Meanings of 抱歉
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Podcast: 抱歉
Podcast: 抱歉
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AI Study Notes for 抱歉
抱歉 (bàoqiàn) vs 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) — use 抱歉 for more formal apologies, while 对不起 is more casual.
When using 抱歉, it's important to pair it with contexts that require an apology, such as '我很抱歉' (I am very sorry). A common mistake is to use it in overly casual settings; it's better suited for situations requiring sincerity. Be mindful of the tone as it shows your level of remorse.
As an HSK 4 word, 抱歉 connects with other terms related to emotions and interpersonal communication, such as 感谢 (gǎn xiè, to thank) and 道歉 (dào qiàn, to apologize). Focus on practicing it in dialogues where apologies are necessary.
Learners often confuse 抱歉 with 对不起, using it in casual situations where a lighter expression is more appropriate. For example, saying '我抱歉' (I am sorry) instead of the more suitable '对不起' in informal scenarios.
Pronunciation of 抱歉
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Jason Explains 抱歉 to You
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Component Characters
How to say to be sorry in Chinese
“to be sorry” in Chinese is抱歉
抱歉 (bào qiàn) means to express regret or apologize for a mistake or inconvenience caused. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when one wants to acknowledge an error or express sorrow for a situation, such as when declining an invitation or addressing a misunderstanding.
When to use 抱歉
When using 抱歉, it's important to pair it with contexts that require an apology, such as '我很抱歉' (I am very sorry). A common mistake is to use it in overly casual settings; it's better suited for situations requiring sincerity. Be mindful of the tone as it shows your level of remorse.
抱歉 or something close to it
抱歉 (bàoqiàn) vs 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) — use 抱歉 for more formal apologies, while 对不起 is more casual.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 抱歉 with 对不起, using it in casual situations where a lighter expression is more appropriate. For example, saying '我抱歉' (I am sorry) instead of the more suitable '对不起' in informal scenarios.
Write 抱歉
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Practice writing 抱歉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 抱歉
抱歉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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她马上就懊悔了。“哦，我很____！你一定要原谅我。”
She was instantly contrite. "Oh, I am sorry! You must forgive me."
Example Sentences for 抱歉 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 抱歉
Use 抱歉 for more formal situations or when you want to convey a deeper sense of regret, while 对不起 is often used for casual apologies.
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