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A1 interjection 9 min read

对不起

duìbuqǐ
Examples
Explanation 对不起 in your Level:
At the A1 CEFR level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic expressions. '对不起' (duì bu qǐ) is one of the first polite phrases introduced. It's presented as a direct equivalent to 'sorry' or 'excuse me' for simple, concrete situations like bumping into someone or interrupting. The focus is on recognizing the word and using it in very basic, isolated contexts. Understanding the tonal nuances might be secondary to simply producing the sound correctly. Examples would involve single-sentence apologies or greetings that require an apology. The concept of sincerity in tone is introduced but not deeply explored. Learners at this stage are expected to use it for immediate, obvious social corrections.
A2 learners have a slightly broader understanding of '对不起'. They can use it more confidently in common everyday situations, such as being late, making a small mistake, or asking for help. They start to understand that it can be used both as a direct apology and as a polite way to get attention. The connection between the word and the specific action causing the apology becomes clearer. Learners at this level can also begin to differentiate it slightly from '不好意思' (bù hǎoyìsi), recognizing that '对不起' is for more direct offenses, while '不好意思' is for milder social awkwardness. Sentence structure begins to incorporate '对不起' at the beginning of simple explanatory sentences.
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At the B1 CEFR level, learners can use '对不起' more flexibly and with a better grasp of its pragmatic functions. They understand its role in apologizing for more complex situations or when expressing regret for consequences. They can also use it effectively to preface requests or questions politely. The distinction between 对不起, 不好意思, and 抱歉 starts to become clearer, allowing for more nuanced choices based on formality and severity. Learners can construct sentences where '对不起' is integrated smoothly, and they are more attuned to the tone of voice and context. They might also start to recognize its use in slightly more formal settings.
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B2 learners possess a sophisticated understanding of '对不起'. They can employ it in a wide range of social and professional contexts, accurately gauging the level of apology required. They are adept at distinguishing its usage from more formal apologies like '抱歉' or casual ones like '不好意思'. They understand the cultural implications of apologizing and can use '对不起' to maintain social harmony. They can also analyze its use in spoken and written discourse, recognizing its function in conflict resolution, politeness strategies, and initiating interaction. They are likely to use it in more complex sentence structures and understand its idiomatic extensions.
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At the C1 level, '对不起' is fully internalized. Learners can use it with native-like fluency and accuracy, understanding its full spectrum of connotations. They can employ it in formal speeches, written apologies, and complex interpersonal negotiations, adapting their tone and delivery to suit the situation. They have a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of apologies in Chinese society and can articulate the subtle differences between various apology expressions. They can also critically analyze the use of '对不起' in literature, media, and everyday conversations, understanding its role in character development and plot.
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C2 learners use '对不起' with complete mastery, integrating it seamlessly into their communication as a native speaker would. They understand its subtle nuances, historical context, and cultural weight. They can employ it in highly specialized or sensitive situations, demonstrating a profound understanding of social etiquette and interpersonal dynamics. Their use of '对不起' reflects not just linguistic accuracy but also a deep cultural empathy. They can explain its etymological roots and its evolution as a social convention, and can teach others the finer points of its application.
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Examples

Expressing Apologies and Getting Attention

The Chinese phrase 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) is a fundamental expression used to convey apologies or to politely get someone's attention. It's the most common and direct way to say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' in Mandarin Chinese. You'll hear this phrase frequently in everyday interactions, making it essential for anyone learning the language.

Core Meaning
To apologize for a mistake, inconvenience, or wrongdoing.
Secondary Usage
To politely interrupt, get someone's attention, or preface a potentially sensitive question or request.

Imagine you accidentally bump into someone on a busy street. The immediate and appropriate response is 对不起. It acknowledges that you've caused a minor disturbance and expresses regret. Similarly, if you need to ask a stranger for directions, you might start with 对不起 to signal your intention to speak without startling them. The tone and context will usually make it clear whether it's a full apology or a polite interjection.

我对不起，我迟到了。

Translation: I'm sorry, I'm late.

The structure of the word itself gives a hint: '对' (duì) can mean 'correct' or 'towards,' '不' (bu) is 'not,' and '起' (qǐ) means 'to rise' or 'to start.' While a literal translation might be complex, the idiomatic meaning is clear: an expression of regret or a polite signal.

Common Scenarios
- Accidentally bumping into someone.
- Spilling a drink.
- Being late for an appointment.
- Making a mistake in an order.
- Asking someone to repeat something.
- Interrupting a conversation politely.

Understanding these contexts will help you use 对不起 appropriately and naturally in your Chinese conversations.

Integrating 对不起 into Your Speech

Using 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) effectively involves understanding its placement within a sentence and the nuances of its application. While it can often stand alone as a simple apology, it can also be integrated into more complex sentences to provide context for the apology or to soften a request.

The most straightforward use is as a standalone interjection: 对不起. This is common when the offense is obvious and requires no further explanation. For instance, if you accidentally step on someone's foot, a quick 对不起 is sufficient.

Basic Structure
Typically, 对不起 comes at the beginning of a sentence or phrase when it's an apology for something that has happened or is about to happen.

Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience.

When translated, it often precedes the reason for the apology.

Let's explore some common sentence patterns:

Apologizing for a specific action
对不起，我打扰你了。 (Duì bu qǐ, wǒ dǎrǎo nǐ le.) - Sorry, I disturbed you. Here, 对不起 directly precedes the explanation of the disturbance.
Apologizing for a mistake
对不起，我弄错了。 (Duì bu qǐ, wǒ nòng cuò le.) - Sorry, I made a mistake. This is a common way to admit an error.
Apologizing for being late
对不起，我来晚了。 (Duì bu qǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le.) - Sorry, I arrived late. A very practical phrase for punctuality issues.
Using it to get attention
对不起，请问，洗手间在哪里？ (Duì bu qǐ, qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) - Excuse me, may I ask, where is the restroom? Here, 对不起 functions as a polite opener before asking a question.
Apologizing for a minor inconvenience
对不起，可以帮我一下吗？ (Duì bu qǐ, kěyǐ bāng wǒ yīxià ma?) - Excuse me, could you help me a bit? This softens the request for assistance.

Sometimes, 对不起 can be placed after a statement to express regret for a consequence, although this is less common for simple apologies. For instance, in a more formal or literary context, one might say: 'His actions were regrettable, 对不起.' However, for everyday usage, the initial position is standard.

Practicing these sentence structures will help you integrate 对不起 naturally into your Chinese conversation repertoire.

Real-World Encounters with 对不起

The phrase 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) is ubiquitous in Chinese-speaking environments. You'll encounter it in countless everyday situations, from bustling city streets to quiet classrooms. Listening for it in these contexts will significantly boost your comprehension and help you internalize its usage.

Public Transportation
On a crowded bus or subway, you'll often hear people saying 对不起 as they try to move through the aisles or if they accidentally jostle someone. If you need to ask someone to move so you can get off, you might start with 对不起.

A passenger accidentally bumps into another while standing up.

The person who bumped into the other says: 对不起.
Restaurants and Cafes
If a waiter accidentally spills a little water or drops something, they will immediately say 对不起. Conversely, if you need to get a waiter's attention, you might say 对不起 before calling them over.
Shops and Markets
In a crowded market, if you accidentally bump into someone or need to pass through a narrow space, 对不起 is the polite way to navigate. Shopkeepers might also use it if they accidentally knock something over.
Classrooms and Offices
If you arrive late to class or a meeting, the first thing you'll say is 对不起. If you need to ask a question during a presentation, you might raise your hand and say 对不起 to get the speaker's attention.
Everyday Interactions
From accidentally walking into someone's path to needing to ask for a small favor, 对不起 is the go-to phrase. It's also used when you need someone to repeat themselves: 对不起, 您能再说一遍吗？ (Duì bu qǐ, nín néng zài shuō yī biàn ma? - Sorry, could you say that again?).

Actively listening for 对不起 in these diverse situations will provide you with a rich understanding of its practical application and help you sound more natural when you use it yourself.

Navigating Pitfalls with 对不起

While 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) is a fundamental phrase, learners can sometimes make mistakes that affect its effectiveness or appropriateness. Being aware of these common errors will help you use the word more accurately and politely.

Overuse or Underuse
Mistake: Saying 对不起 for every minor inconvenience, even when not necessary, can sound overly apologetic or insincere. Conversely, failing to apologize when you've clearly caused a problem can come across as rude.
Correct Usage:
Use 对不起 when you've genuinely made a mistake, caused inconvenience, or need to politely get someone's attention. For very minor things, a simple nod or a smile might suffice.

A person accidentally brushes past someone very lightly.

Saying 对不起 here is appropriate.
Incorrect Tone
Mistake: Saying 对不起 with a dismissive or sarcastic tone. This completely undermines the intended meaning of apology.
Correct Usage:
Deliver 对不起 with a sincere and polite tone. Your facial expression should also convey regret or politeness.
Confusing it with other apologies
Mistake: Using 对不起 when a more specific or less formal apology is needed. For instance, for a very minor accidental bump, a simple '啊，不好意思' (a, bù hǎoyìsi - oh, excuse me) might be more common.
Correct Usage:
While 对不起 is a general apology, learn the nuances of phrases like '不好意思' (bù hǎoyìsi) for milder social awkwardness or '抱歉' (bàoqiàn) for more formal or serious apologies.
Pronunciation Errors
Mistake: Mispronouncing the tones, especially the third tone on '起' (qǐ), can make the word sound unclear or incorrect.
Correct Usage:
Practice the tones carefully. 对 (duì) is a falling-rising tone (3rd tone), 不 (bu) is a neutral tone when followed by a 4th tone, and 起 (qǐ) is a rising tone (3rd tone). Focus on the distinct sounds and intonation.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll ensure that your use of 对不起 is appropriate, sincere, and effective in your interactions.

Exploring Nuances: 对不起 and Its Relatives

对不起 (duì bu qǐ) is your go-to for general apologies, but Chinese offers a spectrum of expressions for regret and politeness. Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise and context-appropriate communication.

不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)
Meaning: Embarrassed; excuse me; pardon me.
Usage: This is a milder and more common expression for minor social awkwardness or inconveniences. It's less about a serious mistake and more about a slight social faux pas or needing to get attention politely. Think of it as 'excuse me' when you need to squeeze past someone or 'pardon me' if you didn't hear something clearly.
Comparison: 对不起 implies a more direct apology for a mistake or offense, whereas 不好意思 is for lighter situations and often used to preface a request or express slight embarrassment.

When asking for directions: 不好意思，请问... (Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn...) vs. 对不起, 请问... (Duì bu qǐ, qǐngwèn...)

Both are acceptable, but 不好意思 feels slightly more casual and common for this purpose.
抱歉 (bàoqiàn)
Meaning: Sorry; regret; apology.
Usage: This is generally a more formal and serious way to apologize. It's often used in written communication, official statements, or when the offense is significant. It carries a weightier tone than 对不起.
Comparison: While 对不起 is for everyday apologies, 抱歉 is for more formal contexts or when expressing deeper regret.
失礼 (shīlǐ)
Meaning: To be impolite; to commit a breach of etiquette; rude.
Usage: This term describes the act of being impolite or lacking manners. It's not an apology itself but rather a description of behavior. One might say, '我的行为很失礼' (Wǒ de xíngwéi hěn shīlǐ - My behavior was very impolite), and then follow up with an apology like 对不起.
Comparison: 对不起 is the apology; 失礼 is the description of the impolite act that necessitates the apology.

Mastering the subtle differences between these expressions will elevate your fluency and cultural understanding in Chinese.

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Examples by Level

1

对不起。

Sorry.

Simple, standalone apology.

2

对不起，我迟到了。

Sorry, I'm late.

Apology followed by the reason.

3

对不起，请问洗手间在哪里？

Excuse me, may I ask where the restroom is?

'Excuse me' to get attention before a question.

4

对不起，我听不懂。

Sorry, I don't understand.

Apology for not understanding.

5

对不起，打扰了。

Sorry, I disturbed you.

Apology for causing a disturbance.

6

对不起，我没看见。

Sorry, I didn't see it.

Apology for an oversight.

7

对不起，这是我的错。

Sorry, this is my fault.

Direct admission of fault.

8

对不起，我能过去一下吗？

Excuse me, may I pass?

'Excuse me' to request passage.

1

对不起，我刚才没听清楚。

Sorry, I didn't hear clearly just now.

Apology followed by a specific reason for not understanding.

2

对不起，我把你的书弄脏了。

Sorry, I got your book dirty.

Apology for a specific action and its consequence.

3

对不起，我不能帮你。

Sorry, I cannot help you.

Polite refusal with an apology.

4

对不起，下次我会注意的。

Sorry, I will pay attention next time.

Apology followed by a commitment for future behavior.

5

对不起，我的手机没电了。

Sorry, my phone ran out of battery.

Apology explaining a reason for inability.

6

对不起，您能再说一遍吗？

Sorry, could you say that again?

A common request for repetition using '对不起'.

7

对不起，我好像走错了路。

Sorry, I think I took the wrong way.

Apology for a navigational error.

8

对不起，我不小心碰到了你。

Sorry, I accidentally touched you.

Apology for unintentional physical contact.

1

我非常对不起，因为我的失误给您带来了麻烦。

I am very sorry because my mistake has caused you trouble.

More formal and emphatic apology using '非常' (very) and explaining the consequence.

2

对不起，我不能接受这个提议，因为这不符合我们的规定。

Sorry, I cannot accept this proposal because it does not comply with our regulations.

Polite refusal with a formal justification.

3

对不起，我可能无法按时完成这份报告。

Sorry, I may not be able to complete this report on time.

Apology for a potential future issue.

4

对不起，打扰您休息了。

Sorry to disturb your rest.

Specific apology for disturbing someone's peace.

5

如果我的话有冒犯之处，请对不起。

If my words were offensive, please forgive me.

Formal apology for potentially offensive speech.

6

对不起，我需要占用您一点时间。

Excuse me, I need to take up a bit of your time.

Using '对不起' to preface a request that requires time.

7

对不起，这次的失败是我的责任。

Sorry, the failure this time is my responsibility.

Taking ownership of a failure.

8

对不起，我没有注意到您。

Sorry, I didn't notice you.

Apology for lack of recognition.

1

我对此事造成的任何不便深表歉意，请接受我诚挚的对不起。

I deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused by this matter; please accept my sincere apologies.

A more formal and elaborate apology combining '深表歉意' and '对不起'.

2

对于未能及时回复您的邮件，我感到非常抱歉，请对不起。

I am very sorry for not replying to your email promptly; please forgive me.

Expressing regret for a delayed response, using both '抱歉' and '对不起'.

3

我不得不告知您，由于不可抗力因素，我们可能需要推迟会议。对此，我们深感抱歉，并请您对可能带来的不便说声对不起。

I must inform you that due to force majeure, we may need to postpone the meeting. We are deeply sorry for this and ask for your forgiveness for any inconvenience it may cause.

Formal apology in a business context, acknowledging potential inconvenience.

4

请原谅我之前的鲁莽言辞，我当时情绪激动，说的话可能有些过分。对不起。

Please forgive my previous rash words; I was emotional at the time, and what I said might have been excessive. Sorry.

Apology for rash or emotional speech.

5

我为我的疏忽给您带来的任何负面影响致以诚挚的歉意。如果有什么可以弥补的，请告诉我，我对由此造成的不便说声对不起。

I sincerely apologize for any negative impact my oversight may have caused you. If there is anything I can do to make amends, please let me know, and I say sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Elaborate apology offering to make amends.

6

面对如此严峻的局面，我深感无力，但我会尽力而为。如果过程中有任何不足之处，还请对不起。

Facing such a severe situation, I feel powerless, but I will do my best. If there are any shortcomings in the process, please forgive me.

Apology for potential future shortcomings in a difficult situation.

7

我理解您的失望，并为未能达到您的期望而感到抱歉。请接受我对由此带来的任何困扰的对不起。

I understand your disappointment and am sorry for failing to meet your expectations. Please accept my apologies for any trouble this has caused.

Acknowledging disappointment and apologizing.

8

我的行为可能引起了误解，对此我感到非常遗憾。请允许我表达我的对不起。

My actions may have caused misunderstanding, and I deeply regret it. Please allow me to express my apologies.

Apology for causing misunderstanding.

1

对于此次项目延误所造成的连锁反应，我方深感抱歉，并在此向所有受影响的合作方致以最诚挚的对不起。

We are deeply sorry for the chain reaction caused by this project delay and hereby extend our sincerest apologies to all affected partners.

Formal, multi-party apology in a business context, emphasizing chain reactions.

2

我为我之前未能充分考虑您的立场而致歉。我的疏忽导致了目前的局面，对此我深感愧疚，并请您接受我最真挚的对不起。

I apologize for not fully considering your position previously. My oversight led to the current situation, for which I feel deeply ashamed, and I ask you to accept my most sincere apologies.

Deep introspection and apology for past oversights.

3

在如此敏感的时刻，我的言论可能无意中触碰了某些底线，对此我深感不安。我在此表达我的对不起，并承诺今后将更加谨言慎行。

At such a sensitive time, my remarks may have inadvertently crossed certain lines, and I am deeply disturbed by this. I express my apologies here and promise to be more careful in my words and actions in the future.

Apology for potentially offensive remarks in a sensitive context.

4

对于此次意外事故所带来的所有不便和损失，我们向所有受影响的家庭致以最深切的慰问和最诚恳的对不起。

For all the inconvenience and losses caused by this unexpected accident, we extend our deepest condolences and most sincere apologies to all affected families.

Deeply empathetic apology to affected families after an accident.

5

我理解我的行为给您带来了巨大的困扰，并对此深感自责。我在此郑重地向您说一声对不起，并希望能够有机会弥补我的过失。

I understand that my actions have caused you great trouble, and I deeply blame myself for it. I solemnly say sorry to you here and hope to have the opportunity to make amends for my mistakes.

Solemn apology and a plea for a chance to make amends.

6

我为我之前未能清晰地传达我的意图而导致您产生误解，深表歉意。我的失误造成了不必要的麻烦，请接受我的对不起。

I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding caused by my failure to clearly convey my intentions. My oversight has caused unnecessary trouble, please accept my apologies.

Apology for miscommunication and resulting trouble.

7

在回顾过往的决策时，我意识到其中存在一些不当之处。对此，我向所有因此受到影响的个体表达我的歉意和对不起。

Upon reviewing past decisions, I realize there were some improprieties. To this end, I express my apologies and say sorry to all individuals affected by them.

Apology for past decisions and their impact.

8

我为我的迟钝和未能及时察觉您的需求而感到抱歉。请相信，我在此表达的对不起是发自内心的。

I am sorry for my slowness and for failing to notice your needs in a timely manner. Please believe that the apology I express here is from the bottom of my heart.

Sincere apology for lack of perceptiveness.

1

对于此番言论可能激起的任何不适或误解，我在此致以最诚挚的歉意，并为我未能更周全地考量其潜在影响而深感自责。

For any discomfort or misunderstanding that these remarks may have stirred up, I hereby extend my most sincere apologies and deeply blame myself for failing to more thoroughly consider their potential impact.

Highly nuanced apology acknowledging potential negative reactions and personal responsibility for oversight.

2

我深知我的缺席给团队带来了额外的负担，并为未能履行我的承诺而感到万分抱歉。请接受我对此番失职的诚挚对不起。

I am well aware that my absence has placed an additional burden on the team, and I am extremely sorry for failing to fulfill my commitment. Please accept my sincere apologies for this dereliction of duty.

Formal apology for absence and unfulfilled commitment, acknowledging dereliction of duty.

3

在回顾我们过往的合作历程中，我意识到我们之间存在一些沟通上的隔阂，这无疑加剧了问题的复杂性。对此，我向您表达我最深切的歉意，并为我未能更主动地寻求理解而说声对不起。

In reviewing our past cooperation journey, I realize there have been some communication gaps between us, which undoubtedly exacerbated the complexity of the issues. To this end, I express my deepest apologies to you and say sorry for my failure to more proactively seek understanding.

Apology for communication gaps and lack of proactive understanding in a collaborative context.

4

我为我之前可能过于直率的表达方式而可能造成的任何不快致以诚挚的歉意。我的本意并非冒犯，而是力求清晰，但若因此引起了您的不适，我深感抱歉，并请您接受我的对不起。

I sincerely apologize for any displeasure that my potentially overly direct manner of expression may have caused. My original intention was not to offend, but to strive for clarity; however, if this caused you discomfort, I am deeply sorry and ask you to accept my apologies.

Apology for directness, clarifying intent while acknowledging potential negative impact.

5

我非常遗憾地通知您，由于一系列不可预见的挑战，我们不得不做出这个艰难的决定。对于由此可能引发的任何不便或失望，我们向您致以最诚挚的歉意和对不起。

I regret to inform you that due to a series of unforeseen challenges, we have had to make this difficult decision. We extend our most sincere apologies and say sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.

Formal announcement of a difficult decision with an apology for consequences.

6

我为我未能及时调整策略以适应不断变化的环境而承担全部责任。我的判断失误导致了目前的困境，对此，我向所有受影响的利益相关者表达最诚挚的对不起。

I take full responsibility for my failure to adjust strategies promptly to adapt to the changing environment. My misjudgment has led to the current predicament, and to this end, I express my sincerest apologies to all affected stakeholders.

Taking full responsibility for strategic failures and apologizing to stakeholders.

7

我深知此次事件的严重性及其对您造成的实质性影响。我在此郑重承诺，将采取一切必要措施防止类似事件再次发生，并为由此给您带来的任何困扰说声对不起。

I am well aware of the seriousness of this incident and its substantial impact on you. I solemnly promise here that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again, and I say sorry for any trouble this has caused you.

Commitment to prevention after a serious incident, with a formal apology.

8

当我回顾我在此事件中的角色时，我意识到我的某些行为可能在无意中加剧了矛盾。我为我未能以更具建设性的方式处理此事而深感抱歉，并在此表达我的对不起。

As I review my role in this incident, I realize that some of my actions may have inadvertently exacerbated the conflict. I am deeply sorry for my failure to handle this matter in a more constructive way, and I express my apologies here.

Apology for exacerbating conflict due to a lack of constructive handling.

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