6 Ways To Say Sorry In Mandarin Chinese
There are many ways to say “sorry” in Mandarin Chinese,depending on the context and the severity of the mistake. Here are six of the most common expressions:
1. “对不起” (duì bù qǐ)
This is the most common way to say “sorry” in Mandarin Chinese. It can be used in many situations, such as when you make a mistake, when you hurt someone’s feelings, or when you have to cancel a meeting.
2. “抱歉” (bào qiàn)
This expression is also used in many different situations, such as when you have to apologize for something you have done wrong, when you are late for an appointment, or when you can’t attend a meeting.
3. “失礼” (shī lǐ)
This expression is used when you have not behaved politely. For example, you might say “失礼” if you bump into someone or if you talk too loudly in a quiet place.
4. “错误” (cuò wù)
This expression is used when you make a mistake. For example, you might say “错误” if you give someone the wrong directions.
5. “不好意思” (bù hǎo yì si)
This expression is used when you feel embarrassed or ashamed. For example, you might say “不好意思” if you fart in public.
6. “对不起，我没听懂” (duì bù qǐ, wǒ méi tīng dǒng)
This expression is used when you don’t understand what someone is saying. For example, you might say “对不起，我没听懂” if someone is speaking in a foreign language.
When (and How Often) Should You Say Sorry in Chinese?
In some cultures, apologizing is seen as a sign of weakness. In others, it is seen as a way to maintain strong relationships. The Chinese culture is one that highly values relationships. Therefore, apologizing is often seen as a way to maintain strong relationships. There are certain times and ways that apologizing is appropriate in the Chinese culture.
When should you apologize in Chinese?
There are a few situations in which apologizing is appropriate in the Chinese culture. One situation is when you have made a mistake. In Chinese culture, it is important to apologize for your mistakes. This shows that you are humble and that you value your relationships. It is also important to apologize when you have hurt someone’s feelings. In Chinese culture, it is considered impolite to not apologize when you have hurt someone’s feelings.
How often should you apologize in Chinese?
There is no one answer to this question. It depends on the situation and the relationship between the people involved. However, it is generally a good idea to apologize when you have made a mistake or when you have hurt someone’s feelings.
4 Ways to Respond When Someone Says Sorry in Chinese
1. 对不起，我不懂中文。
I’m sorry, I don’t understand Chinese.
2. 请用英语说。
Please say that in English.
3. 对不起，我不会中文。
I’m sorry, I don’t know how to speak Chinese.
4. 对不起，我没听懂你的中文。
I’m sorry, I didn’t understand what you said in Chinese.
How to say “It’s my fault” in Chinese
There are many ways to say “It’s my fault” in Chinese, depending on the context.
一切都是我的错 (yī qiā dōu shì wǒ de cuò)
This is the most general way to say “It’s my fault.”
我应该早点儿告诉你 (wǒ yīng gāi zǎo diǎn ér gào sù nǐ)
I should have told you earlier.
这是我的错 (zhè shì wǒ de cuò)
This is my fault.
Asking for forgiveness in Chinese
There are a few ways to ask for forgiveness in Chinese, depending on the severity of the mistake.
The most common way to ask for forgiveness is to say “对不起” (duìbuqǐ), which can be translated as “sorry” or “I’m sorry.” This term can be used for minor mistakes or for more serious offenses.
If you have done something that requires a more formal apology, you can say “抱歉” (bàoqiàn), which translates to “I apologize.” This term is more commonly used in business and official settings.
If you have done something that is truly inexcusable, you can say “深感歉疚” (shēngănqiànjué), which means “I feel deeply apologetic.” This is the most formal way to apologize in Chinese, and is usually only used in very serious situations.
Offering a formal apology in Chinese
When someone in China has wronged another person, it is customary to offer a formal apology. This apology is typically written in a letter or note, and is often very lengthy.
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing a formal apology in Chinese. First, it is important to be very specific about what you are apologizing for. You should list the specific actions or words that you are sorry for.
Secondly, it is important to be humble and sincere in your apology. You should admit that you were wrong, and express your regret for the harm that you have caused.
Finally, you should end your apology with a request for forgiveness. You should say that you are sorry and hope that the other person can forgive you.
Here is an example of a formal apology letter in Chinese:
親愛的對方：
我很抱歉造成您的困擾和不便，我真誠地感謝您的原諒。我們都知道，人世間難免有錯誤，我也相信只要我們真誠地去面對和認錯，就一定能得到對方的原諒。希望您能夠原諒我的錯誤。
Sincerely,
Your name
Expressing regret, sympathy, and condolences in Chinese
There are a few ways to express regret, sympathy, and condolences in Mandarin Chinese.
The first way is to say 你好 (nihao), followed by 抱歉 (baoqian), which means “sorry.”
Another way is to say 过奖 (guojia), which means “condolences.”
Lastly, you can say 感谢您 (gangshennun), which means “thank you for your kindness.”
