A2 verb Neutral #1,000 most common 1 min read

抱歉

baoqian /bào qiàn/
Practice it

Use '抱歉' to politely apologize for mistakes or inconveniences.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Expresses regret or apology.
  • Used for mistakes and inconveniences.
  • Common in daily and work life.

Overview

“抱歉”是一个汉语词语，主要用来表达歉意。它可以用于多种场合，从日常的轻微失误到更正式的道歉。作为动词，它表达的是一种内疚、后悔或不好意思的情感。

作为动词，直接表达歉意：我抱歉。 (I am sorry.)

与“对”、“给”等介词搭配，说明道歉的对象或原因：我对迟到表示抱歉。 (I apologize for being late.)

社交场合：拒绝邀请，表达歉意。

“遗憾”表达的是一种惋惜或未能实现的心情，侧重于对结果的不满，不一定包含道歉的成分。例如：这次比赛没能参加，我感到很遗憾。

“对不起”比“抱歉”更直接，语气更重，通常用于承认自己犯了比较明显的错误，需要承担责任的情况。例如：我弄坏了你的东西，对不起！

“不好意思”的语气比“抱歉”更轻，常用于感到尴尬、拘谨或轻微的歉意，有时也用来引起对方注意。例如：不好意思，请问现在几点了？

Examples

1

抱歉，我来晚了。

everyday

Sorry, I'm late.

2

对于给您带来的不便，我们深表抱歉。

formal

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

3

哎呀，不好意思，撞到你了！

informal

Oops, excuse me, I bumped into you!

4

该研究未能按时完成，研究团队对此表示抱歉。

academic

The research could not be completed on time, and the research team apologizes for this.

Common Collocations

感到抱歉 to feel sorry
表示抱歉 to express apology
非常抱歉 very sorry

Common Phrases

抱歉，打扰了。

Sorry to bother you.

很抱歉，我帮不了你。

I'm very sorry, I can't help you.

对此我感到非常抱歉。

I feel very sorry about this.

Often Confused With

抱歉 vs 对不起

'对不起' is a more direct and stronger apology, often used when admitting a more significant fault. '抱歉' can be more general and sometimes more polite or formal.

抱歉 vs 不好意思

'不好意思' is a milder expression, used for slight embarrassment, minor inconveniences, or even to get someone's attention. It's less about admitting fault and more about social politeness.

Grammar Patterns

抱歉 + [原因/情况] 对 + [对象/情况] + 表示/感到 + 抱歉 我 + 抱歉

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '抱歉' when you need to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience. It can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. Adding adverbs like '非常' (very) or '十分' (extremely) can strengthen the apology.

Common Mistakes

Avoid using '抱歉' when someone thanks you; the appropriate response is '不客气' (you're welcome). Also, ensure the context matches the level of apology; '抱歉' is generally more formal than '不好意思'.

Tips

💡

When to Apologize

Use '抱歉' when you've made a mistake, caused inconvenience, or need to decline politely.

⚠️

Don't Overuse '抱歉'

While useful, frequent apologies for minor things might sound insincere. Gauge the situation.

🌍

Politeness in Chinese Culture

Expressing '抱歉' is a sign of respect and consideration for others' feelings in Chinese culture.

Word Origin

The character '抱' means 'to embrace' or 'to hold', and '歉' means 'regret' or 'apology'. Together, '抱歉' literally suggests holding onto a feeling of regret or apology.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, offering apologies like '抱歉' is important for maintaining social harmony and showing respect. It acknowledges the impact of one's actions on others.

Memory Tip

Imagine holding your hands together in front of your chest ('抱') to show you are sorry ('歉'). This posture conveys remorse.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“抱歉”的语气通常比“对不起”更委婉一些，适用于各种程度的道歉。“对不起”语气更重，常用于承认较严重的错误。

当歉意比较轻微，或者感到有些尴尬、拘谨时，可以用“不好意思”。例如，打扰别人时，可以说“不好意思”。

“抱歉”可以用在各种场合，包括日常交流、工作、服务以及社交等，是表达歉意的通用词。

可以在“抱歉”前面加上副词，如“非常抱歉”、“十分抱歉”、“深感抱歉”等，来表达更强烈的歉意。

Test Yourself

fill blank

对于刚才的失礼，我感到非常 ______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 抱歉

句意是表达对失礼行为的愧疚，所以“抱歉”是最合适的词。

multiple choice

你不小心打翻了别人的咖啡，应该怎么说？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 抱歉！

打翻别人的东西是错误，需要道歉，所以用“抱歉”最合适。

sentence building

请用以下词语组成一个完整的句子：迟到，我，抱歉，对。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我对迟到感到抱歉。

这个选项符合中文的语法结构，清晰地表达了道歉的原因。

Score: /3

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