In everyday communication, it is essential to express apologies and remorse appropriately. The Chinese phrase 對不起 (duìbùqǐ) plays a crucial role in this context. This article delves into the meaning, grammatical structure, and practical usage of 對不起, providing example sentences that illustrate how to apply it effectively.
What Does 對不起 (duìbùqǐ) Mean?
The phrase 對不起 translates to “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me” in English. It is an expression of apology that conveys regret or remorse for causing inconvenience or harm to another person. In Chinese culture, acknowledging mistakes and expressing regrets is fundamental to maintaining harmonious interpersonal relationships.
The Grammatical Structure of 對不起 (duìbùqǐ)
To understand how to use 對不起 correctly, it is important to break down its grammatical components:
1. 對 (duì)
The character 對 (duì) means “to” or “towards”. It is often used to indicate a direction of emotion or action, which in this case, points towards the person to whom you are apologizing.
2. 不 (bù)
The character 不 (bù) translates to “not.” It negates the following verb, which indicates that something is not right or proper.
3. 起 (qǐ)
The character 起 (qǐ) means “to rise” or “to stand up.” In this context, when combined with 不, it creates the phrase that conveys the idea of ‘unable to stand up’ due to feelings of guilt or regret.
Using 對不起 (duìbùqǐ) in Context: Example Sentences
To provide further clarity, here are several example sentences demonstrating the use of 對不起 in different contexts:
Example 1: Apologizing for a Mistake
我真的對不起,我忘了你的生日。
Wǒ zhēn de duìbùqǐ, wǒ wàng le nǐ de shēngrì.
Translation: “I am really sorry; I forgot your birthday.”
Example 2: Regretting a Late Arrival
對不起,我遲到了。
Duìbùqǐ, wǒ chí dào le.
Translation: “I’m sorry, I arrived late.”
Example 3: Asking for Forgiveness
對不起,我不應該這樣對你。
Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù yīng gāi zhè yàng duì nǐ.
Translation: “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have treated you this way.”
Example 4: Apologizing for Interrupting
對不起,打擾你了。
Duìbùqǐ, dǎ rǎo nǐ le.
Translation: “I’m sorry to interrupt you.”
Conclusion
Understanding and using the phrase 對不起 (duìbùqǐ) is essential for effective communication in Chinese. As a crucial expression of apology and remorse, it fosters positive relationships and helps navigate social interactions smoothly. By grasping its meaning and grammatical structure, and by practicing with example sentences, learners can enhance their fluency and cultural awareness in the Chinese language.

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