native
How do I say 'excuse me'?
The standard opener when you need to ask a stranger for information or directions.
请问
Excuse me / may I ask.
LITERAL
Please may I ask.
WHAT IT REALLY MEANS
Excuse me / may I ask.
WHEN IT FITS
Asking a stranger a questionGetting someone's attention before requesting informationPolitely initiating an inquiry
The English “excuse me” quietly bundles three distinct social actions that Chinese keeps separate:
- Asking a question → 请问. Walking up to a stranger to ask where something is. This is purely verbal — you are requesting information.
- Interrupting / minor intrusion → 不好意思. Reaching across a table, squeezing through a crowd, tapping someone on the shoulder. This is about physical or social space.
- Making someone move → 让一下. The subway doors are about to close and someone is in the way. Direct, practical, not rude in context.
Mixing these up creates comedic moments — asking a person blocking the exit 请问 sounds like you are about to quiz them rather than asking them to step aside. The split reflects a genuine difference in how Chinese categorizes social friction.
HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY SAY IT
请问，地铁站怎么走？
Excuse me, how do I get to the subway station?
Asking a stranger for directions请问，这个位子有人吗？
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Asking about a seatCHOOSE BY SITUATION
不好意思
Sorry / excuse me.
You need to interrupt, reach past someone, or get through a crowd让一下
Let me through / move aside please.
You physically need someone to move, e.g. on a crowded subway