How To Say Sorry In Chinese (35 Real Phrases You’ll Actually Use)

Maybe you accidentally stepped on someone’s foot while riding a crowded subway in Beijing, or maybe you said something that didn’t come out right in a chat. In moments like these, knowing how to say sorry in Chinese really matters.

Apologizing isn’t just about words — it’s about showing you care, respecting the other person, and keeping the peace.

Chinese culture places a big value on harmony and respect, and there are different ways to say sorry depending on who you’re talking to and how serious the situation is. In this post, you’ll learn 35 real-life ways to express apology — from casual oops moments to serious heart-to-hearts.

As a Chinese language learner, knowing how to say sorry is just as important as learning to say hello, thank you, or how are you. These basic expressions are the building blocks of everyday communication.

I’m Sorry In Chinese

1. 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – The Standard Sorry

Usage: General apology (formal & casual)

This is the most direct and commonly used way to say sorry in Mandarin. It literally means I can’t face you, which conveys a deep sense of regret or shame. Suitable for most everyday apologies, whether you’re late, make a mistake, or inconvenience someone.

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

Depending on the tone and situation, this can be interpreted as either serious or casual.

2. 不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi) – The Polite Oops

Usage: Casual, minor mistakes or polite interactions

This literally means embarrassed but is often used to soften a situation. Ideal for small social mishaps like stepping on someone’s foot, asking for help, or lightly declining something.

Example:
不好意思，麻烦你一下。
Bù hǎoyìsi, máfan nǐ yíxià.
(Excuse me, can I trouble you for a moment?)

It’s more versatile than 对不起 and often used to sound humble or courteous without over-apologizing.

3. 请原谅 (Qǐng yuánliàng) – Please Forgive Me

Usage: Formal or heartfelt apologies

This phrase is used when a deeper sense of regret is involved. It’s appropriate for professional emails or when seeking forgiveness for a personal mistake.

Example:
请原谅我今天的无理取闹。
Qǐng yuánliàng wǒ jīntiān de wúlǐ qǔnào.
(Please forgive me for my unreasonable behavior today.)

Seeking forgiveness in Chinese culture often involves humility. Using 请 (please) adds formality and shows emotional sincerity.

4. 抱歉 (Bàoqiàn) – Sincere Regret

Usage: Professional, formal or indirect apologies

抱歉 is common in workplace settings, official communications, or when a mistake affects a group. It sounds a bit distant but professional.

Example:
抱歉，我们会议推迟了。
Bàoqiàn, wǒmen huìyì tuīchí le.
(Sorry, our meeting has been postponed.)

Businesses often prefer 抱歉 in customer service interactions — it keeps things polite without sounding overly emotional.

5. 我错了 (Wǒ cuò le) – I Was Wrong

Usage: Personal accountability (direct and sincere)

This is one of the most honest ways to apologize. It’s often used when the speaker truly admits fault — helpful in personal relationships or serious conversations.

Example:
我错了，我不该对你发火。
Wǒ cuò le, wǒ bù gāi duì nǐ fāhuǒ.
(I was wrong — I shouldn’t have gotten angry with you.)

Saying this can be seen as a brave move in Chinese culture, where people usually avoid outright admitting fault. It shows maturity and vulnerability.

6. 是我不好 (Shì wǒ bù hǎo) – It’s My Fault

Usage: Humble self-blame (friendly, informal)

This softens the tone while still accepting responsibility. It’s often used in friendships or romantic relationships to ease tension.

Example:
对不起，是我不好，让你生气了。
Duìbuqǐ, shì wǒ bù hǎo, ràng nǐ shēngqì le.
(Sorry, it’s my fault for making you upset.)

Modesty is valued in Chinese culture, and admitting you were not good (不好) avoids placing blame on others.

7. 对不起让你担心了 (Duìbuqǐ ràng nǐ dānxīn le) – Sorry for Making You Worry

Usage: After causing concern (close relationships)

Perfect for apologising to someone who cares about you. It shows empathy and emotional awareness.

Example:
对不起让你担心了，我手机没电了。
Duìbuqǐ ràng nǐ dānxīn le, wǒ shǒujī méi diàn le.
(Sorry for making you worry — my phone died.)

In Chinese culture, causing others to worry — especially elders or partners — is taken seriously. Acknowledging this is a sign of respect.

8. 我不是故意的 (Wǒ bù shì gùyì de) – I Didn’t Mean To

Usage: Accidental mistakes

Use this when you need to explain that your actions weren’t intentional.

Example:
我不是故意的，我不知道你已经订好了票。
Wǒ bù shì gùyì de, wǒ bù zhīdào nǐ yǐjīng dìng hǎo le piào.
(I didn’t mean to — I didn’t know you already booked the tickets.)

People generally appreciate when you clarify intent. Explaining that it was unintentional helps preserve relationships.

9. 请接受我的道歉 (Qǐng jiēshòu wǒ de dàoqiàn) – Please Accept My Apology

Usage: Formal written or verbal apology

A polite and respectful way to apologize, often found in formal letters, work emails, or official conversations.

Example:
请接受我的道歉，因我未能及时回复您的邮件。
Qǐng jiēshòu wǒ de dàoqiàn, yīn wǒ wèinéng jíshí huífù nín de yóujiàn.
(Please accept my apology for not replying to your email in time.)

This shows a high degree of respect and is especially appreciated in professional settings.

10. 我感到很抱歉 (Wǒ gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn) – I Feel Very Sorry

Usage: Emotional or empathetic regret

Used when expressing deep sorrow, this phrase highlights your emotional response to the situation.

Example:
我感到很抱歉听到你的消息。
Wǒ gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn tīngdào nǐ de xiāoxi.
(I’m very sorry to hear about your situation.)

Empathy is essential in Chinese culture. Showing that you feel bad—not just acknowledging a mistake — helps strengthen trust.

11. 我会改正的 (Wǒ huì gǎizhèng de) – I’ll Fix It

Usage: Apologies with promises of improvement

This is perfect when paired with an apology, as it shows you’re taking action to make things better.

Example:
对不起，我会改正的，不会再迟到了。
Duìbuqǐ, wǒ huì gǎizhèng de, bú huì zài chídào le.
(Sorry — I’ll fix it. I won’t be late again.)

Follow-up actions speak louder than words. Apologizing and promising correction earns respect.

12. 我以后会注意的 (Wǒ yǐhòu huì zhùyì de) – I’ll Be More Careful Next Time

Usage: Learning from mistakes

This soft apology shows accountability and growth. It reassures the listener that you won’t repeat the error.

Example:
我以后会注意的，不会再弄错了。
Wǒ yǐhòu huì zhùyì de, bú huì zài nòng cuò le.
(I’ll be more careful next time and won’t mess up again.)

In Chinese culture, people often appreciate when someone shows a willingness to learn from their mistakes rather than just apologizing. Saying this lets the other person know you’re not just sorry — you’re planning to improve. It’s a thoughtful way to restore trust, especially in professional or ongoing relationships.

13. 让你久等了 (Ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le) – Sorry for Keeping You Waiting

Usage: Delays or lateness

Very commonly used in daily life when you’re late to meet someone.

Example:
对不起，让你久等了。
Duìbuqǐ, ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le.
(Sorry to have kept you waiting.)

Punctuality is a sign of respect. Being late without acknowledgement can be seen as careless or rude.

14. 实在对不起 (Shízài duìbuqǐ) – Truly Sorry

Usage: Emphasized apology

Adding 实在 (really, truly) makes your apology sound more sincere.

Example:
实在对不起，我真的没想到会这样。
Shízài duìbuqǐ, wǒ zhēn de méi xiǎngdào huì zhèyàng.
(I’m truly sorry — I really didn’t expect this.)

When a simple sorry doesn’t feel strong enough, adding 实在 is a natural way to emphasize that you mean it from the heart. It’s often used when someone realizes their mistake a bit late and wants to express genuine regret in a respectful, humble tone.

15. 非常抱歉 (Fēicháng bàoqiàn) – Extremely Sorry

Usage: Serious or public apologies

Used when the apology needs to be very strong — often heard in media or public statements.

Example:
我们对造成的不便表示非常抱歉。
Wǒmen duì zàochéng de bùbiàn biǎoshì fēicháng bàoqiàn.
(We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused.)

This phrase is often used in formal or official contexts, especially when addressing the public. It adds weight and professionalism to the apology, and is commonly used by companies, government offices, or media personalities when acknowledging larger-scale mistakes.

16. 别生气了，好吗？(Bié shēngqì le, hǎo ma?) – Don’t Be Angry, Okay?

Usage: Soothing someone who is upset

Used in personal relationships to calm someone down after a conflict.

Example:
别生气了，好吗？我真的知道错了。
Bié shēngqì le, hǎo ma? Wǒ zhēn de zhīdào cuò le.
(Don’t be mad, okay? I really know I was wrong.)

In close relationships, emotions can run high. Using this phrase shows care and a genuine desire to smooth things over. It’s a gentle, almost affectionate way to ask someone to forgive you without making the situation more tense.

17. 都是我的错 (Dōu shì wǒ de cuò) – It’s All My Fault

Usage: Expressing full responsibility

This is often used in serious or emotional apologies. It shows you’re taking all the blame.

Example:
都是我的错，我以后会做得更好。
Dōu shì wǒ de cuò, wǒ yǐhòu huì zuò de gèng hǎo.
(It’s all my fault — I’ll do better in the future.)

This phrase shows a strong willingness to take responsibility without excuses, which is especially meaningful in personal relationships. It can be disarming and even comforting to the listener, helping to rebuild trust and mutual understanding.

18. 我真的很后悔 (Wǒ zhēn de hěn hòuhuǐ) – I Truly Regret It

Usage: Deep regret

This is powerful and personal, often used in emotional situations where apologies alone aren’t enough.

Example:
我真的很后悔伤害了你。
Wǒ zhēn de hěn hòuhuǐ shānghài le nǐ.
(I truly regret hurting you.)

In real life, saying you regret something isn’t just about the words — it’s about showing you genuinely care. In Chinese culture, admitting regret like this isn’t taken lightly. It shows emotional depth and honesty, especially when the hurt can’t be fixed with a simple sorry. It also tells the other person that you’re not just brushing things off — you’ve thought about what happened and you mean to make it right.

19. 能原谅我吗？(Néng yuánliàng wǒ ma?) – Can You Forgive Me?

Usage: Asking for forgiveness

This question makes your apology heartfelt. It invites the listener to accept your sincerity.

Example:
能原谅我吗？我真的很在乎你。
Néng yuánliàng wǒ ma? Wǒ zhēn de hěn zàihū nǐ.
(Can you forgive me? I really care about you.)

In Chinese culture, asking for forgiveness so directly can feel intense — especially if the relationship is still new or formal. But when used in the right moment, it shows deep emotional maturity. It’s not just about making things right; it tells the other person you value the relationship and are willing to be emotionally open.

20. 请不要介意 (Qǐng bú yào jièyì) – Please Don’t Mind

Usage: Minimizing a small mistake

Used when you hope the other person overlooks your error.

Example:
请不要介意，我只是开个玩笑。
Qǐng bú yào jièyì, wǒ zhǐshì kāi gè wánxiào.
(Please don’t mind — I was just joking.)

This phrase helps smooth over awkward or embarrassing moments. In Chinese culture, where harmony is highly valued, using this shows you’re trying to keep things light and respectful. It’s often used to ease tension in conversations, especially when you’re unsure whether your comment might have come across the wrong way.

21. 我不该那样说 (Wǒ bù gāi nà yàng shuō) – I Shouldn’t Have Said That

Usage: Apologizing for hurtful words

Use this when you realize you said something inappropriate or offensive.

Example:
我不该那样说，对不起。
Wǒ bù gāi nà yàng shuō, duìbuqǐ.
(I shouldn’t have said that. Sorry.)

In Chinese culture, what you say and how you say it really matters — especially when emotions are involved. Sometimes we speak without thinking and only realize later how much our words might’ve stung. This phrase is a way of saying, I’ve reflected on what I said and I care enough to make it right — not just with words, but with awareness. It’s a gentle but powerful way to say, “I know I crossed a line, and I’m taking responsibility for it.”

22. 失礼了 (Shīlǐ le) – Pardon My Rudeness

Usage: Traditional or formal occasions

This is a respectful, old-fashioned way to acknowledge a social misstep.

Example:
失礼了，刚才讲话声音太大了。
Shīlǐ le, gāngcái jiǎnghuà shēngyīn tài dà le.
(Pardon my rudeness — my voice was too loud just now.)

This phrase reflects a strong sense of etiquette and formality. It’s often used when visiting someone’s home, interrupting a group, or correcting a social misstep. You’ll also hear it a lot in historical Chinese dramas — the kind with emperors, scholars, and traditional courtesies. While it may sound old-fashioned to younger people, it still carries a lot of weight in traditional or formal settings, showing humility and good manners.

23. 真心道歉 (Zhēnxīn dàoqiàn) – Sincere Apology

Usage: Emphasizing genuine remorse

This is a strong phrase to show that you truly mean it. Often used after a conflict or when trying to mend a relationship.

Example:
我真心道歉，希望你能给我一个机会。
Wǒ zhēnxīn dàoqiàn, xīwàng nǐ néng gěi wǒ yí gè jīhuì.
(I sincerely apologize and hope you can give me a chance.)

This is one of the most emotionally honest ways to apologize in Chinese. It’s not something people say lightly — it usually comes after serious reflection or when trying to make amends in relationships that matter deeply. Whether in romantic situations, friendships, or family, saying 真心道歉 shows you’re not just checking a box — you’re offering a heartfelt olive branch.

24. 我太冒失了 (Wǒ tài màoshī le) – I Was Too Reckless

Usage: Admitting carelessness

Example:
我太冒失了，请原谅。
Wǒ tài màoshī le, qǐng yuánliàng.
(I was too reckless, please forgive me.)

This phrase is useful when you acted without thinking and want to show you’re aware of your behavior. It sounds humble and is often used after making a careless mistake that inconvenienced someone.

25. 让你失望了 (Ràng nǐ shīwàng le) – I Let You Down

Usage: Apologizing for disappointing someone

Example:
让你失望了，我会努力改进。
Ràng nǐ shīwàng le, wǒ huì nǔlì gǎijìn.
(I let you down, I’ll work hard to improve.)

Disappointing someone — especially a teacher, parent, or friend — is taken seriously in Chinese culture. This phrase shows you acknowledge their expectations and are committed to making up for it.

26. 我无意冒犯 (Wǒ wúyì màofàn) – I Didn’t Mean to Offend

Usage: Clarifying an unintentional offense

Example:
我无意冒犯，请别生气。
Wǒ wúyì màofàn, qǐng bié shēngqì.
(I didn’t mean to offend, please don’t be angry.)

When miscommunication causes tension, this phrase helps clarify intent and restore mutual respect without escalating the situation.

27. 我太冲动了 (Wǒ tài chōngdòng le) – I Was Too Impulsive

Usage: Regretting an emotional reaction

Example:
我太冲动了，对不起。
Wǒ tài chōngdòng le, duìbuqǐ.
(I was too impulsive, sorry.)

Emotions are often controlled in public or group settings in Chinese culture. This phrase admits you let yours get the better of you and shows that you’re trying to take responsibility.

28. 我疏忽了 (Wǒ shūhū le) – I Was Negligent

Usage: Admitting oversight

Example:
我疏忽了，下次会更小心。
Wǒ shūhū le, xiàcì huì gèng xiǎoxīn.
(I was negligent, I’ll be more careful next time.)

Used in both personal and professional settings, this expression shows responsibility without sounding overly dramatic.

29. 我搞砸了 (Wǒ gǎo zá le) – I Messed Up

Usage: Informal apology among friends

Example:
我搞砸了，真不好意思。
Wǒ gǎo zá le, zhēn bù hǎoyìsi.
(I messed up, really sorry.)

This phrase is perfect for moments when you’ve made a mistake in a relaxed or friendly setting — like forgetting plans, missing a deadline, or saying something awkward. It feels genuine but not too heavy, which makes it great for day-to-day situations when you want to admit fault without making things more awkward.

30. 我食言了 (Wǒ shíyán le) – I Broke My Promise

Usage: Apologizing for not keeping a word

Example:
我食言了，对不起。
Wǒ shíyán le, duìbuqǐ.
(I broke my promise, sorry.)

This is a strong phrase to use when you didn’t follow through on something important — especially with people who trusted you. In Chinese culture, keeping your word is closely tied to your character and reliability.

31. 我考虑不周 (Wǒ kǎolǜ bù zhōu) – I Didn’t Think It Through

Usage: Admitting poor judgment

Example:
我考虑不周，请见谅。
Wǒ kǎolǜ bù zhōu, qǐng jiànliàng.
(I didn’t think it through, please forgive me.)

This phrase is great when you want to sound responsible but not overly dramatic. It works especially well in work environments or group settings. You’re admitting you overlooked something without shifting blame, and it shows you care about doing better.

32. 我太自私了 (Wǒ tài zìsī le) – I Was Too Selfish

Usage: Apologizing for selfish behavior

Example:
我太自私了，对不起。
Wǒ tài zìsī le, duìbuqǐ.
(I was too selfish, sorry.)

Sometimes we focus too much on ourselves without noticing how our actions affect others. This phrase helps express that realization. It’s a sincere way to show you’ve looked inward and recognized how your behavior impacted someone else — especially in close personal relationships.

33. 我误会你了 (Wǒ wùhuì nǐ le) – I Misunderstood You

Usage: Apologizing for a misunderstanding

Example:
我误会你了，真抱歉。
Wǒ wùhuì nǐ le, zhēn bàoqiàn.
(I misunderstood you, I’m really sorry.)

Misunderstandings are common, but they can still hurt. This phrase is helpful when you’ve jumped to conclusions or misread someone’s intentions. It shows maturity to admit you got it wrong and opens the door to better communication. This phrase is common in both personal and formal settings.

34. 我伤害了你 (Wǒ shānghài le nǐ) – I Hurt You

Usage: Deep emotional apology

Example:
我伤害了你，请原谅我。
Wǒ shānghài le nǐ, qǐng yuánliàng wǒ.
(I hurt you, please forgive me.)

This phrase goes straight to the heart. It’s not for casual apologies — it’s for when you’ve caused real emotional pain and want to take full responsibility. Saying this shows you recognize the weight of your actions and truly want to make things right.

35. 我欠考虑 (Wǒ qiàn kǎolǜ) – I Didn’t Consider Enough

Usage: Admitting lack of forethought

Example:
我欠考虑，下次会注意。
Wǒ qiàn kǎolǜ, xiàcì huì zhùyì.
(I didn’t consider enough, I’ll pay attention next time.)

This phrase helps you admit a lack of thinking ahead — something we all do from time to time. It works especially well in work or academic situations where decisions affect others. It shows humility without sounding overly critical of yourself.

FAQs on How to Say Sorry in Chinese

Final Thoughts

Let’s face it — apologizing in another language can feel awkward at first. But as you’ve seen in this guide, Mandarin offers so many thoughtful and situational ways to express regret, whether you’re admitting a mistake at work, saying sorry to a friend, or smoothing over a misunderstanding.

Feel free to start with the expressions that feel natural to you and practice them in everyday moments.

Even just one heartfelt phrase can turn a tense moment into a respectful connection.

If this guide helped you, share it with someone who’s also learning — your share might give them the exact words they need for their next apology.