Chinese Vocabulary for: Apologizing naturally
Apologizing naturally in Mandarin goes beyond '对不起.' This page covers the vocabulary and sentences you need to say sorry in different levels of formality, take responsibility, and offer to make it right. The content is tuned for A2–B2 learners and HSK 3–6, so you get real-life phrases that sound natural rather than stiff. Use example sentences and spaced repetition so the right apology comes out when you need it.
When you'd use this
Use this when you've made a mistake, are late, or need to apologize in a casual or slightly more serious context. Also for saying 'my fault' or 'I'll make it up to you.'
Key vocabulary
- 对不起duì bu qǐ• sorry
- 不好意思bù hǎo yì si• excuse me / sorry
- 抱歉bào qiàn• apologies
- 我的错wǒ de cuò• my fault
- 迟到chí dào• to be late
- 下次xià cì• next time
- 补bǔ• to make up for
- 没关系méi guān xi• it's okay
- 没事méi shì• no big deal
- 别介意bié jiè yì• don't mind
- 是我不对shì wǒ bù duì• I was wrong
- 让你久等了ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le• sorry to keep you waiting
- 下次不会了xià cì bù huì le• won't happen again
- 请原谅qǐng yuán liàng• please forgive
Example sentences
对不起，我来晚了。
Duì bu qǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le.
Sorry, I'm late.
不好意思，是我的错。
Bù hǎo yì si, shì wǒ de cuò.
Sorry, it was my fault.
让你久等了，抱歉。
Ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le, bào qiàn.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
没关系，没事。
Méi guān xi, méi shì.
It's okay, no big deal.
下次不会了。
Xià cì bù huì le.
Won't happen again.
请原谅我。
Qǐng yuán liàng wǒ.
Please forgive me.
Common mistakes / natural phrasing
'不好意思' is lighter than '对不起'; use it for small things. '我的错' is casual 'my fault.' '让你久等了' is the natural way to apologize for making someone wait. '没事' and '没关系' are both 'it's okay'—'没事' is more casual.
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