Here are the five most commonly used ways to say "I'm sorry" in Chinese, along with some simple and easy-to-understand examples:
1. 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) - This is the most common and general way to apologize in Chinese.
Example: 对不起,我没有注意到你在说话。 (I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were speaking.)
2. 不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi) - This is a more casual way to say "I'm sorry" or "excuse me."
Example: 不好意思,我没有看见你。 (I'm sorry, I didn't see you.)
3. 我错了 (wǒ cuòle) - This phrase specifically admits that you have made a mistake.
Example: 我错了,我应该早点回家。 (I'm sorry, I should have come home earlier.)
4. 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) - This is a shorter and more casual way to apologize.
Example: 抱歉,我没有听懂你在说什么。 (I'm sorry, I didn't understand what you were saying.)
5. 请原谅我 (qǐng yuánliàng wǒ) - This phrase is a more formal way to apologize.
Example: 请原谅我,我没有做完作业。 (I'm sorry, I didn't finish my homework.)