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March 24, 2026
对不起(對不起)duìbuqǐ(dui4bu5qi3)
对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is a common phrase in Mandarin that means 'I'm sorry' or 'excuse me.' It is used to express an apology or to acknowledge a mistake, often conveying a sense of remorse or regret when you feel you've let someone down. This phrase is essential in both personal and professional interactions.
Strokes19Frequency#200DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
Expressing apologies is an important aspect of Chinese culture, reflecting humility and respect for others. Using 对不起 correctly can help build stronger interpersonal relationships, as acknowledging mistakes is valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine a friend saying 'dui bu qi' while bowing their head in apology. The '对' (duì) looks like two people facing each other, indicating a relationship, while '不起' (bù qǐ) can remind you of someone who feels 'down' or unworthy. Picture them saying this with sincere eyes, making it hard to forget their remorse.
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AI Study Notes for 对不起
Quick Contrast
抱歉 (bàoqiàn) is more formal than 对不起 (duìbuqǐ), often used in written communication; 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is less severe and used for minor inconveniences.
Usage Notes
When using 对不起, ensure it's appropriate to the context; it is more formal than simply saying 'sorry' in English. Avoid using it too casually as it might diminish the sincerity in serious situations. Be mindful of the tone; the correct pronunciation is crucial to convey the right meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 对不起 connects to other basic expressions of politeness and apology. Focus on mastering the tones and practicing usage in real-life scenarios to enhance your conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 对不起 with 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si), which is less formal and used for minor inconveniences. For example, saying '对不起' when accidentally bumping into someone may be too strong; '不好意思' would be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 对不起
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对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is a common phrase in Mandarin that means 'I'm sorry' or 'excuse me.' It is used to express an apology or to acknowledge a mistake, often conveying a sense of remorse or regret when you feel you've let someone down. This phrase is essential in both personal and professional interactions.
When to use 对不起
When using 对不起, ensure it's appropriate to the context; it is more formal than simply saying 'sorry' in English. Avoid using it too casually as it might diminish the sincerity in serious situations. Be mindful of the tone; the correct pronunciation is crucial to convey the right meaning.
对不起 or something close to it
抱歉 (bàoqiàn) is more formal than 对不起 (duìbuqǐ), often used in written communication; 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is less severe and used for minor inconveniences.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 对不起 with 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si), which is less formal and used for minor inconveniences. For example, saying '对不起' when accidentally bumping into someone may be too strong; '不好意思' would be more appropriate.
Write 对不起
对
不
起
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Grammar Patterns of 对不起
对不起 carries 7 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
