How to Say 'Excuse Me' and Politely Get Attention in Mandarin Chinese
Learn essential Mandarin phrases to politely get someone's attention or interrupt a conversation, including when to use 'láo jià', 'bù hǎo yì si', and 'qǐng wèn'.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Mandarin Chinese, getting someone's attention politely requires choosing the right phrase for the situation. Unlike English, where 'Excuse me' covers many contexts, Chinese uses different expressions depending on whether you're stopping a stranger, interrupting a friend, or asking a question. This lesson teaches you five key phrases: 'láo jià' (劳驾) for formal requests, 'bù hǎo yì si' (不好意思) for mild interruptions, 'qǐng wèn' (请问) before questions, 'duì bù qǐ' (对不起) for apologies (but we focus on attention-getting), and 'jiè guò yī xià' (借过一下) to pass by. You'll learn when each is appropriate, with pronunciation and cultural notes.
By the end, you can…
- politely get a stranger's attention in a public place using 'láo jià' or 'bù hǎo yì si'.
- interrupt a conversation politely with 'bù hǎo yì si' or 'dǎ rǎo yī xià'.
- use 'qǐng wèn' to preface a question to a stranger.
- ask someone to move aside politely with 'jiè guò yī xià'.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
劳驾
Excuse me (may I trouble you?)
láo jià
Formal and polite, used to get a stranger's attention for a request, such as asking for directions or help. Common in northern China.
不好意思
Excuse me / Sorry to bother you
bù hǎo yì si
Versatile and slightly informal. Use to gently interrupt, get attention, or apologize for a minor inconvenience. Very common in daily life.
请问
Excuse me, may I ask...?
qǐng wèn
Used before asking a question, especially to strangers. It softens the question and shows politeness.
打扰一下
Sorry to interrupt
dǎ rǎo yī xià
Used when interrupting a conversation or a person who is busy. It literally means 'disturb a bit'.
借过一下
Excuse me, let me pass
jiè guò yī xià
Used when you need someone to move so you can get through a crowd or narrow space. Polite and brief.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Many polite attention-getters in Chinese follow a pattern: a short phrase to signal politeness, often followed by a request or question. For example, 'láo jià' (劳驾) can stand alone or be followed by 'qǐng wèn' (请问) and then your question: 'Láo jià, qǐng wèn, dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?' (劳驾，请问，地铁站在哪里？) meaning 'Excuse me, may I ask, where is the subway station?' Similarly, 'bù hǎo yì si' (不好意思) can be used alone or with 'dǎ rǎo yī xià' (打扰一下) to interrupt: 'Bù hǎo yì si, dǎ rǎo yī xià.' (不好意思，打扰一下。) This pattern helps you sound polite without complex grammar.
When to use it
Choose your phrase based on formality and context. Use 'láo jià' (劳驾) with strangers in formal situations, like asking an official or an older person for help. 'Bù hǎo yì si' (不好意思) is more casual and works with peers or in everyday situations, such as stopping someone on the street. 'Qǐng wèn' (请问) is specifically for asking questions; it's polite but not overly formal. 'Dǎ rǎo yī xià' (打扰一下) is for interrupting a conversation or someone who is clearly busy. 'Jiè guò yī xià' (借过一下) is only for asking to pass through a crowd. Avoid using 'duì bù qǐ' (对不起) for attention-getting; it's stronger and implies a genuine apology for a mistake.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
劳驾，请问，最近的地铁站怎么走？
Excuse me, may I ask, how do I get to the nearest subway station?Láo jià, qǐng wèn, zuì jìn de dì tiě zhàn zěn me zǒu?一直往前走，然后左转。
Go straight ahead, then turn left.Yī zhí wǎng qián zǒu, rán hòu zuǒ zhuǎn.不好意思，打扰一下，我想问一下，这附近有便利店吗？
Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, I'd like to ask, is there a convenience store nearby?Bù hǎo yì si, dǎ rǎo yī xià, wǒ xiǎng wèn yī xià, zhè fù jìn yǒu biàn lì diàn ma?有，就在前面路口右转。
Yes, just turn right at the intersection ahead.Yǒu, jiù zài qián miàn lù kǒu yòu zhuǎn.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese culture, politeness often involves showing deference and avoiding directness. Using 'láo jià' or 'qǐng wèn' signals respect, especially with older people or in formal settings. 'Bù hǎo yì si' is extremely common and can be used in many situations, but it's slightly less formal than 'láo jià'. When interrupting, it's polite to add 'dǎ rǎo yī xià'. Physical gestures like a slight nod or smile can enhance politeness. Avoid using 'duì bù qǐ' unless you've actually made a mistake, as it carries more weight.
One thing to watch for
Using 'duì bù qǐ' (对不起) to get someone's attention, thinking it means 'Excuse me'.
Try this instead: 'Duì bù qǐ' is a sincere apology for a mistake, not for attention-getting. Use 'láo jià' or 'bù hǎo yì si' instead. For example, say 'Láo jià, qǐng wèn...' (劳驾，请问……) not 'Duì bù qǐ, qǐng wèn...'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You need to ask a stranger for directions on the street. Which phrase is most appropriate to get their attention first?
Show a sample answer
劳驾 (láo jià) or 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si)
Both are polite attention-getters. 'Láo jià' is more formal, 'bù hǎo yì si' is more casual. Either works, but 'duì bù qǐ' would be wrong because it's an apology.
2You are in a crowded subway and need to get off. What do you say to people blocking your way?
Show a sample answer
借过一下 (jiè guò yī xià)
This specifically means 'excuse me, let me pass'. It's polite and brief, perfect for crowds. Other phrases like 'láo jià' could work but are less specific.
3You want to interrupt two colleagues talking to ask a quick question. What phrase do you use?
Show a sample answer
不好意思，打扰一下 (bù hǎo yì si, dǎ rǎo yī xià)
This combination politely signals an interruption. 'Bù hǎo yì si' alone could work, but adding 'dǎ rǎo yī xià' makes it clearer that you're interrupting.
Use 'láo jià' for formal attention-getting, 'bù hǎo yì si' for casual situations, 'qǐng wèn' before questions, 'dǎ rǎo yī xià' to interrupt, and 'jiè guò yī xià' to pass. Avoid 'duì bù qǐ' unless apologizing for a mistake.
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