How to Say ‘Sorry for the trouble.’ in Simplified Chinese
麻烦你了。
má fán nǐ le
[mah fahn nee luh]
💬 Usage Tip: [麻烦你了。] is a fixed polite phrase for 'sorry to trouble you' or 'thanks for your trouble,' often said after someone helps. For making the request itself, Chinese often uses [麻烦你...] plus the action: [麻烦你量一下血压。]
🇨🇳 In China: This is natural and polite with staff when they've done something for you, but it sounds softer and more indirect than a dramatic apology. In a clinic, it can come across as considerate without being overly formal.
Phrase Breakdown
麻烦
má fán
[mah fahn]
to trouble / to bother
A polite way to say you are imposing on someone or asking for their help.
这次真麻烦你了。
I’ve really troubled you this time.
你了
nǐ le
you; you've done it / you've been troubled
In this polite expression, it refers to the other person and adds a sense of thanks or apology.
真是麻烦你了。
I really appreciate your trouble / thanks for going through the trouble.
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nee]
you
The person receiving the request or thanks.
麻烦你看一下。
Please take a look.
了
le
[luh]
particle
Here it softens the phrase and gives a sense that someone has been troubled or asked for help.
又让你等了。
I made you wait again.
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