抱歉
bào qiàn
ZH
to feel sorry; to apologize; sorry; apologetic
我迟到了，非常抱歉。
I'm late, I'm very sorry.
Etymology
This word combines 抱 (to hold, to harbor a feeling) and 歉 (regret, dissatisfaction). It originally referred to harboring a feeling of regret or inadequacy toward someone, and evolved to mean apologizing or feeling sorry for a mistake.
Memory Aid
Think of 抱 (hold) as holding your regret, and 歉 (qiàn) sounding like 'sorry' when spoken quickly. Imagine holding your guilt and saying you're sorry.
Collocations
Synonyms
对不起不好意思致歉
Antonyms
没关系不客气无妨
Related Words
道歉歉意愧疚
Login Sign in to save to vocabulary