How to Say ‘Sorry to trouble you’ 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 way to say you've put someone to trouble, often meaning 'sorry to trouble you' or 'thanks for your help.' The [了] makes it sound like the favor is happening or has just happened, not just a general statement.
🇨🇳 In China: This is very natural when a customer asks staff to do something extra, like adjust a reservation. It sounds polite and appreciative without being overly formal.
Phrase Breakdown
麻烦
má fán
[mah fahn]
to trouble; sorry to trouble you
Shows polite appreciation when asking someone to do something or after they help.
改成五个人，麻烦你了。
Please change it to five people; sorry to trouble you.
你了
nǐ le
you; polite final particle here
In this phrase, 你了 softens the request and conveys politeness and gratitude.
麻烦你了。
Sorry to trouble you.
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nee]
you
Refers to the person being asked or thanked. In this phrase it helps make the expression personal and polite.
帮我们确认一下时间，麻烦你了。
Please help us confirm the time; sorry to trouble you.
了
le
[luh]
sentence-final particle
Adds politeness and completion to the phrase 麻烦你了.
先准备两张儿童椅，麻烦你了。
Please prepare two children’s chairs first; sorry to trouble you.
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