Please, thanks & sorry
How to say Sorry in Chinese
对不起
duìbuqǐ
Literally: unable · to · face (you)
对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is a genuine “I’m sorry,” for when you’ve actually done something wrong. The 不 in the middle is a neutral bu: duìbuqǐ.
Other ways to say it
- 不好意思
bù hǎoyìsi
excuse me / my bad
Much lighter than 对不起 — for small things: bumping someone, being a little late, getting attention.
- 抱歉
bàoqiàn
my apologies
A notch more formal and written — common in announcements and business.
- 我的错
wǒ de cuò
my fault
Owning up plainly — “that one’s on me.”
In a sentence
对不起，我迟到了。
Duìbuqǐ, wǒ chídào le.
Sorry, I’m late.
How do you say "Sorry" in Chinese?
To say “sorry” in Chinese, say 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) for a genuine apology. For minor slips — bumping someone, a small delay — the lighter 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is more natural.
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