Learning how to say sorry in Chinese, sorry in Chinese Mandarin, or how do you say sorry in Mandarin is essential for polite communication. Mandarin Chinese offers a variety of phrases to apologize depending on the situation, formality, and severity of the mistake. Whether you want to know sorry in Chinese language, i am sorry in Chinese, or apology in Chinese, this guide will help you understand the most common expressions, their context, and correct usage.

1. Bàoqiàn 抱歉 – Formal or Semi-Formal Apology

抱歉 (bàoqiàn) is a direct way to say sorry in Mandarin in formal or semi-formal contexts. It expresses regret and is commonly used in written and spoken language.

  • Example 1: 抱歉，我刚刚没听清你的问题。
    (Sorry, I didn’t catch your question just now.)
  • Example 2: 对不起，我迟到了，抱歉耽误了大家的时间。
    (I’m sorry for being late and apologize for delaying everyone.)

Tip: If you are searching how to say sorry in Chinese Mandarin or how to say sorry in Chinese language, 抱歉 is a safe choice.

2. Duìbùqǐ 对不起 – Casual Everyday Apology

对不起 (duìbùqǐ) is used in daily conversation for minor mistakes. It answers searches like duibuqi in Chinese, i'm sorry in Chinese, or sorry in Chinese Cantonese (though Cantonese may use “對唔住”).

  • Example 1: 对不起，我不小心踩到你的脚了。
    (I’m sorry, I accidentally stepped on your foot.)
  • Example 2: 对不起，我忘了带作业。
    (Sorry, I forgot to bring my homework.)

Tip: For learners wondering how to say sorry in China or sorry Mandarin, this is the most common phrase in spoken language.

3. Bù hǎoyìsi 不好意思 – Polite and Slightly Embarrassed

不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is used for slight offenses or polite requests, often conveying embarrassment. It's perfect for searches like mandarin for sorry, sorry Chinese language, or i am sorry in Mandarin.

  • Example 1: 不好意思，能帮我开一下门吗？
    (Excuse me, could you help me open the door?)
  • Example 2: 不好意思，打扰你了。
    (Sorry to bother you.)

Tip: Use 不好意思 when your mistake is minor and you want a softer apology.

4. Qǐng yuánliàng wǒ / Qǐng jiēshòu wǒ zuì chéngzhì de qiànyì 请原谅我 / 请接受我最诚挚的歉意 – Formal and Sincere

These expressions are formal apologies suitable for serious mistakes. They match searches like i am sorry in Chinese language, how to say sorry in Chinese Mandarin, or apologize in Chinese.

  • Example 1: 请原谅我迟到的行为。
    (Please forgive me for being late.)
  • Example 2: 我向大家请接受我最诚挚的歉意，对之前的错误深感抱歉。
    (I sincerely apologize to everyone for my previous mistake.)

5. 请见谅 Qǐng jiànliàng – Request for Understanding

请见谅 (qǐng jiànliàng) is mild, often used in written notifications or customer service. Perfect for keywords like sorry in Mandarin language or chinese for sorry.

  • Example: 由于系统升级，请见谅给您带来的不便。
    (Please excuse any inconvenience caused by the system upgrade.)

6. 请恕我 Qǐng shù wǒ – Elegant Apology

请恕我 (qǐng shù wǒ) is literary and polite, often appearing in letters or formal speeches.

  • Example: 请恕我未能出席今天的会议。
    (Please forgive me for not being able to attend today’s meeting.)

Tip: Use for formal written apologies and queries like how to write sorry in Chinese.

7. 失礼了 Shīlǐ le – Apology for Rudeness

Used when behavior is impolite, suitable for sorry Mandarin or i’m sorry in Mandarin searches.

  • Example: 见面迟到，对上司说：“失礼了。”
    (Being late, I apologize for my rudeness.)

8. 罪过 / 辜负了 Zuìguò / Dūfù le – Serious Apology

For serious mistakes or letting someone down, matches searches like sad Chinese words, i m sorry in Chinese, or how do you say sorry in Chinese.

  • Example: 辜负了您的期望，我深感抱歉。
    (I have let you down; I deeply apologize.)

9. 我深感抱歉 / 我非常抱歉 Wǒ shēngǎn bàoqiàn / Wǒ fēicháng bàoqiàn – Strong Apology

Strong expressions for official apologies, useful for sorry in Mandarin Chinese or i am sorry in Mandarin.

Quick Tips for Learners
● Formal situations: 请原谅我, 我深感抱歉, 请接受我最诚挚的歉意.
● Casual conversation: 抱歉, 对不起, 不好意思.
● Use degree adverbs: 非常, 十分, 深感 for stronger emphasis.

Chinense Pinyin English
抱歉bàoqiànSorry / Apologize
对不起duìbùqǐSorry / I’m sorry
不好意思bù hǎoyìsiExcuse me / Sorry (polite)
请原谅我qǐng yuánliàng wǒPlease forgive me
请见谅qǐng jiànliàngPlease understand / Excuse me
请恕我qǐng shù wǒPlease forgive me (elegant)
失礼了shīlǐ leI was rude / Sorry for the rudeness
罪过zuìguòGuilt / My fault
辜负了gūfù leLet down / Fail someone
我深感抱歉wǒ shēngǎn bàoqiànI deeply apologize
我非常抱歉wǒ fēicháng bàoqiànI’m very sorry
请宽恕qǐng kuānshùPlease forgive
请宽容qǐng kuānróngPlease be tolerant / Forgive