dbq

• Pinyin: dbq
• Hanzi breakdown: dbq = 对不起 (sorry).

Meaning

A text acronym for 对不起, meaning sorry. It is casual shorthand rather than a formal apology.

dbq appears in chats, comments, and meme captions. It can be sincere, cute, or joking, but it is too informal for serious apologies.

Examples

1. dbq[duì bu qǐ]，我刚才看错了。 dbq, I misread it just now.
2. dbq[duì bu qǐ]，这次是我迟到。 dbq, this time I was late.
3. 他说dbq[duì bu qǐ]，语气还挺诚恳。 He said dbq, and he sounded quite sincere.

Usage Guide

Context: chat, comments, friends

Tone: apologetic, cute, casual

Do Say

• 小失误可以说dbq。（For small mistakes, dbq can work.）

Don't Say

• 重大错误只发dbq。（Serious apologies need fuller wording.）

Common Mistakes

• Using it where a formal 对不起 or 道歉 is expected.

Origin & History

Initials of 对不起, the standard apology phrase.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s onward

Generation: Young internet users

Social background: Online chat culture

Regional notes: Common in Mainland casual text.