duìbuqǐ
standard apology
In pinyin the main way to say "sorry" is duìbuqǐ (对不起). For a small slip or to get someone's attention people say bù hǎoyìsi (不好意思), and bàoqiàn (抱歉) is formal.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| duìbuqǐ | standard apology |
| bàoqiàn | formal |
| bù hǎoyìsi | light, "excuse me" |
The usual reply is méi guānxi (没关系), "it does not matter".
Which one should you use?
Duìbuqǐ is a real apology and is used when you did something wrong. Bù hǎoyìsi is lighter and closer to "excuse me" or "sorry to bother you".
Did you know?
- Méi guānxi (没关系) is the standard reply to duìbuqǐ and literally means "no relation".
Examples in context
- Duìbuqǐ, wǒ láiwǎn le.Sorry, I am late.
- Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn…Excuse me, may I ask…
- Hěn bàoqiàn, gěi nín tiān máfan le.I am very sorry for the trouble.
Example conversation
Rui bumps into Mrs. Sun on a bus in Chongqing.
- RuiDuìbuqǐ!Sorry!
- SunMéi guānxi.It is fine.
- RuiBù hǎoyìsi.Excuse me, sorry again.
