān zhège xiāngzi ma?Yuting, can you help me move this box?
- 雨婷 Yuting没问题，我这就来。Méi wèntí, wǒ zhè jiù lái.No problem, I'm coming right now.
- 伟 Wei太感谢了，不好意思给您添麻烦了。Tài gǎnxiè le, bù hǎoyìsi gěi nín tiān máfan le.Thank you so much, sorry for the inconvenience.
- 雨婷 Yuting不用客气，小事一桩。Búyòng kèqi, xiǎoshì yì zhuāng.You're welcome, it's no big deal.
