When something goes wrong, a simple apology is only the first step. In this workshop you will practice saying sorry, taking responsibility, and answering a question about how you will fix the problem. You will use short, useful lines and a two-person scene about a lost book. Each task gives you a clear answer to check after you speak.
Say Sorry and Take Responsibility
Start with a clear apology. «真的对不起，是我的错。» means the speaker says they are really sorry and that the mistake was their fault. «非常抱歉，这是我的责任。» also apologizes and adds that this is the speaker's responsibility. «这件事怪我，对不起。» is shorter and more direct: the speaker says the matter is on them and apologizes. These lines are useful when you want to admit fault without making excuses. Say each line slowly, then say it again at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and serious. A clear apology is easier to understand than a fast one.
Promise to Make It Right
After you apologize, the other person may want to know what you will do next. «我真的很抱歉，我会想办法弥补。» means the speaker is truly sorry and will find a way to make it right. This line shows that you are not only saying sorry, but also planning to repair the situation. In the scene, «我会买一本新的还你，请给我一个机会弥补。» gives a specific action: the speaker will buy a new one and return it, and asks for a chance to make it right. Use this pattern when you need to answer a question about your plan. Speak the promise clearly, and do not rush the final part.
Understand the Reply and the Roles
A conversation has two sides. In the scene, «那本书很重要。你打算怎么办？» is the other person's reply: the book is very important, and they ask what you plan to do. This is a question, not an apology. Later, «好，我接受你的道歉。下次请小心。» shows acceptance: the other person says okay, accepts the apology, and asks the speaker to be careful next time. When you practice, keep the order: apology, question, promise, acceptance. If you swap roles, you change who reads each part, but you do not change the order of the exchange.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
真的对不起，是我的错。
I'm really sorry, it was my fault.
zhēn de duìbuqǐ, shì wǒ de cuò
非常抱歉，这是我的责任。
I am very sorry; this is my responsibility.
fēicháng bàoqiàn, zhè shì wǒ de zérèn
我真的很抱歉，我会想办法弥补。
I'm truly sorry; I will find a way to make it right.
wǒ zhēn de hěn bàoqiàn, wǒ huì xiǎng bànfǎ míbǔ
这件事怪我，对不起。
This is on me; I'm sorry.
zhè jiàn shì guài wǒ, duìbuqǐ
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
小王，真的对不起，是我的错。我弄丢了你的书。
Xiao Wang, I'm really sorry, it was my fault. I lost your book.那本书很重要。你打算怎么办？
That book is very important. What do you plan to do?我会买一本新的还你，请给我一个机会弥补。
I will buy a new one and return it to you; please give me a chance to make it right.好，我接受你的道歉。下次请小心。
Okay, I accept your apology. Please be careful next time.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Apology Exchange
You are speaker A. You lost a book that belongs to Xiao Wang. You will apologize, answer a question about your plan, and then hear the reply.
Your task: Read your first line aloud: «小王，真的对不起，是我的错。我弄丢了你的书。». Then listen to or read the other person's question: «那本书很重要。你打算怎么办？». Answer with your plan: «我会买一本新的还你，请给我一个机会弥补。». Finally, listen to or read the reply: «好，我接受你的道歉。下次请小心。». Repeat the whole exchange once more without looking at the lines.
Choose the Right Reply
You are speaker B. Speaker A has just said: «小王，真的对不起，是我的错。我弄丢了你的书。». You need to respond with the line that asks about the plan.
Your task: Choose the best reply from these two options: Option 1: «那本书很重要。你打算怎么办？». Option 2: «好，我接受你的道歉。下次请小心。». Say your chosen line aloud. Then say what the other person should do next.
Recall the Scene with Swapped Roles
Work with a partner or use audio. Swap roles: the person who was speaker A now reads speaker B's lines, and the person who was speaker B now reads speaker A's lines. Keep the same order of events.
Your task: From memory, say the four parts in order: apology, question, promise, acceptance. Use these lines: «小王，真的对不起，是我的错。我弄丢了你的书。», «那本书很重要。你打算怎么办？», «我会买一本新的还你，请给我一个机会弥补。», «好，我接受你的道歉。下次请小心。». If you are working alone, say all four parts yourself, changing your voice for each role.
Common questions
Can I practice these lines alone without a partner?
Yes. You can read both roles yourself and change your voice for each part. You can also play the audio for one role and speak the other role aloud. There is no automatic assessment, so use the answer key in each exercise to check your own response.
What should I say if the other person asks what I plan to do?
Use a clear promise that answers the question. In the scene, the answer is «我会买一本新的还你，请给我一个机会弥补。»: the speaker will buy a new one and return it, and asks for a chance to make it right. Say your promise slowly and clearly so the other person knows you have a plan.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: apologize for mistakeChecked September 2026
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