麻烦你了
máfan nǐ le
Sorry to trouble you · trad. 麻煩你了
麻烦你了 (Máfan nǐ le) is an expression used to acknowledge that someone has gone out of their way or put in effort to help you, conveying both gratitude and a touch of humility for causing them inconvenience.
What does 麻烦你了 (máfan nǐ le) mean?
麻烦你了 (máfan nǐ le) means “sorry to trouble you” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “trouble you particle.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's often used when someone has done a favor for you. For a more formal or respectful tone, you can use 麻烦您了 (máfan nín le). When asking for a small favor, 劳驾 (láojià) is also common.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “MAH-fahn nee luh.” The first syllable is high and flat, the second rises, the third dips and rises, and the last is light and quick.
Other ways to say it
- 麻烦您了máfan nín lesorry to trouble you (polite)
- 给您添麻烦了gěi nín tiān máfan leI've caused you trouble (more formal)
- 劳驾láojiàexcuse me / may I trouble you (for a small favor)
Examples
麻烦你了，帮我把这个箱子搬到楼上。
máfan nǐ le, bāng wǒ bǎ zhège xiāngzi bān dào lóushàng.
Sorry to trouble you, please help me move this box upstairs.
真是麻烦你了，这么晚还送我回家。
zhēnshi máfan nǐ le, zhème wǎn hái sòng wǒ huíjiā.
You've really gone to a lot of trouble, driving me home so late.
我来处理吧，别麻烦你了。
wǒ lái chǔlǐ ba, bié máfan nǐ le.
Let me handle it, don't trouble yourself.
Pro tip: Use 麻烦你了 to express sincere thanks for someone's effort, especially when you feel you've caused them some inconvenience, even minor.
Related phrases
没事儿 · It's nothing or i'm fine打扰一下 · Excuse me (interrupting)让一下 · Excuse me (passing through)
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