How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Traditional Chinese
不好意思
bù hǎo yì sī
[boo how-ee-suh]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: In Taiwan 不好意思 is the all-purpose softener: it gets someone's attention, apologizes lightly, or thanks someone for a favor. Opening with it before approaching a stranger at a bar comes across as polite rather than pushy.
Phrase Breakdown
不好意思
bù hǎo yì sī
[boo how-ee-suh]
excuse me; sorry to bother you
A polite way to get a stranger’s attention before giving a compliment.
不好意思，我可以說一句嗎？
Excuse me, may I say something?
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