How to Say ‘Sorry for the trouble.’ in Simplified Chinese
给您添麻烦了。
gěi nín tiān má fán le
[gay neen tiān máfan le]
🇨🇳 In China: This is a polite, slightly humble apology for causing someone inconvenience, such as making a driver hunt for change. It sounds more gracious than a plain 对不起 "sorry" in this situation.
Phrase Breakdown
给您
gěi nín
for you / to you
给 (gěi) here means 'to' or 'for'. 您 (nín) is the polite 'you'.
给您。
Here you are.
Words in this phrase
给
gěi
[gay]
for; give to
Used to indicate the recipient of something.
这是给爸的，你帮我拿一下。
This is for Dad; please help me hold it.
您
nín
[neen]
you (polite)
A respectful form of “you,” used when speaking politely to someone, such as a recruiter or company representative.
很高兴认识您，希望向您多学习。
It’s a pleasure to meet you; I hope to learn more from you.
添麻烦了。
tiān má fán le
(I've) caused trouble.
添麻烦 (tiān máfan) means 'to cause trouble'. The 烦 in 麻烦 is often neutral tone. 了 (le) marks that it has already happened.
不好意思，添麻烦了。
Sorry for the trouble.
Words in this phrase
添
tiān
[tiān]
to add
A verb meaning to add or increase. Often used in the phrase 'add trouble' to apologize.
再添一碗饭。
Add another bowl of rice.
麻烦
má fán
[máfan]
trouble; inconvenience
A noun meaning trouble or bother caused to someone.
这件事很麻烦。
This matter is very troublesome.
了
le
[le]
particle
Indicates past tense.
我预约了今天的会议。
I scheduled today's meeting.
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