对不起
duìbuqǐ
Sorry · trad. 對不起
对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is the standard way to apologize in Mandarin Chinese. It carries real weight — you use it when you've genuinely done something wrong.
When to use it
A sincere apology. For small things (bumping into someone, getting attention) 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi), “excuse me / my bad,” is more natural. A more formal “sorry” is 抱歉 (bàoqiàn). Reply to an apology with 没关系 (méi guānxi), “it's okay.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “dway-boo-CHEE.” Tones: 对 duì (falling), 不 bu (light), 起 qǐ (third).
Other ways to say it
- 不好意思bù hǎoyìsiexcuse me / my bad (light)
- 抱歉bàoqiànsorry (more formal)
- 没关系méi guānxiit's okay (reply)
Examples
对不起，我迟到了。
Duìbuqǐ, wǒ chídào le.
Sorry, I'm late.
对不起，是我的错。
Duìbuqǐ, shì wǒ de cuò.
Sorry, it's my fault.
不好意思，请问洗手间在哪里？
Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Pro tip: For minor moments, use 不好意思 rather than 对不起 — 对不起 can sound like a heavy, serious apology.
Related phrases
谢谢 · Thank you你好 · Hello
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