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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to be sorry" or "apologetic" with 抱歉 (bàoqiàn)

    Manner & Method

    Structure

    很 + 抱歉

    Explanation

    The word 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) means "to be sorry" or "to feel apologetic." It is a polite and somewhat formal way to express an apology. You can use 很抱歉 to mean "I'm very sorry," which is common in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 很抱歉，让你久等了。

      Hěn bàoqiàn, ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le.

      I'm very sorry for making you wait so long.

    • 我感到非常抱歉，这件事是我的错。

      Wǒ gǎndào fēicháng bàoqiàn, zhè jiàn shì shì wǒ de cuò.

      I feel very sorry; this was my fault.

    • 抱歉打扰你，我想问个问题。

      Bàoqiàn dǎrǎo nǐ, wǒ xiǎng wèn ge wèntí.

      Sorry to bother you; I'd like to ask a question.

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    Expressing "to be sorry" or "apologetic" with 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) | Chinese Grammar