不好意思
bù hǎo yìsi
Excuse me
不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is a very common and versatile phrase in Mandarin Chinese, used for "excuse me" or "I'm sorry." It expresses slight embarrassment, regret for a minor inconvenience, or is used to politely get someone's attention.
What does 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) mean?
不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) means “excuse me” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “not good feeling.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's softer than 对不起 (duìbuqǐ), which is a stronger "I'm sorry." For asking a question or interrupting, 请问 (qǐngwèn) is more direct. To ask someone to let you pass, use 借过 (jièguò). When someone says 不好意思 to you, you can reply 没关系 (méi guānxi), "it's okay," or 没事 (méi shì), "no problem."
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “boo HOW yee suh.” The first 不 (bù) changes to a rising tone before 好 (hǎo), so it's pronounced “bú hǎo.” The last syllable 思 (si) is usually said lightly (neutral tone).
Other ways to say it
- 请问qǐngwènexcuse me (to ask a question / get attention)
- 让一下ràng yíxiàexcuse me (to pass through)
- 对不起duìbuqǐI'm sorry (for a more serious apology)
Examples
不好意思，请问洗手间在哪里？
bù hǎo yìsi, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
不好意思，我来晚了。
bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ lái wǎn le.
Excuse me / Sorry, I'm late.
不好意思，打扰一下。
bù hǎo yìsi, dǎrǎo yīxià.
Excuse me, may I bother you for a moment?
Pro tip: 不好意思 is generally for minor apologies or polite interruptions. For a more serious apology, use 对不起 (duìbuqǐ). For simply getting attention to ask a question, 请问 (qǐngwèn) is more direct and common.
Related phrases
对不起 · Sorry请 · Please谢谢 · Thank you
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