How to Say ‘Sorry’ in Traditional Chinese
不好意思
bù hǎo yì sī
[boo how ee-suh]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: In Taiwan, [不好意思] is used constantly for small everyday friction: getting someone's attention, squeezing past, correcting a misunderstanding, or softening a complaint. In a taxi dispute, it helps you sound firm without sounding aggressive.
Phrase Breakdown
不好意思
bù hǎo yì sī
[boo how ee-suh]
excuse me; sorry; embarrassed
A very common polite phrase in Taiwan used to get attention, apologize lightly, or soften a correction.
不好意思，師傅，我說的是前面的巷口。
Excuse me, driver, I meant the alley entrance up ahead.
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