🗣️ Say This Instead: “不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)”

Want to sound more native? Start here.

🚫 Textbook Chinese

对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – I’m sorry

Yes, it’s correct.

But in everyday life, native speakers often say “不好意思” to soften an apology — especially for small things.

✅ Real Chinese

不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) – Sorry / Excuse me / I feel a bit embarrassed

This phrase is gentler and more flexible.

Use it when you’re:

• Bumping into someone

• Interrupting

• Asking a favor

• Running a little late

• Feeling shy or awkward

It’s polite, warm, and much more common in spoken Chinese.

🔍 Break It Down

• 不 (bù) – not

• 好意思 (hǎo yìsi) – to feel comfortable / to feel okay about something

👉 Literally: “Not feeling at ease” or “I feel awkward”

Used to express light embarrassment, politeness, or mild apology.

💡When to Use It

Use 不好意思 when you want to sound polite, friendly, and a little softer than a direct “sorry.”

👉 Common real-life situations:

• When you interrupt someone

• If you’re a bit late

• When you ask a favor

• If you bump into someone

• When you feel a little shy or awkward

It’s a polite phrase that helps smooth small moments in daily conversation.

🧱 Example Sentences

1. 打扰一下，不好意思。

(Dǎrǎo yíxià, bù hǎo yìsi.)

👉🏼 Excuse me for interrupting.

• 💡 For polite interruptions

2. 不好意思，我来晚了。

(Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ lái wǎn le.)

👉🏼 Sorry I’m late.

• 💡 Apologizing for lateness

3. 不好意思，可以麻烦你一下吗？

(Bù hǎo yìsi, kěyǐ máfan nǐ yíxià ma?)

👉🏼 Sorry, could I trouble you for a moment?

• 💡 Polite request

🤓 Why It Sounds Better

• Softer tone – doesn’t sound too heavy or dramatic

• Used more often – especially in casual settings

• Polite without over-apologizing

• Helps you sound more natural and culturally aware

⚠️ Common Mistake

❌ Saying 对不起 for every small thing

对不起 sounds like a serious apology — better for major mistakes.

✅ Say 不好意思 instead for:

• Light delays

• Asking something

• Small social slips

It’s the go-to phrase for soft, polite moments.

🏆 Quick Practice

Q: You’re five minutes late to class. What do you say?

A. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ)

B. 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)

✅ Correct Answer: B – It’s more casual, natural, and polite for this kind of situation.

✨ Final Thoughts

If you want to sound more polite and natural in Chinese, use 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) instead of the heavy-sounding 对不起 in daily situations.

It’s soft, common, and fits perfectly in real conversations.

👉 Use it next time you’re late, interrupt, or need something small — you’ll sound more polite and fluent.

📘 Want more like this? Check out the full blog series: Real-Life Chinese