How to Say ‘Excuse me, may I say something?’ in Traditional Chinese
不好意思，我可以說一句嗎？
bù hǎo yì sī wǒ kě yǐ shuō yī jù ma
[boo how-ee-suh waw kuh-yee shwaw ee jyoo ma]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: This is a gentle way to open a compliment to a stranger, especially in Taiwan where sudden direct comments can feel intense. It softens the approach and gives the other person a moment to accept the interaction.
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?
我
wǒ
[waw]
I; me
Used by the speaker to politely introduce what they want to say.
我只是想稱讚你一下。
I just wanted to compliment you for a moment.
可以
kě yǐ
[kuh-yee]
can; may
Used to ask permission politely.
我可以說一句嗎？
May I say something?
說
shuō
[shwaw]
say; speak
Used when introducing a comment or compliment.
我想說你的穿搭很好看。
I want to say that your outfit looks great.
一
yī
[ee]
one
Here it means 'one' in the phrase 一句, 'one sentence' or 'a quick thing.'
我可以說一句嗎？
May I say one thing?
句
jù
[jyoo]
sentence; phrase
Used in 一句 to mean a brief comment or remark.
我只想說一句，你今天很好看。
I just want to say one thing: you look great today.
嗎
ma
[ma]
question particle
Placed at the end to turn the sentence into a yes-no question.
我可以問一下嗎？
May I ask something?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real scenarios helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s scenario-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker