Sorry to bother you
Neutral Polite
What it really means
A standard opener before asking for help or attention, to a stranger, a colleague or in an email. It is not a real apology — it just softens the interruption. The person usually does need something.
Chinese explanation
找人帮忙或打扰别人前的标准开场白，对陌生人、同事或写邮件都适用。不是真道歉，只是缓和打扰的语气。说这话的人通常确实有事相求。
Example conversation
A: Sorry to bother you — do you know which platform the York train leaves from?
B: No bother at all. Platform four.
A：不好意思打扰一下——您知道去约克的火车在哪个站台吗？
B：不打扰。四号站台。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake