Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to disturb" with 打扰 (dǎrǎo)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 打扰 + (到) + Object

    Explanation

    打扰 (dǎrǎo) means "to disturb" or "to bother" and is a verb used when someone's activity or peace is interrupted by another person or thing. It is commonly used in polite expressions like 打扰一下 (excuse me / sorry to bother you). It can take a direct object indicating the person being disturbed.

    Examples

    • 不好意思,打扰一下,请问图书馆怎么走?

      Bù hǎo yìsi, dǎrǎo yīxià, qǐngwèn túshūguǎn zěnme zǒu?

      Excuse me, sorry to bother you — how do I get to the library?

    • 别打扰他,他正在学习。

      Bié dǎrǎo tā, tā zhèngzài xuéxí.

      Don't disturb him — he's studying.

    • 很抱歉打扰你这么晚。

      Hěn bàoqiàn dǎrǎo nǐ zhème wǎn.

      I'm so sorry to bother you this late.

    Expressing "to disturb" with 打扰 (dǎrǎo) | Chinese Grammar