Sincere Apologies: A Guide to Saying Sorry in Chinese

Ever had an awkward moment where you messed up and needed to make things right? We all had it. Saying sorry in Chinese isn’t always easy, but sometimes a simple apology mends bridges. You can show respect and sincerity with some basic phrases and a little effort. This article will guide you through different ways to apologize. We will look at formal and informal expressions and situations where each phrase fits best.

Basic Phrases to Say Sorry in Mandarin

Basic phrases are a great way to apologize if you learn Chinese in the beginning stages. Different situations might call for specific words, but these expressions will cover most needs. You can use them in casual or more serious talks:

• 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – I’m sorry. The most popular apology, suitable for both minor and serious situations.

我对不起，我应该更早告诉你。 (Wǒ duìbuqǐ, wǒ yīnggāi gèng zǎo gàosù nǐ.) – I’m sorry, I should have told you earlier.

• 抱歉 (Bàoqiàn) – I apologize. This version of I’m sorry in Chinese is used in formal settings or when the apology needs to show a deeper level of regret.

因为我的疏忽，项目延期了，我真的很抱歉。 (Yīn wèi wǒ de shūhū, xiàngmù yánqī le, wǒ zhēn de hěn bàoqiàn.) – Due to my oversight, the project was delayed, and I am truly sorry.

• 请原谅 (Qǐng yuánliàng) – Please forgive me. Often used when seeking forgiveness in personal relationships.

我知道我错了， 请原谅我的冲动。 (Wǒ zhīdào wǒ cuò le, qǐng yuánliàng wǒ de chōngdòng.) – I know I was wrong, please forgive my impulsiveness.

Formal Apologies for Professional Settings

A clear and formal apology can make all the difference in professional settings. Here, you need specific phrases to show respect and sincerity. Below is how to say sorry in Chinese in work or official contexts:

• 我为此深表歉意 (Wǒ wèi cǐ shēn biǎo qiànyì) – I deeply apologize for this. Used to formally acknowledge and express regret for a mistake in professional settings.

由于我的疏忽，会议文件未能及时准备好，我为此深表歉意。 (Yóu yú wǒ de shūhū, huìyì wénjiàn wèi néng jíshí zhǔnbèi hǎo, wǒ wèi cǐ shēn biǎo qiànyì.) – Due to my oversight, the documents for the meeting were not prepared on time. I deeply apologize for this.

• 我对造成的不便表示歉意 (Wǒ duì zàochéng de bùbiàn biǎoshì qiànyì) – I apologize for the inconvenience caused. Appropriate when acknowledging disruptions or issues caused to colleagues or clients.

我对因技术问题延误了项目进度表示歉意。 (Wǒ duì yīn jìshù wèntí yánwù le xiàngmù jìndù biǎoshì qiànyì.) – I apologize for the delay in the project schedule due to technical issues.

• 我诚挚地道歉 (Wǒ chéngzhì de dàoqiàn) – I sincerely apologize. This phrase for sorry in Chinese Mandarin expresses sincere personal regret for mistakes impacting professional relationships or tasks.

对于昨天的会议失误，我诚挚地道歉。 (Duìyú zuótiān de huìyì shīwù, wǒ chéngzhì de dàoqiàn.) – I sincerely apologize for the mishap in yesterday’s meeting.

• 感谢您的理解与支持 (Gǎnxiè nín de lǐjiě yǔ zhīchí) – Thank you for your understanding and support. This phrase is used to show appreciation for patience or understanding after a mistake.

在这次项目延误中，感谢您的理解与支持。 (Zài zhè cì xiàngmù yánwù zhōng, gǎnxiè nín de lǐjiě yǔ zhīchí.) – In this project delay, thank you for your understanding and support.

• 我们会立即采取措施解决 (Wǒmen huì lìjí cǎiqǔ cuòshī jiějué) – We will take immediate action to resolve this. Often used to reassure the affected parties that steps are being taken to correct the error or issue.

对于这个问题，我们会立即采取措施解决。 (Duìyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen huì lìjí cǎiqǔ cuòshī jiějué.) – Regarding this issue, we will take immediate action to resolve it.

Casual and Informal Ways to Apologize in Chinese

You don’t need to use long or complex phrases to say sorry in casual settings. Simple words work well among friends and family members. These expressions lighten the mood and show sincerity that comes straight from the heart. Below are the examples of how do you say sorry in Chinese informal contexts:

• 真是对不起 (Zhēn shì duìbuqǐ) – I’m really sorry. Expresses a sincere apology without being too formal, often used among friends.

真是对不起，我忘了带你的书。 (Zhēn shì duìbuqǐ, wǒ wàng le dài nǐ de shū.) – I’m really sorry, I forgot to bring your book.

• 不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi) – Excuse me/Sorry. Appropriate for casual apologies or when you’re inconveniencing someone slightly.

不好意思，我迟到了十分钟。 (Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ chídào le shí fēnzhōng.) – Sorry, I am ten minutes late.

• 对不住 (Duìbuzhù) – Sorry (more heartfelt). This version of I’m sorry in Mandarin is slightly more heartfelt than 不好意思 and can be used among close friends or family to express a deeper apology.

对不住，我昨天真的太粗心了。 (Duìbuzhù, wǒ zuótiān zhēn de tài cūxīn le.) – Sorry, I was really careless yesterday.

• 我错了 (Wǒ cuò le) – I was wrong. A straightforward admission of fault, effective in personal relationships.

我错了，应该先听你的解释。 (Wǒ cuò le, yīnggāi xiān tīng nǐ de jiěshì.) – I was wrong; I should have listened to your explanation first.

• 下次不会了 (Xià cì bú huì le) – It won’t happen again next time. Used to reassure that the mistake will not be repeated.

下次不会了，我保证按时来。 (Xià cì bú huì le, wǒ bǎozhèng àn shí lái.) – It won’t happen again next time; I promise to be on time.

• 真抱歉 (Zhēn bàoqiàn) – I’m truly sorry. Ideal for situations where you need to convey heartfelt apologies among friends.

真抱歉昨天的话让你不开心了。 (Zhēn bàoqiàn zuótiān de huà ràng nǐ bù kāixīn le.) – I’m truly sorry that my words upset you yesterday.

• 我应该更加注意 (Wǒ yīnggāi gèng jiā zhùyì) – I should have been more careful. Useful for acknowledging negligence or oversight in casual settings.

我应该更加注意不让这种事发生。 (Wǒ yīnggāi gèng jiā zhùyì bù ràng zhè zhǒng shì fāshēng.) – I should have been more careful to prevent this from happening.

• 我会改正 (Wǒ huì gǎizhèng) – I will correct it. A commitment to make amends and improve.

我会改正这个错误，确保以后不再犯。 (Wǒ huì gǎizhèng zhège cuòwù, quèbǎo yǐhòu bù zài fàn.) – I will correct this mistake to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

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How to Respond to Sorry in the Chinese Language

After hearing an apology, your response matters a lot. Different phrases can show acceptance in Mandarin. Knowing the right words helps you handle these moments with grace. Below are useful ways to accept apologies or offer forgiveness in Chinese: 

• 没关系 (Méi guānxi) – It doesn’t matter. A common response to minor apologies, indicating that there’s no harm done.

你迟到了，但没关系。 (Nǐ chídào le, dàn méi guānxi.) – You were late, but it doesn’t matter.

• 没事 (Méi shì) – It’s okay. Reassures the apologizer that the incident has caused no significant inconvenience.

我知道你不是故意的，没事。 (Wǒ zhīdào nǐ bù shì gùyì de, méi shì.) – I know it was not intentional; it’s okay.

• 我接受你的道歉 (Wǒ jiēshòu nǐ de dàoqiàn) – I accept your apology. Formal acceptance of an apology, often used in serious matters.

我接受你的道歉，希望以后不会再发生。 (Wǒ jiēshòu nǐ de dàoqiàn, xīwàng yǐhòu bù huì zài fāshēng.) – I accept your apology and hope it does not happen again.

• 谢谢你的诚意 (Xièxiè nǐ de chéngyì) – Thank you for your sincerity. This response shows appreciation for the sincerity of the apology.

谢谢你的诚意，我们可以继续前进了。 (Xièxiè nǐ de chéngyì, wǒmen kěyǐ jìxù qiánjìn le.) – Thank you for your sincerity; we can move forward now.

• 我们忘记它吧 (Wǒmen wàngjì tā ba) – Let’s forget about it. Suggests moving past the incident without further dwelling on it.

你已经道歉了，我们忘记它吧。 (Nǐ yǐjīng dàoqiàn le, wǒmen wàngjì tā ba.) – You have apologized, let’s forget about it.

• 我们都有错 (Wǒmen dōu yǒu cuò) – We both made mistakes. It shows understanding and shares responsibility.

没必要再说了，我们都有错。 (Méi bìyào zài shuō le, wǒmen dōu yǒu cuò.) – There’s no need to say more; we both made mistakes.

• 别担心了 (Bié dānxīn le) – Don’t worry about it. This reply to sorry in Mandarin Chinese reassures the other person and dismisses the need for further concern.

别担心了，我们还是好朋友。 (Bié dānxīn le, wǒmen hái shì hǎo péngyǒu.) – Don’t worry about it, we are still good friends.

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Conclusion

You now know how to say sorry in Mandarin. An apology shows respect and understanding, and the language offers various ways to express it. The right words make people feel appreciated. Pay attention to the context when choosing your phrases. Use formal language in professional settings and keep it simple with friends or family. Different responses also help you accept apologies with grace. These small efforts will improve your talks and strengthen bonds with others.