对不起 from HSK Level 1 Vocabulary List

The Chinese word 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) is a common phrase used to express apology or regret. It is composed of three characters: 对 (duì), 不 (bù), and 起 (qǐ).The character 对 (duì) means "to face" or "to confront". It is often used in the context of relationships or interactions between people. In the phrase 对不起, it implies that the speaker is facing the person they have wronged and is taking responsibility for their actions.The character 不 (bù) is a negation particle that means "not" or "no". In the phrase 对不起, it negates the following character 起 (qǐ), which means "to rise" or "to stand up".The character 起 (qǐ) is often used in the context of getting up from a seated or lying position. In the phrase 对不起, it is used metaphorically to mean "to make amends" or "to rectify a mistake".When combined together, the three characters 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) form a phrase that literally means "I do not dare to face you". This phrase expresses a sense of shame or guilt for one's actions and a desire to make things right. It is a common way to apologize in Chinese culture and is used in a variety of situations, from minor inconveniences to serious offenses.