Excuse me in Chinese: 请问, 不好意思 & 借过

There is no single Chinese phrase that works exactly like “excuse me” in every context. The right choice depends on whether you are asking for information, interrupting, passing through a crowd, getting someone’s attention or apologising for a mistake.

请问: may I ask?

请问 (qǐngwèn) literally invites a question and is commonly translated as “excuse me, may I ask?” It is natural before asking for directions, information or a price. For example, 请问洗手间在哪里？ means “Excuse me, where is the bathroom?” It is polite without sounding overly apologetic.

不好意思: sorry or excuse me for a small thing

不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) can mean “excuse me,” “sorry,” or “how embarrassing.” It is common when interrupting someone, getting attention, asking a favour or handling a minor inconvenience. It can sound softer and more everyday than 对不起.

打扰一下: excuse me for a moment

打扰一下 (dǎrǎo yīxià) means “excuse me for interrupting” or “sorry to disturb you for a moment.” It is useful before a question, a phone call or a short request. The fuller 不好意思，打扰一下 combines a polite apology and a clear request to interrupt.

劳驾 and 借过

劳驾 (láojià) is a polite “excuse me” used when asking someone to move, help or make way. It can sound slightly traditional or formal. 借过 (jièguò) means “excuse me, let me pass” and is used in crowded spaces, buses, trains and queues. It is not a request for a favour in general.

对不起 is usually a real apology

对不起 is stronger and usually takes responsibility for a mistake, harm or inconvenience. Do not use 对不起 simply to get someone’s attention if 请问 or 不好意思 fits the situation better. Conversely, 不好意思 may sound too light after a serious mistake.

Getting attention in a shop or restaurant

A common sequence is 不好意思，请问…… or 请问一下…… to get attention and ask a question. Calling out 喂 to a stranger can sound abrupt or rude, even though it appears in some informal contexts. Tone and relationship matter.

Pronunciation and written form

请问 is qǐngwèn, 不好意思 is bù hǎoyìsi, 打扰一下 is dǎrǎo yīxià, 劳驾 is láojià and 借过 is jièguò. Traditional forms include 請問, 打擾一下, 勞駕 and 借過; 不好意思 remains the same. Choose the phrase that matches the situation rather than translating every “excuse me” identically.

What it does not mean

不好意思 does not always mean a serious apology, and 借过 is not a general hello. These phrases manage social space and attention. A real mistake still needs a clear apology and, where necessary, an explanation or repair.