A0 · reviewed · starter

对不起。

Sorry.
Practice recall

Practice path

Make this line survive without the page.

Start with the sound, then answer the authored recall prompts for this exact line. No browsing through the whole quiz set.

0/4 recalled Next: hear it cold. Continue next step

Scene

When to use it

Apologizing after a small mistake, bumping into someone, or making a simple error.

Risk

safe

For very small interruptions, 不好意思 can sound softer. For serious problems, add what you will do next.

Literal

Cannot face up.

对不起 is a core repair phrase. It is short enough for A0 learners and useful in real interactions.

Examples

Say it inside real sentences.

Run the 4-step recall
01 Sorry, I’m late.
02 Sorry, I said it wrong.

Mini dialogue

Hear the social move.

Play both lines, then say the second line without looking.

A You’re late.
B Sorry.

Contrast

Do not blur these together.

01 Sorry. Clear apology.
02 Excuse me / sorry. Softer for small social friction.

Recall prompts

Check whether it survived.

01 · What does 对不起 mean?

Answer: Sorry.

It is the standard clear apology phrase.

Practice this prompt
02 · Fill the pinyin for 对不起。

Answer: duì bu qǐ.

不 is often light in 对不起.

Practice this prompt
03 · Which is softer for tiny interruptions: 对不起 or 不好意思?

Answer: 不好意思。

对不起 is clear; 不好意思 is often softer for small moments.

Practice this prompt