Correct
抱歉 vs 对不起
/ bàoqiàn vs duìbuqǐ /
Strokes
Definition
抱歉 is an Adjective, 对不起 is a Verb Phrase, which means [be sorry, feel apologetic].
Example
The meaning of 对不起 is very concrete and it can take an object. It can be used directly to apologize. 抱歉 cannot take an object.
In examples ① ② and ③ the two expressions are interchangeable.
2)对不起can take an object.,while抱歉cannot:
3)抱歉can function as an adverbial,while对不起cannot:
2)对不起can take an object.,while抱歉cannot:
3)抱歉can function as an adverbial,while对不起cannot:
1
Xiǎozhāng
小张
duì
对
xiǎowáng
小王
shuō
说
:
真
zhēnbào
抱歉
qiàn
(
duìbu
对不起
qǐ
)
,
我
wǒ
弄
nòng
坏
huài
了
le
你
nǐ
的
dexiàng
相机
jī
。
Xiao Zhang said to Xiao Wang: “Im sorry that I have spoiled your camera."
2
Xiǎozhāng
小张
shuō
说
le
了
shēng
声
bào
抱歉
qiàn
(
duìbu
对不起
qǐ
)
,
小王
xiǎo
也
wángyě
就算
jiù
了
suàn
。
Xiao Zhang apologized, and Xiao Wang forgave him.
3
Tā
他
biǎoshì
表示
shí
十
fēn
分
bàoqiàn
抱歉
(
duìbuqǐ
对不起
)
。
He expressed his great apology.
对不起 can take an object, while 抱歉 cannot.
4
Zhēn
真
duìbuqǐ
对不起
nǐ
你
,
nòng
弄
huài
坏
le
了
nǐ
你
de
的
dōngxī
东西
。
I'm terribly sorry for spoiling your articles.
5
Wǒ
我
cónglái
从来
bù
不
zuò
做
duìbuqǐ
对不起
rén
人
de
的
shì
事
。
I never do things harmful to others.
抱歉 can function as an adverbial, while 对不起 cannot.
6
Tā
她
bàoqiàn
抱歉
dì
地
shuō
说
:
shì
是
wǒ
我
bùduì
不对
。
She apologized that it's her fault.
7
Lái
来
wǎn
晚
le
了
,
lǎolǐ
老李
bàoqiàn
抱歉
dì
地
xiàng
向
dàjiā
大家
gǒng
拱
gǒngshǒu
拱手
。
Lao Li apologized to all the people present with a cupped-hand salute.