The most common way for how to say excuse me in Chinese is 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si). This phrase works in everyday situations like thanking someone, saying hi, or excusing yourself from a conversation.
Chinese speakers actually use different phrases depending on the situation. What you’d say to ask a stranger for directions isn’t the same as what you’d use to squeeze through a crowded subway.
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Knowing when to use each phrase really helps you communicate politely with Chinese speakers. Some expressions work best for asking strangers questions, while others are better for moving through crowds or apologizing for mistakes.
It’s all about context. The right phrase depends on whether you’re asking a question, apologizing for bumping into someone, or trying to leave a meeting early.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese has several ways to say “excuse me,” and the phrase changes depending on the situation and how polite you want to sound.
- 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si) is the most versatile option for apologies and getting attention.
- Using context-appropriate phrases like 请问 (qǐng wèn) for questions or 借过 (jiè guò) for passing through crowds sounds more natural to native speakers.
Most Common Ways to Say Excuse Me in Chinese
Chinese has several “excuse me” phrases, each with its own purpose. The three you’ll hear most are 不好意思 for general politeness, 对不起 for serious apologies, and 请问 for politely getting someone’s attention before a question.
不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si): Polite Excuse and Apology
不好意思 is the most versatile phrase for “excuse me” in daily Chinese. It literally means “not good meaning,” but people use it as a mild apology or to politely interrupt.
You’ll hear 不好意思 if someone wants to get your attention, squeeze past you in a crowd, or make a small request for help. For example, “不好意思，我可以借用你的笔吗？” (bù hǎo yì si, wǒ kě yǐ jiè yòng nǐ de bǐ ma?) means, “Excuse me, could I borrow your pen?”
This phrase fits minor social moments that don’t need a strong apology. It’s courteous without being stiff. People use it all the time, in shops, on buses, and during quick chats with strangers or acquaintances.
对不起 (duì bu qǐ): Formal Apology
对不起 feels heavier than 不好意思 and shows real regret. It’s the phrase for “sorry” in a stronger sense.
People say 对不起 when they bump into someone or make an actual mistake. The phrase admits fault and shows genuine remorse. For example, “对不起！我的错” (duì bu qǐ! wǒ de cuò) means, “I’m sorry! My bad.”
Chinese speakers save 对不起 for times when they’ve caused inconvenience or harm. If you use it for something minor, it might sound a bit dramatic. It’s right for stepping on someone’s foot, being late to a meeting, or forgetting a commitment.
请问 (qǐng wèn): Polite Way to Ask a Question
请问 means “please may I ask” and is a respectful way to get someone’s attention before you ask something. It combines 请 (please) with 问 (ask).
This phrase is perfect for approaching strangers for directions or information. For example, “请问，您知道去图书馆的路吗？” (qǐng wèn, nín zhī dào qù tú shū guǎn de lù ma?) means, “Excuse me, do you know the way to the library?”
请问 shows respect and signals that a question is coming. It’s especially useful with older people or in formal settings. Unlike 不好意思, which apologizes, 请问 just politely asks for permission to speak.
Contextual Expressions for Different Situations
Different situations in Chinese call for specific phrases that fit the moment. The phrase you use to interrupt a conversation isn’t the same as the one for pushing through a crowded subway or asking a stranger for help.
打扰一下 (dǎ rǎo yí xià): Interrupting or Getting Attention
This phrase is best when you need to interrupt or get someone’s attention politely. The characters 打扰 mean “to disturb,” and 一下 softens the request.
People use it when:
- Approaching someone who’s busy or talking
- Interrupting a meeting
- Getting a waiter’s attention at a restaurant
- Asking a stranger for directions
It’s formal but friendly. The phrase shows you know you’re interrupting. For example, “打扰一下，请问洗手间在哪里？” (Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?) works well with a store employee.
借过一下 (jiè guò yí xià): Passing Through Crowds
借过 means “borrow the road” and helps you get through crowded places. Adding 一下 makes it sound more polite.
Use this phrase when:
- Moving through a packed subway
- Walking past people in a narrow aisle
- Squeezing through a busy market
- Exiting a bus or train
People often repeat 借过 or 借过一下 as they move through tight spaces. It lets others know you need to pass, but you’re not demanding they move entirely out of the way.
劳驾 (láo jià): Requesting Assistance Politely
劳驾 is the most polite way to say excuse me in Chinese. It means “may I trouble you” and really respects the other person’s time.
Use 劳驾 when you need a favor or help from someone. It’s great with service staff, elders, or strangers in formal settings. For example, “劳驾，能帮我拿一下那个吗？” (Excuse me, could you help me get that?)
People sometimes combine 劳驾 with other phrases for extra politeness. Saying “劳驾，让一下” adds courtesy when asking someone to move aside.
Cultural Nuances and Usage Tips
Chinese politeness really depends on matching the right phrase to the moment and backing it up with the right body language. The level of formality shifts based on who you’re talking to and what you need.
Choosing the Right Expression by Context
Different moments call for specific Chinese phrases to show respect. When you’re speaking to elders, bosses, or strangers, formal words work best. 劳驾 (láo jià) fits when you’re asking someone to move or need help from someone you don’t know.
With friends or peers, 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si) feels more natural. It’s a gentle way to say you feel a bit awkward about interrupting. 请问 (qǐng wèn) is the go-to for starting questions, showing respect before you ask for something.
借过 (jiè guò) is just for passing through crowds. It literally means “borrowing a path” and helps you make your way through groups. When talking to someone directly, you can add 你 (nǐ) or the more formal 您 (nín) for extra respect, depending on your relationship.
抱歉 (bào qiàn) feels heavier than other apologies and works for serious situations where you really need to show genuine empathy.
Body Language and Tone in Polite Interactions
Physical gestures boost verbal politeness in Chinese culture. A quick nod or a small bow while saying excuse me makes you seem more sincere. Keeping eye contact is good, but don’t stare.
How you say the words matters a lot. Speaking softly and calmly makes phrases like 不好意思 sound more genuine. If you rush or sound harsh, it cancels out the politeness.
When moving through crowds, holding your hand up a bit while saying 借过 shows you want to pass. This combo of gesture and words helps people get your meaning right away. Your facial expression should match, look apologetic with 抱歉 or friendly with 请问 to keep things smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chinese has several ways to say “excuse me,” from the very polite 劳驾 (láo jià) to the casual 借过 (jiè guò). Knowing when to use formal or informal words helps learners communicate better in different social settings.
More ways for how to say excuse me in Chinese sentences:
- Chinese: 不好意思，我刚刚没听见你的话，可以再重复一遍吗？
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ gānggāng méi tīngjiàn nǐ de huà, kěyǐ zài chóngfù yí biàn ma?
English: Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said. Could you repeat it? - Chinese: 不好意思，我可能来晚了，路上有点堵车。
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ kěnéng lái wǎn le, lù shang yǒudiǎn dǔchē.
English: Sorry, I might be a bit late, there was traffic on the way. - Chinese: 不好意思，这个位置已经有人坐了。
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, zhège wèizì yǐjīng yǒurén zuò le.
English: Sorry, this seat is already taken. - Chinese: 不好意思，我不太懂这个软件怎么用，可以教我一下吗？
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ bù tài dǒng zhège ruǎnjiàn zěnme yòng, kěyǐ jiāo wǒ yíxià ma?
English: Sorry, I’m not very familiar with this app. Could you show me how to use it? - Chinese: 不好意思，我忘记带钱包了，这顿饭我下次请！
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ wàngjì dài qiánbāo le, zhè dùn fàn wǒ xià cì qǐng!
English: Sorry, I forgot my wallet. I’ll treat you next time!
