对不起

• Pinyin: duì bu qǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 (face) + 不 (not) + 起 (rise, lift) — cannot face someone, i.e. sorry

Meaning

Sorry; excuse me. A common expression for apologizing.

The standard way to apologize in Chinese. Used for both minor inconveniences and more serious apologies. The literal meaning is 'cannot face you' (对 face + 不 not + 起 rise). The standard response is 没关系 (it's okay). For a lighter 'excuse me,' 不好意思 is more casual.

Examples

1. 对不起，我来晚了。 Sorry, I came late.
2. 对不起，我不知道。 Sorry, I didn't know.
3. 对不起，请再说一次。 Sorry, please say it again.

Usage Guide

Context: apology, everyday

Tone: apologetic

Do Say

• 对不起，是我的错。(Sorry, it's my fault.)
• 对不起，打扰一下。(Sorry to bother you.)

Don't Say

• 对不起你 in casual apologies (对不起 stands alone as a set phrase — 对不起你 means 'to let you down' and is much heavier)

Origin & History

Literally 'cannot face' — 对 (face) + 不 (not) + 起 (rise). The idea is that one feels so ashamed one cannot lift one's face to look at the other person.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal