How to Say Sorry in Chinese like a Native？

Apologizing is a part of politeness as important as saying thank you. As a Chinese learner, when you apologize to someone, can you only think of “对不起”?

Below, we will show you a few more ways to say sorry in Mandarin Chinese. These expressions are generally used among friends, colleagues, classmates and other acquaintances, or on more casual occasions. You can use them alone or in combination!

1. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ)

“对不起” is the most common way to make a sincere apology. You can use it in both formal and casual conversations. If you have done something that hurts someone or causes anyone any inconvenience, say "对不起". If you wants to apologize for something you can't do, you can also say it.

Examples:

• 对不起，让您久等了。

      Duìbuqǐ, ràng nín jiǔ děng le

      I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.

• 对不起，这件事我办不到。

      Duìbuqǐ, zhè jiàn shì wǒ bàn bù dào.

      Sorry but I can’t.

2. 抱歉 (bàoqiàn)

Another common expression. The phrase “抱歉” is synonymous with “对不起”. It also conveys uneasy and guilty feelings.   Better use "抱歉” when you reject someone or simply say no to requests.

Examples:

• 很抱歉，我尽力了。

      Hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ jìn lì le.

      Sorry. I already did what I could.

• 抱歉，我明天去不了。

      Bàoqiàn, wǒ míngtiān qù bù liǎo.

      Sorry, I can't go tomorrow.

3. 不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi)

A less serious yet polite apology we use when disturbing or causing trouble to someone. Never use this instead of "对不起" when you need to make a formal and sincere apology! Actually, the use of “不好意思” is quite similar to that of “excuse me”. It's more suitable to say it when asking for directions or making a request.

Examples:

不好意思，你能再说一遍吗？

Bù hǎo yì si, nǐ néng zài shuō yī biàn ma?

Sorry, could you say that again?

4. 是我不好 (Shì wǒ bù hǎo)

    是我的错 (Shì wǒde cuò)

    是我不对 (Shì wǒ bù duì)

    My bad/My fault

5. 我不是故意的 (Wǒ bù shì gùyì de)

I didn’t mean it.

6. 我错了 (Wǒ cuò le)

I was wrong.

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Today we have collected a few expressions of apology in spoken Chinese.

There may be some more expressions that are not mentioned today. If you have any other suggestions, please let us know in the comments~

And remember, no apology can be compared with your sincerity!

If you want to learn more natural and authentic spoken Chinese, check out our online Mandarin programs!