麻烦你了。
Sorry to trouble you.
حرفيًا: Trouble you [past particle].
Use this phrase whenever someone exerts effort for you to show you are polite and socially aware.
في 15 ثانية
- The ultimate polite way to ask for or acknowledge a favor.
- Use it with strangers, colleagues, and friends to show respect.
- Softens requests and expresses gratitude for someone's time and effort.
المعنى
This is your go-to phrase for politely asking for a favor or thanking someone for their help. It literally means 'I've troubled you,' but it functions like a warm 'thanks for the effort' or 'sorry for the bother.'
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Asking a waiter for more water
服务员，请再给我一杯水，麻烦你了。
Waiter, please give me another glass of water, sorry to trouble you.
Asking a colleague for help with a file
你能帮我看看这个文件吗？麻烦你了。
Can you help me look at this file? Sorry to trouble you.
Texting a friend to pick up a package
帮我拿一下快递，麻烦你啦！
Help me grab my package, thanks for the trouble!
خلفية ثقافية
This phrase reflects the deep-seated Chinese value of social reciprocity and 'renqing' (social favors). It acknowledges the debt created when someone helps you, effectively maintaining harmony in relationships. It is the ultimate 'social lubricant' in a culture that prizes humility over directness.
The 'Pre-emptive' Strike
Use it *before* you even state your request to immediately lower the other person's defenses and make them more likely to help.
Don't overdo it with BFFs
If you say this to your best friend for passing the salt, they might ask why you're being so 'waiki' (acting like an outsider).
في 15 ثانية
- The ultimate polite way to ask for or acknowledge a favor.
- Use it with strangers, colleagues, and friends to show respect.
- Softens requests and expresses gratitude for someone's time and effort.
What It Means
Máfan nǐ le is the Swiss Army knife of Chinese politeness. It translates to "Sorry to trouble you" or "I've put you to some work." It acknowledges that the other person is doing something for you. It turns a cold request into a warm, respectful interaction. Think of it as a verbal hug for someone's effort.
How To Use It
You can use it at the beginning of a request to soften the blow. You can also use it at the end to show gratitude. It is incredibly versatile. Just say the words and watch the other person's face relax. It shows you value their time and energy. It is much more common than a simple xièxie for favors.
When To Use It
Use it when a waiter brings you extra napkins. Use it when a colleague helps you with a spreadsheet. Use it when a friend picks you up from the airport. It works perfectly in professional emails too. If someone is doing something they didn't *have* to do, say it. Even if it is their job, it makes you look like a pro at manners.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for massive, life-altering favors where you should be more formal. If someone saves your life, you need more than just this phrase! Also, avoid it with very close family members like your parents. Using it with them might feel too distant or cold. It can make them feel like you are treating them like strangers. Don't use it if you aren't actually asking for anything.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a huge emphasis on 'mianzi' or face. By saying máfan nǐ le, you are acknowledging that you are taking some of their 'face' or energy. It is a way of balancing the social scales. It shows you are 'keqi' or polite and well-bred. It is the hallmark of a person who understands social harmony. It’s been a staple of social glue for generations.
Common Variations
If you want to be extra polite, say máfan nín le to elders. If you are asking for a favor right now, say máfant nǐ yíxià. If you want to sound more casual with friends, just say máfan la. You can also add zhēn de at the front to say "Really sorry to trouble you." These small tweaks change the flavor but keep the heart of the phrase.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is neutral-to-polite. It is safe for almost all social interactions except with very intimate family members where it might sound 'too polite' and create distance.
The 'Pre-emptive' Strike
Use it *before* you even state your request to immediately lower the other person's defenses and make them more likely to help.
Don't overdo it with BFFs
If you say this to your best friend for passing the salt, they might ask why you're being so 'waiki' (acting like an outsider).
The 'Nín' Factor
If the person is significantly older or your high-level boss, swap 'nǐ' for 'nín' to earn massive respect points.
أمثلة
6服务员，请再给我一杯水，麻烦你了。
Waiter, please give me another glass of water, sorry to trouble you.
Adding this at the end makes the request much more polite.
你能帮我看看这个文件吗？麻烦你了。
Can you help me look at this file? Sorry to trouble you.
Perfect for maintaining good office relationships.
帮我拿一下快递，麻烦你啦！
Help me grab my package, thanks for the trouble!
The 'la' at the end makes it sound cuter and more casual.
麻烦你了，请问地铁站在哪儿？
Sorry to bother you, may I ask where the subway station is?
Using it at the start grabs attention politely.
每次都让你请客，真麻烦你了。
You treat me every time, I'm really putting you out.
Shows you are aware of their generosity.
帮我洗碗吧，麻烦你了，好哥哥！
Do the dishes for me, trouble you, my dear brother!
Using formal politeness with family can be used for humorous effect.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best phrase to complete the request to a teacher.
老师，请问这个问题怎么做？___。
When asking a teacher for help with a question, 'máfan nǐ le' is the most appropriate way to show respect for their time.
How would you tell a delivery driver 'thanks for the trouble'?
东西放在门口就好，___。
Acknowledging the driver's effort in delivering your items is best done with 'máfan nǐ le'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum of Politeness
With close friends
麻烦啦 (Máfan la)
Standard daily use
麻烦你了 (Máfan nǐ le)
To elders or bosses
麻烦您了 (Máfan nín le)
Where to use 'Máfan nǐ le'
At a Restaurant
Asking for the bill
In the Office
Asking for a signature
On the Street
Asking for directions
With Friends
Borrowing a pen
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot exactly. While xièxie is a general 'thank you,' máfan nǐ le specifically acknowledges the effort or 'trouble' someone went through for you.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails. Ending an email with 那就麻烦你了 (Then I'll trouble you with that) is a standard polite closing.
On its own, máfan means 'troublesome' or 'annoying.' For example, zhè jiàn shì hěn máfan means 'this matter is very troublesome.'
The most common response is bù máfan (no trouble) or méi guānxi (it doesn't matter/it's fine).
It's better to avoid it with parents as it can sound too formal. Stick to a simple xièxie or just a smile, as family is expected to help each other.
Absolutely! It’s very polite to say máfan nǐ le when you tell them your destination or when you get out.
Adding the le at the end makes it sound more complete and natural, often implying the 'trouble' has already begun or is certain to happen.
No, it's actually quite charming. It shows you are considerate of your date's time and effort.
No, for accidents, use duìbuqǐ (sorry). Máfan nǐ le is specifically for favors or tasks.
Not at all. Despite the word 'trouble,' the tone is appreciative, not complaining.
عبارات ذات صلة
太客气了
Too polite / You're too kind.
辛苦了
You've worked hard (used to thank someone for their labor).
劳驾
Excuse me / May I trouble you (more old-fashioned/Northern).
多谢
Many thanks.
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