When you arrive late to meet a friend, a short apology and a kind reply keep the mood easy. In this workshop you will speak both roles using recorded lines. You will first practice a guided exchange, then choose the best reply you hear, and finally recall the lines with the correct roles. Each recorded line is explained in English before you use it, so you always know what you are saying.
Apologizing for Being Late
A simple apology is enough when you are late. The recorded line «对不起，我来晚了。» means "Sorry, I'm late." You can also use «不好意思，我迟到了。», which is a softer, more casual way to say "Sorry, I'm late." If you want to apologize for making someone wait, use «不好意思，让你久等了。», which means "Sorry to keep you waiting." These lines are short, so say them clearly and calmly. A small nod or a slight bow can make the apology feel warmer, but the words alone are polite. Practice each line slowly first, then at a natural speed.
Accepting an Apology
When a friend apologizes, a warm reply helps them feel better. The recorded line «没事。» means "It's okay" or "No problem." A longer reply is «没事，我也刚到。», which means "It's okay, I just got here too." This reply shows you are not upset. Another kind reply is «没关系，别放在心上。», which means "It's okay, don't take it to heart." Use these replies after you hear an apology. Say them with a soft tone so your friend knows the lateness is not a problem.
Taking Responsibility
Sometimes you want to say more than "I'm late." The recorded line «我错了。» means "My bad" or "I was wrong." It accepts responsibility in a friendly way. You can use «我错了。» after «对不起，我来晚了。» or «不好意思，我迟到了。» to make your apology stronger. For example, you might say «对不起，我来晚了。» and then «我错了。». Keep your voice gentle. This line is common between friends and sounds natural in casual situations.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
对不起，我来晚了。
Sorry, I'm late.
duìbuqǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le.
不好意思，我迟到了。
Sorry, I'm late.
bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ chídào le.
我错了。
My bad. / I was wrong.
wǒ cuò le.
没事。
It's okay. / No problem.
méishì.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
对不起，我来晚了。
Sorry, I'm late.没事，我也刚到。
It's okay, I just got here too.不好意思，让你久等了。
Sorry to keep you waiting.没关系，别放在心上。
It's okay, don't take it to heart.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Late Arrival Exchange
Imagine you are meeting a friend and you arrive late. Your friend is already there. You will play both roles: first the late arriver, then the friend.
Your task: Read the late arriver's line aloud: «对不起，我来晚了。». Then read the friend's reply aloud: «没事。». After that, switch roles and repeat. Do this three times, trying to sound natural and calm.
Choose the Best Reply
You will hear an apology and choose the best reply from two options. Imagine a friend has just apologized for being late.
Your task: Listen to or read the apology «对不起，我来晚了。». Then choose the better reply: A) «没事。» or B) «我错了。». Say your chosen reply aloud.
Recall with Correct Roles
In this task you will recall the lines without looking at them first. Imagine the same late arrival scene with a friend.
Your task: As the late arriver, say the line that means "Sorry, I'm late." Then as the friend, say the line that means "It's okay, I just got here too." After that, switch roles and repeat.
Common questions
Can I use these apologies with anyone?
These lines are friendly and casual. They work well with friends and people you know well. With a teacher, a boss, or someone you just met, a more formal apology may be better. Start with friends and practice until the lines feel natural.
What if I am not actually late?
You can still use «不好意思，让你久等了。» if you kept someone waiting, even for a short time. If you are not late at all, you do not need to apologize. The recorded lines are for times when you are late or when you made someone wait.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: apologize to friendsChecked September 2026
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