Use '对不起' to express sincere regret or polite interruption in social interactions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express apology for mistakes.
- Used to politely interrupt or get attention.
- The most common way to say sorry.
Overview
- 1概述：‘对不起’由‘对’（面对）和‘不起’（承担不起）组成，原意指无法面对他人，现已演变为标准的道歉表达。它是学习中文者必须掌握的第一个社交词汇。2) 使用模式：在表达歉意时，可以单独使用，也可以在后面加上‘我错了’或‘让你久等了’。作为礼貌用语时，常用于询问或请求前，类似于英语的‘Excuse me’。3) 常见语境：在朋友间轻微的碰撞、在公共场合寻求帮助、或由于个人失误给他人带来不便时，均可使用。4) 近义词比较：‘不好意思’比‘对不起’语气更轻，常用于较小的冒犯或羞涩的请求；‘抱歉’则略显正式，常用于书面或商务场合。
Examples
对不起，我迟到了。
everydaySorry, I am late.
对不起，请问去火车站怎么走？
formalExcuse me, may I ask how to get to the train station?
对不起啊，刚才没听清。
informalSorry, I didn't hear you clearly just now.
对于此次失误，我们深表对不起。
academicWe express our deepest apologies for this error.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
对不起，打扰了
Sorry to bother you
真对不起
I am truly sorry
对不起，我不是故意的
Sorry, I didn't mean it
Often Confused With
Used for minor inconveniences or shyness. It is less formal and carries a lighter tone than '对不起'.
A more formal version of 'sorry'. Often used in professional or written contexts to show professional regret.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '对不起' when you have committed a genuine fault or mistake. For minor interruptions or passing through a crowd, '不好意思' is preferred. It is a neutral-to-formal expression suitable for most social situations.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '对不起' for every situation, including minor ones where it sounds too dramatic. Remember that '对不起' implies a level of guilt, so use it carefully. Do not use it as a substitute for 'Excuse me' when you just want to pass by someone.
Tips
Use with a polite bow
Adding a slight nod or bow when saying '对不起' makes your apology appear more sincere and culturally appropriate.
Do not overuse
Overusing '对不起' for trivial matters can make you sound overly submissive or lacking confidence in Chinese culture.
The importance of face
In Chinese culture, apologizing is a way to maintain social harmony and 'face' for both parties involved in a conflict.
Word Origin
The word originates from the concept of being unable to 'face' someone due to guilt. It evolved from a verb phrase into a fixed interjection in modern Mandarin.
Cultural Context
Apologizing is crucial for maintaining 'Mianzi' (face) in Chinese society. A sincere '对不起' can resolve conflicts quickly and prevent loss of face for both parties.
Memory Tip
Imagine you have done something wrong and you feel '对' (facing) '不起' (cannot look up) at the person. This feeling of shame is the core of the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘对不起’语气较重，通常用于犯了错误时。‘不好意思’语气较轻，多用于轻微的打扰、尴尬或请求别人帮忙时。
可以。通常回答‘没关系’或‘别客气’，表示不介意对方的冒犯。
可以，但如果错误非常严重，使用‘非常抱歉’会显得更加诚恳和正式。
可以，例如‘对不起你’，但这通常用于强调对方是受害者，日常生活中直接说‘对不起’即可。
Test Yourself
我不小心踩到了你的脚，我应该说：___。
踩到别人是失误，需要道歉。
当别人对你说‘对不起’时，你应该回答：
‘没关系’是回应道歉的标准用语。
让你 / 对不起 / 久等了 / 。
符合中文道歉的语序逻辑。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '对不起' to express sincere regret or polite interruption in social interactions.
- Used to express apology for mistakes.
- Used to politely interrupt or get attention.
- The most common way to say sorry.
Use with a polite bow
Adding a slight nod or bow when saying '对不起' makes your apology appear more sincere and culturally appropriate.
Do not overuse
Overusing '对不起' for trivial matters can make you sound overly submissive or lacking confidence in Chinese culture.
The importance of face
In Chinese culture, apologizing is a way to maintain social harmony and 'face' for both parties involved in a conflict.
Examples
4 of 4对不起，我迟到了。
Sorry, I am late.
对不起，请问去火车站怎么走？
Excuse me, may I ask how to get to the train station?
对不起啊，刚才没听清。
Sorry, I didn't hear you clearly just now.
对于此次失误，我们深表对不起。
We express our deepest apologies for this error.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
