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How to Say ‘This is embarrassing.’ in Simplified Chinese

这样不好意思。

zhè yàng bù hǎo yì sī

[zhèyàng bù hǎoyìsi]

🇨🇳 In China: 不好意思 is the polite protest you make when someone pays for you. It means "I feel bad letting you," not real embarrassment, and saying it is part of graciously accepting.

Phrase Breakdown

这样

zhè yàng

[zhèyàng]

like this; so

Refers to a situation just mentioned; '这样啊' means 'I see'.

Example

原来是这样。

So that's how it is.

不好意思

bù hǎo yì sī

[bù hǎoyìsi]

embarrassing; too kind

Expresses feeling awkward or embarrassed, e.g. when receiving a favor.

Example

让你等这么久,真不好意思。

Sorry to make you wait so long.

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