不好意思 bù hǎo yì si
“to feel embarrassed; to find it embarrassing; to be sorry (for inconveniencing sb)”
verb, adjectiveHSK 5 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
不好意思 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 313: 不好意思 bùhǎoyìsi — Level 2; official annotation 2. PDF page 87
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 不好意思
不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is a fixed expression used to express embarrassment, to apologize mildly, or to get someone's attention (like 'excuse me'). It functions as an adjective or interjection and does not take a direct object. It is lighter and more casual than 对不起.
例句Example sentences
- 不好意思，我来晚了。bù hǎo yì si, wǒ lái wǎn le.Sorry, I'm late.
- 他不好意思地笑了。tā bù hǎo yì si de xiào le.He smiled embarrassedly.
- 不好意思，请问洗手间在哪儿？bù hǎo yì si, qǐng wèn xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎr?Excuse me, where is the restroom?
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我很不好意思你
✓我对你很不好意思
不好意思 does not take a direct object; use 对...不好意思 to express embarrassment towards someone.
易混词Easily confused
不好意思vs对不起
对不起 is a formal apology; 不好意思 is lighter and also used for embarrassment or to get attention.