How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Simplified Chinese
打扰一下
dǎ rǎo yī xià
[dah raow ee shyah]
💬 Usage Tip: Putting 一下 "a bit" after a verb softens a request so it sounds brief and polite: 等一下 "wait a moment", 看一下 "take a look".
🇨🇳 In China: Use this to get someone's attention before asking for help, like stopping a stranger for directions. It's not for apologizing.
Phrase Breakdown
打扰
dǎ rǎo
[dah raow]
to disturb; excuse me
Used when politely interrupting someone or getting attention.
打扰一下，请问洗手间在哪儿？
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
一下
yī xià
[ee shyah]
a bit; for a moment
Softens an action, making it sound brief and more polite.
请等一下，我先下车。
Please wait a moment, I'll get out first.
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