This workshop helps you use three polite Chinese phrases in a real, narrow situation: getting someone's attention, asking about a seat, asking where the restroom is, and passing through a crowd. You will practise the exact question-and-answer exchanges from the recordings, not a general list of polite words. The key skill is choosing the right phrase for the right job: 不好意思 to open gently, 请问 to ask a question, and 借过 to move past someone. You can play both roles alone by replaying the recorded lines and answering aloud. Use the self-checks to confirm that you understood each reply and kept the speaker roles straight.
Three phrases, three jobs
不好意思 is the gentle opener. It can interrupt, soften a request, or act as a mild apology. 请问 comes before a question, especially with strangers or staff. Together they form the recorded line «不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？», meaning “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” 借过 is different: it is a request to pass through a tight space, not an apology. Use it when you need someone to move aside. 劳驾 is a slightly more formal option for asking a small favour or for someone to move. The recordings show the natural order: open with 不好意思, ask with 请问, and use 借过 only when physically passing.
The seat and restroom exchange
A asks «不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？» (Excuse me, is this seat taken?). B answers «没有人，请坐。» (No one is sitting there; please sit down). A then says «谢谢。不好意思，再请问一下，洗手间在哪里？» (Thanks. Excuse me, one more question: where is the restroom?). B replies «在前面左转。» (Turn left ahead). This is the same conversation: A has already asked about the seat before asking one more question. Play both roles, then check whether you understood that the seat is available and the direction is left ahead.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
借过
Excuse me (let me pass)
jiè guò
不好意思
Excuse me / Sorry
bù hǎo yì si
请问
Excuse me, may I ask...
qǐng wèn
劳驾
Excuse me (may I trouble you)
láo jià
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？
Excuse me, is this seat taken?没有人，请坐。
No one, please sit.谢谢。不好意思，再请问一下，洗手间在哪里？
Thanks. Excuse me, one more question, where is the restroom?在前面左转。
Turn left ahead.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided seat exchange
You are A. You see a seat near someone and want to ask if it is free. Use the recorded opening line.
Your task: Say «不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？» aloud. Then play the recording of B and answer as B with «没有人，请坐。» Repeat the exchange twice, swapping roles the second time.
Choose the right phrase
You are in two situations: (1) you need to ask a stranger if a seat is taken; (2) you are squeezing through a crowd to exit.
Your task: For situation 1, say the recorded question «不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？» For situation 2, say «借过» to ask people to let you pass. Then explain aloud why 借过 does not fit situation 1 and why 请问 does not fit situation 2.
Recall with correct roles
Cover the translations. You will hear or read the recorded lines and must recall who says what.
Your task: Read «没有人，请坐。» and say which speaker says it and what it means. Then read «在前面左转。» and do the same. Finally, produce A's full restroom question from memory: «谢谢。不好意思，再请问一下，洗手间在哪里？»
Common questions
Can I use 借过 to ask about a seat?
No. 借过 means 'let me pass' and is used when moving through a crowd or tight space. For a seat question, use the recorded line «不好意思，请问这个座位有人吗？» which opens politely and asks directly.
Is 不好意思 the same as 对不起?
They are similar but not identical. 不好意思 is milder and more versatile: it can interrupt, soften a request, or gently apologize. 对不起 is stronger and more apologetic. In the recorded dialogue, 不好意思 is used to open a question, not to apologize for a serious mistake.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: using excuse meChecked September 2026
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