Various ways to say “Sorry” and Accept Apologies in Chinese

The common expressions to say “sorry”

对不起 (duì bù qǐ)

对不起  literally means “sorry”. It`s a formal and straightforward way to admit you made a mistake and apologize for it. It`s often used when you’ve made a mistake, caused inconvenience, or hurt someone’s feelings. The tone is sincere, can be used in both serious and casual contexts.

e.g.

对不起，我帮不了你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bāng bù liǎo nǐ.)
Sorry, I can`t help you.

对不起，我迟到了。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídào le.)
Sorry, I’m late.

A: 对不起，我不该在会上顶撞你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù gāi zài huì shàng dǐngzhuàng nǐ.) I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have contradicted you in the meeting.
B: 我理解你的想法，但下次可以私下讨论。(Wǒ lǐjiě nǐ de xiǎngfǎ, dàn xià cì kěyǐ sīxià tǎolùn.) I understand your perspective, but next time we can discuss it privately.

A: 对不起，我不小心碰倒了你的咖啡。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn pèng dǎo le nǐ de kāfēi.) I’m sorry, I accidentally knocked over your coffee.
B: 没关系，地板我来擦就好。 (Méi guānxi, dìbǎn wǒ lái cā jiù hǎo.) No worries, I’ll wipe the floor.

不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)

“Feel embarrassed” or “excuse me.” It can be used to apologize for smaller mistakes/interruptions (e.g., bumping into someone, asking for a small favor). Also it’s used to express shyness or politeness. The tone is polite and slightly softer than “对不起,” often for lighter situations.

e.g.

A:我喜欢你！(Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ!) I like you!
B:不好意思，我有男朋友了。(Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ yǒu nán péngyǒule.) Sorry, I have a boyfriend already.

A: 不好意思，能不能借过一下？ (Bù hǎo yìsi, néng bùnéng jièguò yīxià?) Excuse me, could I pass by?
B: 没问题，你先走。 (Méi wèntí, nǐ xiān zǒu.) No problem, you go ahead.

A: 不好意思，我打扰你一下。你能帮我看下这个文件吗？ (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ dǎrǎo nǐ yīxià. Nǐ néng bāng wǒ kàn xià zhège wénjiàn ma?) Sorry to bother you. Could you help me look over this document?
B: 好的，给我看看吧。 (Hǎo de, gěi wǒ kànkan ba.) Sure, let me have a look.

抱歉 (bàoqiàn)

Similar to 对不起, but can sound a bit more formal or written. Often found in formal messages, business emails, or polite conversations. It shows regret or remorse.

e.g.

A:你还没来吗？(Nǐ hái méi lái ma?) Are you not coming yet?
B:抱歉，我今天不能来了。(Bàoqiàn, wǒ jīn tiān bù néng lái le.) Sorry, I can’t come today.

A: 抱歉，会议要临时改到明天。(Bàoqiàn, huìyì yào línshí gǎi dào míngtiān.) I’m sorry, but the meeting has been rescheduled to tomorrow.
B: 没关系，我会重新安排我的时间。(Méi guānxi, wǒ huì chóngxīn ānpái wǒ de shíjiān.) No problem, I’ll rearrange my schedule.

A: 抱歉，上次没能及时回复你的邮件。(Bàoqiàn, shàng cì méi néng jíshí huífù nǐ de yóujiàn.) Sorry, I couldn’t reply to your email in time.
B: 没事，我知道你工作忙。(Méi shì, wǒ zhīdào nǐ gōngzuò máng.) It’s okay, I know you’re busy.

This expression is used in particular when you feel sorry about something that happened to someone, and you want to express your sympathy.

e.g.

对于你离婚的事，我感到很抱歉。(Duìyú nǐ líhūn de shì, wǒ gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn.) I`m sorry about your divorce.

很抱歉通知您，您的行李丢失了。(Hěn bàoqiàn tōngzhī nín, nín de xínglǐ diūshī le.) I’m very sorry to inform you that your luggage has been lost.

对于这次洪水给大家造成的损失，我们感到很抱歉。(Duìyú zhè cì hóngshuǐ gěi dàjiā zàochéng de sǔnshī, wǒmen gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn.)  We feel very sorry for the damage this flood has caused everyone.

The extended phrases to express “Sorry” in Chinese

我不是故意的。(Wǒ bùshì gùyì de.)

“I didn’t mean it” or “I didn’t do it on purpose.”

It emphasizes that any mistake or harm caused was accidental, not intentional.

e.g.

A: 你怎么撞到我了？(Nǐ zěnme zhuàng dào wǒ le?) Why did you bump into me?
B: 对不起，我不是故意的，刚才没看到你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bùshì gùyì de, gāngcái méi kàn dào nǐ.) I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just didn’t see you.

A: 你把我的杯子摔碎了？ (Nǐ bǎ wǒ de bēizi shuāi suì le?) Did you break my cup?
B: 我不是故意的，我赔你一个新的。 (Wǒ bùshì gùyì de, wǒ péi nǐ yī gè xīn de.) I didn’t do it on purpose. I’ll get you a new one.

A: 你为什么在群里发错信息？很尴尬啊。(Nǐ wèishéme zài qún lǐ fā cuò xìnxī? Hěn gāngà a.) Why did you send the wrong message in the group chat? That’s so awkward.
B: 我不是故意的，发之前没仔细检查。 (Wǒ bùshì gùyì de, fā zhīqián méi zǐxì jiǎnchá.) I didn’t mean to. I didn’t double-check before sending.

你别生气。(Nǐ bié shēngqì.)

“Don’t be angry.”

It’s used when you notice someone is upset or furious, and you want them to calm down.

e.g.

A: 我都和你说了很多遍了，你怎么还是忘？ (Wǒ dōu hé nǐ shuō le hěn duō biàn le, nǐ zěnme háishì wàng?) I’ve told you so many times, why do you still forget?
B: 你别生气，我下次一定记得。(Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ xià cì yīdìng jìdé.) Don’t be angry. I’ll remember next time.

A: 你又迟到了，让我等了半个小时！ (Nǐ yòu chídào le, ràng wǒ děng le bàn gè xiǎoshí!) You’re late again, I’ve been waiting for half an hour!
B: 你别生气，我堵车了，下次提前出门。 (Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ dǔchē le, xià cì tíqián chūmén.) Please don’t be mad. There was a traffic jam. I’ll leave earlier next time.

A: 你怎么能忘了我的生日？ (Nǐ zěnme néng wàng le wǒ de shēngrì?) How could you forget my birthday?
B: 你别生气，我真的忙晕了。(Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ zhēn de máng yūn le.) Please don’t be angry. I’ve been so busy I got confused.

是我不对。(Shì wǒ bùduì.)

“It’s my fault” or “I’m in the wrong.”

This admits responsibility or error straightforward.

e.g.

嘲笑你，这是我不对。 (Cháoxiào nǐ, zhè shì wǒ bùduì.) I didn’t mean to make fun of you, it’s my bad., this is my bad.

A: 这次的工作失误是谁造成的？ (Zhè cì de gōngzuò shīwù shì shuí zàochéng de?) Who caused this mistake at work this time?
B: 是我不对，我没仔细检查。 (Shì wǒ bùduì, wǒ méi zǐxì jiǎnchá.) It’s my fault; I didn’t check carefully.

A: 你怎么把我的名字拼错了？ (Nǐ zěnme bǎ wǒ de míngzì pīn cuò le?) Why did you misspell my name?
B: 是我不对，疏忽了。我会重新打印。 (Shì wǒ bùduì, shūhū le. Wǒ huì chóngxīn dǎyìn.) That’s my fault, I was careless. I’ll reprint it.

是我不好。(Shì wǒ bùhǎo.)

“It’s my bad.”

This is similar to “是我不对,” but sounds a bit more casual or personal.

e.g.

A: 我等了你很久，你为什么没来接我？ (Wǒ děngle nǐ hěn jiǔ, nǐ wèishéme méi lái jiē wǒ?) I waited for you a long time. Why didn’t you come pick me up?
B: 是我不好，忘记了。我现在马上过去。 (Shì wǒ bùhǎo, wàngjì le. Wǒ xiànzài mǎshàng guòqù.) It’s my bad, I forgot. I’ll head over right now.

A: 这篇文章里有好几个错别字。 (Zhè piān wénzhāng lǐ yǒu hǎo jǐ gè cuòbiézì.) There are several typos in this article.
B: 是我不好，没有仔细校对。 (Shì wǒ bùhǎo, méiyǒu zǐxì jiàoduì.) My bad, I didn’t proofread carefully.

是我的问题。(Shì wǒ de wèntí.)

“It’s my problem” or “I’m the one at fault.”

A clear acknowledgment of personal responsibility. It can be used in casual or formal contexts.

e.g.

这次比赛输了，都是我的问题。(Zhè cì bǐsài shūle, dōu shì wǒ de wèntí.) We lost the competition. It’s all my fault.

A: 为什么进度还没有更新？ (Wèishéme jìndù hái méiyǒu gēngxīn?) Why haven’t we updated our progress yet?
B: 是我的问题，工作安排得不够合理。 (Shì wǒ de wèntí, gōngzuò ānpái de bù gòu hélǐ.) It’s my problem. I didn’t schedule the work properly.

A: 合同里这个条款看起来不太对。 (Hétóng lǐ zhège tiáokuǎn kàn qǐlái bù tài duì.) This clause in the contract seems off.
B: 是我的问题，没有仔细审阅合同内容。 (Shì wǒ de wèntí, méiyǒu zǐxì shěnyuè hétóng nèiróng.) It’s my mistake. I didn’t carefully review the contract.

我错了。(Wǒ cuò le.)

“I was wrong” or “I made a mistake.”

This is a very direct way of admitting fault. Suitable for both serious and casual contexts, depending on tone.

e.g.

A: 我告诉过你别把文件放桌边，你看，掉到地上了。 (Wǒ gàosu guò nǐ bié bǎ wénjiàn fàng zhuō biān, nǐ kàn, diào dào dìshang le.) I told you not to leave the files on the edge of the table. See, they fell on the floor.
B: 我错了，我马上整理好。 (Wǒ cuò le, wǒ mǎshàng zhěnglǐ hǎo.) I was wrong, I’ll clean them up right away.

妈妈，我错了，下次不会再淘气了。（Māma, wǒ cuò le, xià cì bù huì zài táoqì le.）Mom, I was wrong. I won’t be naughty again next time.

老婆，我错了。我不会再骗你了，相信我。（Lǎopo, wǒ cuò le. Wǒ bù huì zài piàn nǐ le, xiāngxìn wǒ.）Wife, I was wrong. I won’t lie to you anymore. Trust me.

The common expressions to Accept Apologies in Chinese

Being able to graciously accept an apology is just as important as being able to say you’re sorry when you do something wrong. Now that we’ve learned how to apologize in Chinese, let’s take a look at how to respond when someone says sorry to you.

没关系 (méi guān xì)

“It doesn’t matter.” It used to accept an apology or reassure someone that what happened isn’t a big deal.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我打翻了你的水杯。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ dǎfān le nǐ de shuǐbēi.) Sorry, I knocked over your water cup.
B: 没关系，我再倒一杯就好。 (Méi guānxi, wǒ zài dào yī bēi jiù hǎo.) It’s okay; I’ll just pour another cup.

A: 我好像迟到了五分钟，真不好意思。 (Wǒ hǎoxiàng chídào le wǔ fēnzhōng, zhēn bù hǎo yìsi.) I seem to be five minutes late. I’m really sorry.
B: 没关系，我也才刚到。 (Méi guānxi, wǒ yě cái gāng dào.) It’s fine; I just got here too.

A: 不好意思，这次作业没做好，拖了小组的后腿。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, zhè cì zuòyè méi zuòhǎo, tuō le xiǎozǔ de hòutuǐ.) Sorry, I didn’t do a good job on this assignment and held the group back.
B: 没关系，下次我们一起努力就行了。 (Méi guānxi, xià cì wǒmen yīqǐ nǔlì jiù xíng le.) It’s okay. Let’s work harder together next time.

没事儿 (méi shìr)

“No matter” or “It’s nothing.”

It is similar to “没关系,” used to convey that something isn’t important or that you’re unbothered by it.

e.g.

A: 我不小心踩到你了，疼不疼？ (Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn cǎi dào nǐ le, téng bù téng?) I accidentally stepped on you. Does it hurt?
B: 没事儿，我没事儿。 (Méi shìr, wǒ méi shìr.) It’s nothing, I’m fine.

A: 昨天我忘了回你的消息，对不起啊。 (Zuótiān wǒ wàng le huí nǐ de xiāoxi, duìbùqǐ a.) I’m sorry I forgot to reply to your message yesterday.
B: 没事儿，你后来不是打电话给我了吗？ (Méi shìr, nǐ hòulái bù shì dǎ diànhuà gěi wǒ le ma?) No problem. You called me afterward anyway.

A: 抱歉，我先走了。 (Bàoqiàn, wǒ xiān zǒu le.) Sorry, I have to leave first.
B: 没事儿，你有事就先忙吧。 (Méi shìr, nǐ yǒu shì jiù xiān máng ba.) It’s alright. Go ahead if you need to.

The extended phrases to Accept Apologies in Chinese

别放在心上 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng.)

A way of saying “Never mind” or “Don’t dwell on it.” This is used to comfort someone who feels guilty or worried.

e.g.

A: 对不起，那天说话太冲了，希望你别生气。 (Duìbùqǐ, nà tiān shuōhuà tài chōng le, xīwàng nǐ bié shēngqì.) Sorry, I was too harsh the other day. I hope you’re not mad.
B: 别放在心上，我都没当回事。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, wǒ dōu méi dāng huí shì.) Don’t worry about it. I didn’t take it seriously.

A: 我没能帮上忙，真是过意不去。 (Wǒ méi néng bāng shàng máng, zhēn shì guò yì bù qù.) I feel really bad for not being able to help.
B: 别放在心上，下次有机会再一起努力。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, xià cì yǒu jīhuì zài yīqǐ nǔlì.) Never mind. We’ll have another chance to try together next time.

A: 我好像一直给你添麻烦，真不好意思。 (Wǒ hǎoxiàng yīzhí gěi nǐ tiān máfan, zhēn bù hǎo yìsi.) I feel like I’ve been causing you trouble. I’m so sorry.
B: 别放在心上，我们是朋友嘛。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, wǒmen shì péngyǒu ma.) Don’t let it bother you. We’re friends, after all.

小事儿，别担心 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn.)

“It’s a small matter, don’t worry.” It used to tell someone that the issue is minor and they shouldn’t stress over it.

e.g.

A: 不好意思，我把你的笔弄丢了。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ bǎ nǐ de bǐ nòng diū le.) I’m sorry, I lost your pen.
B: 小事儿，别担心，我还有好几支呢。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, wǒ hái yǒu hǎo jǐ zhī ne.) It’s a small matter, don’t worry. I have several more.

A: 抱歉，我不小心把桌子弄脏了。 (Bàoqiàn, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn bǎ zhuōzi nòng zāng le.) Sorry, I accidentally got the table dirty.
B: 小事儿，别担心，擦一下就好了。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, cā yīxià jiù hǎo le.) No big deal; just wipe it and it’ll be fine.

A: 我今天没带现金，可能晚点才能还你钱。 (Wǒ jīntiān méi dài xiànjīn, kěnéng wǎn diǎn cái néng huán nǐ qián.) I didn’t bring cash today, so I might only be able to pay you back later.
B: 小事儿，别担心，什么时候都行。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, shénme shíhou dōu xíng.) It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it—any time is fine.

不要紧 (bù yào jǐn)

“It’s not serious” / “Don’t worry about it.” A reassuring phrase to say the situation isn’t a big problem.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我来的路上堵车了。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ lái de lùshang dǔchē le.) Sorry, I got stuck in traffic.
B: 不要紧，我也才到。 (Bù yào jǐn, wǒ yě cái dào.) No worries, I just got here too.

A: 我刚才讲话声音有点大，吓到你了吗？ (Wǒ gāngcái jiǎnghuà shēngyīn yǒudiǎn dà, xià dào nǐ le ma?)  I was speaking a bit loudly just now—did I scare you?
B: 不要紧，我没事儿。(Bù yào jǐn, wǒ méi shìr.) It’s alright, I’m fine.

不用在意 (bù yòng zài yì)

“No need to mind” or “Don’t worry about it.” A casual way to tell someone not to stress about it.

e.g.

A: 不好意思，我忘了带你要的文件。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ wàng le dài nǐ yào de wénjiàn.) I’m sorry; I forgot the file you asked for.
B: 不用在意，明天再拿给我就行。 (Bù yòng zài yì, míngtiān zài ná gěi wǒ jiù xíng.) It’s alright. Just bring it to me tomorrow.

A: 这道菜太咸了，不好意思，让你失望了。 (Zhè dào cài tài xián le, bù hǎo yìsi, ràng nǐ shīwàng le.) This dish is too salty. I’m sorry if it disappointed you.
B: 不用在意，我们下次再尝试就好。(Bù yòng zài yì, wǒmen xià cì zài chángshì jiù hǎo.) Don’t worry about it. We’ll just try again next time.

没什么大不了的 (méi shénme dàbùliǎo de)

“It’s no big deal.” A casual, friendly way to say the mistake or issue isn’t important.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我不小心碰坏了你的笔记本电脑。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn pèng huài le nǐ de bǐjìběn diànnǎo.) I’m sorry, I accidentally damaged your laptop.
B: 先别担心，没什么大不了的，我们看看怎么修。 (Xiān bié dānxīn, méi shénme dàbùliǎo de, wǒmen kànkan zěnme xiū.) Don’t worry yet. It’s no big deal. Let’s see how we can fix it.

A: 抱歉，把你的咖啡杯打碎了。 (Bàoqiàn, bǎ nǐ de kāfēi bēi dǎ suì le.) I’m sorry, I broke your coffee mug.
B: 没什么大不了的，我再买一个就行。 (Méi shénme dàbùliǎo de, wǒ zài mǎi yī gè jiù xíng.) It’s no big deal. I’ll just get another one.