Chinese phrase
不好意思 bù hǎo yì si
Meaning
excuse me
When to use it
This is a polite way to get attention or begin a request. It is common with strangers and in public places, and it can also express a small apology.
Example dialogue
不好意思，请问最近的地铁站怎么走？ bù hǎo yì si qǐng wèn zuì jìn de dì tiě zhàn zěn me zǒu
Excuse me, which way is the nearest subway station?
往前走，第三个路口左转就到了。 wǎng qián zǒu dì sān gè lù kǒu zuó zhuǎn jiù dào le
Keep going straight, turn left at the third intersection, and you will be there.