When communicating in Chinese, whether in professional settings or formal situations, knowing the right way to say “excuse me” can elevate your conversation. Here are 16 formal ways to express “excuse me” in Chinese, along with contextual usage and examples to help you grasp when and how to use each phrase.
Discover Formal Ways to Say ‘Excuse Me’ in Chinese with this insightful guide! Learn polite phrases to navigate conversations, apologize gracefully, or seek attention in professional and social settings. Mastering these expressions will enhance your fluency and leave a lasting positive impression.
List of the Formal Ways to Say ‘Excuse Me’ in Chinese
- 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – “I’m Sorry”
- 劳驾 (láo jià) – “Excuse Me, May I Bother You”
- 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ) – “May I Trouble You”
- 请问 (qǐng wèn) – “May I Ask”
- 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) – “Excuse Me, I Feel Embarrassed”
- 请原谅 (qǐng yuánliàng) – “Please Forgive Me”
- 请稍等 (qǐng shāo děng) – “Please Wait a Moment”
- 请让一下 (qǐng ràng yíxià) – “Please Move Aside”
- 借过 (jiè guò) – “Let Me Pass By”
- 打扰一下 (dǎrǎo yíxià) – “Sorry to Disturb You”
- 请教 (qǐng jiào) – “May I Ask for Guidance”
- 请勿打扰 (qǐng wù dǎrǎo) – “Please Do Not Disturb”
- 请容我 (qǐng róng wǒ) – “Please Allow Me”
- 请进 (qǐng jìn) – “Please Enter”
- 请慢走 (qǐng màn zǒu) – “Take Care, Go Slowly”
- 请留步 (qǐng liúbù) – “Please Stay, Don’t Leave”
1. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) – “I’m Sorry”
对不起 is the most common and formal way to say “excuse me” in Chinese. It is often used to apologize for an inconvenience or mistake. It conveys politeness and sincerity.
Scenario Example: Subject: Apologies for the Delay in Submitting the Report
Dear Mr. Wang,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to offer my sincerest apologies for the delay in submitting the quarterly report. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to deliver the document on time. Please rest assured that I’m working to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
2. 劳驾 (láo jià) – “Excuse Me, May I Bother You”
This phrase is commonly used to get someone’s attention in public spaces or when asking for assistance. It shows respect while acknowledging you’re interrupting.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Request for Assistance
Dear Ms. Li,
劳驾, could I trouble you to help me with the financial projections for this quarter? I understand this is a busy time, but your expertise would be greatly appreciated. If it’s not too much trouble, could we discuss this over a quick call this afternoon? I value your time, and I will ensure it doesn’t take more than a few minutes.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
3. 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ) – “May I Trouble You”
This is a polite way to make a request or ask for a favor. It conveys respect and courtesy.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Assistance Needed for Conference Setup
Dear Darcy,
I hope all is well. 麻烦你, could you assist in preparing the conference room for tomorrow’s meeting? I’ve arranged most of the materials, but I still need help with the presentation setup and ensuring that all technical aspects are working smoothly. Thank you in advance for your help. I truly appreciate your time and effort.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
4. 请问 (qǐng wèn) – “May I Ask”
Used when you want to politely ask for information or direction, 请问 is formal and respectful, often employed in customer service or official inquiries.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Inquiry About Product Availability
Dear Mr. Chen,
I hope this message finds you well. 请问, is the new model of the laptop available for purchase yet? I’m planning to place an order and want to confirm if it will be in stock this week. If there’s any delay, could you kindly provide an estimated timeline for availability? Your assistance is much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth
5. 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) – “Excuse Me, I Feel Embarrassed”
This phrase is a more humble and informal way to say “excuse me,” used when you feel slightly embarrassed or feel like you’re causing a minor inconvenience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Apology for Sending the Wrong File
Dear Darcy,
不好意思, I’ve just realized that I sent the wrong document in my previous email. Please allow me to correct the mistake by attaching the correct file here. I’m truly sorry for any confusion this might have caused. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your patience.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
6. 请原谅 (qǐng yuánliàng) – “Please Forgive Me”
This is a formal and heartfelt way to say “excuse me” when asking for forgiveness for a more serious mistake.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Apology for Overlooking the Deadline
Dear Mr. Liu,
I hope this email finds you well. 请原谅, but I inadvertently missed the deadline for submitting the proposal. I take full responsibility for the oversight and am currently working hard to complete it as soon as possible. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused. Please accept my sincerest apologies, and I will make sure this doesn’t happen again.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
7. 请稍等 (qǐng shāo děng) – “Please Wait a Moment”
A polite way to request someone’s patience when you need a short amount of time before proceeding. Commonly used in customer service.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Requesting a Moment for File Review
Dear Ms. Zhang,
Thank you for sharing the updated figures. 请稍等, as I need a few more moments to carefully review the data before I can provide my feedback. I appreciate your patience, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve thoroughly examined the details.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
8. 请让一下 (qǐng ràng yíxià) – “Please Move Aside”
This is used in crowded spaces when you need to politely ask someone to move aside to make way.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Navigating Crowded Conference Rooms
Dear Conference Attendees,
I kindly request your cooperation during the event’s busy sessions. 请让一下 if you notice anyone trying to pass through crowded hallways or seated areas. We appreciate your understanding and effort in ensuring the smooth movement of all attendees.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth, Event Organizer
9. 借过 (jiè guò) – “Let Me Pass By”
A very polite way to say “excuse me” when you need to pass by someone in a tight or crowded space.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Request for Room Accessibility
Dear Darcy,
I hope you are doing well. 借过, could I kindly ask you to move some of the materials blocking the aisle? We need to ensure that the space remains clear for the attendees who will be moving in and out during the seminar. I really appreciate your help.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
10. 打扰一下 (dǎrǎo yíxià) – “Sorry to Disturb You”
This phrase is used when you want to politely interrupt or disturb someone, often in meetings or professional settings.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Marketing Proposal
Dear Ms. Yang,
打扰一下, but I wanted to follow up on the marketing proposal we discussed last week. I know you’re busy, but I’d greatly appreciate your feedback whenever you have a moment. Thank you for your time, and I apologize for any inconvenience this reminder caused.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
11. 请教 (qǐng jiào) – “May I Ask for Guidance”
Used when seeking advice or guidance from someone with more expertise or authority.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Request for Professional Advice
Dear Professor Li,
I hope this message finds you well. 请教, I’m working on a project related to the latest market trends, and I’d be incredibly grateful for your insight. Your experience in this field would be invaluable to the success of the project. If you’re available for a brief conversation, please let me know a convenient time.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth
12. 请勿打扰 (qǐng wù dǎrǎo) – “Please Do Not Disturb”
This is a polite way to ask others not to interrupt you. Often used in written form, like signs or emails.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Busy with Important Work – Request for No Disturbances
Dear Team,
请勿打扰 for the next two hours as I’ll be focusing on finalizing the budget report. Please send me any urgent inquiries via email, and I’ll respond as soon as possible after the meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
13. 请容我 (qǐng róng wǒ) – “Please Allow Me”
A very formal and polite way to ask for permission.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Request for Leave Approval
Dear Mr. Zhao,
I hope this email finds you well. 请容我 to request a few days of leave at the beginning of next month. I need to attend to some personal matters, and I hope this won’t cause any inconvenience to our team. I’ll ensure that all ongoing tasks are completed before my absence.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
14. 请进 (qǐng jìn) – “Please Enter”
A polite invitation, often used when inviting someone into a room or office.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Invitation to Enter the Meeting Room
Dear Mr. Huang,
请进, we’ve prepared the meeting room, and everyone is ready for your presentation. We look forward to hearing your insights and having a productive discussion.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
15. 请慢走 (qǐng màn zǒu) – “Take Care, Go Slowly”
This phrase is used to politely wish someone well as they leave, showing a considerate attitude.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Farewell Message After Meeting
Dear Darcy,
Thank you again for the meeting today. 请慢走 as you head back to your office. It was a pleasure discussing potential collaborations, and I look forward to working together in the near future.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
16. 请留步 (qǐng liúbù) – “Please Stay, Don’t Leave”
Used when politely requesting someone not to leave immediately.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Request to Stay for Post-Meeting Discussion
Dear Mr. Zhou,
Thank you for your contributions to today’s discussion. 请留步, as I’d love to chat briefly after the meeting about a few important points regarding our next project. I appreciate your time and your continued support.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
