Chinese phrase
抱歉，我不能来 bào qiàn wǒ bù néng lái
Meaning
Sorry I can't come
When to use it
This phrase politely says that the speaker cannot come. It is often used as a gentle reply when declining an invitation, usually with a reason.
Example dialogue
这周五我们去唱K，你能一起吗？ zhè zhōu wǔ wǒ men qù chàng K nǐ néng yì qǐ ma
Can you come sing karaoke with us this Friday?
抱歉，我不能来，那天我要复习考试。 bào qiàn wǒ bù néng lái nà tiān wǒ yào fù xí kǎo shì
Sorry, I can't make it. I have to study for an exam that day.