Definition
不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si) is a polite phrase with two common uses: (1) a light 'sorry' for small mistakes or to get someone's attention, and (2) feeling shy or embarrassed. As an apology, it is less serious than 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) and more casual than 抱歉 (bào qiàn). Its 'embarrassed' meaning is not shared by those apology words.
phrase
sorryexcuse me (used to apologize for a minor fault or to politely interrupt)to feel embarrassed or shy
Examples
- 不好意思，？bù hǎo yì si, qǐng wèn xiànzài jǐ diǎn?Excuse me, could you tell me what time it is?
- 不好意思。Tā yǒu diǎn bù hǎo yì si.He feels a little embarrassed.
- 不好意思。Wǒ bù hǎo yì si wèn tā míngzi.I'm too embarrassed to ask his name.
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