Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 劳驾 [2025/08/04 00:28] – created xiaoer
+++ 劳驾 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== láojià: 劳驾 - Excuse Me, May I trouble you? ======
-===== Quick Summary =====
-  * **Keywords:** laojia, 劳驾, láo jià, how to say excuse me in Chinese, Chinese for excuse me, may I trouble you in Chinese, polite Chinese phrases, getting someone's attention in Chinese, asking for a favor in Chinese, 麻烦 (máfan) vs 劳驾 (láojià), Chinese etiquette.
-  * **Summary:** Learn how to use the polite and classic Chinese term **劳驾 (láojià)**, which translates to "excuse me" or "may I trouble you?". This page breaks down its cultural origins, modern usage, and key differences from similar phrases like `不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)` and `麻烦你 (máfán nǐ)`. Master **劳驾 (láojià)** to navigate crowded spaces, ask for small favors, and show respect in everyday conversations in China.
-===== Core Meaning =====
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** láojià
-  * **Part of Speech:** Verb phrase / Interjection
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4
-  * **Concise Definition:** A polite expression used to preface a request for a small favor or to get someone's attention, especially when asking them to move.
-  * **In a Nutshell:** **劳驾 (láojià)** is your go-to polite phrase when you need to ask a stranger for a small physical action. Think of it as "Excuse me, could you please..." or "Sorry to trouble you, but...". It carries a tone of respect and acknowledges that you are imposing on someone's time or effort, even for a minor task. It's slightly more formal and specific than the all-purpose `不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)`.
-===== Character Breakdown =====
-  * **劳 (láo):** This character means "to labor," "to work," or "to trouble." It's the same character used in `劳动 (láodòng)` - physical labor.
-  * **驾 (jià):** This character means "to drive" or "to pilot." Historically, it referred to a horse-drawn carriage or chariot, and by extension, a term of respect for the person riding in it (like "your highness" or "your eminence").
-  * When combined, **劳驾 (láojià)** literally means "to trouble your chariot." This paints a vivid picture of its origin: showing deference by acknowledging the effort it would take for an important person to stop their "chariot" (i.e., their current activity) to help you. This historical weight gives the phrase its polite and slightly formal feel.
-===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
-  * **劳驾 (láojià)** is a window into Chinese social etiquette, which prioritizes harmony and avoiding imposition on others. By using `劳驾`, you are not just demanding attention; you are respectfully acknowledging that you are causing a small "trouble" or "labor" for the other person. This preemptive show of gratitude makes your request much smoother and more likely to be well-received.
-  * **Comparison to "Excuse Me":** In English, "Excuse me" is a very broad term. You can say it to get past someone, to get a waiter's attention, to apologize for a small bump, or to start a question. **劳驾 (láojià)** is more specific. It's almost exclusively used when you need someone to **do** something for you, even if it's as simple as moving an inch. You wouldn't typically use `劳驾` to apologize for bumping into someone (you'd use `不好意思` or `对不起`). This reflects a cultural distinction: `劳驾` is about the other person's *action*, while the English "excuse me" can often be about your own.
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
-  * **劳驾 (láojià)** is very common in daily life, especially in public spaces and with strangers. It is considered polite and well-mannered.
-  * **Getting Past People:** This is the most common use. On a crowded subway, bus, or in a narrow hallway, a simple `劳驾，让一下 (láojià, ràng yīxià)` is the perfect phrase.
-  * **Asking for Small Favors:** It's ideal for requests that require a small physical effort from someone else.
-    * Asking someone to press an elevator button.
-    * Asking someone to pass you something at a dinner table.
-    * Asking a stranger to take a photo for you.
-  * **Formality:** It's polite but not overly formal, striking a good balance for interacting with strangers or service staff. It might sound a little too formal or distant if used with close friends or family, where a simple `哎 (āi)` or just stating the request is more common. It is also noted to be slightly more common in Northern China than in the South, where `麻烦你 (máfán nǐ)` might be more prevalent.
-===== Example Sentences =====
-  * **Example 1:**
-    * **劳驾**，让一下，谢谢！
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, ràng yīxià, xièxie!
-    * English: Excuse me, please let me pass, thank you!
-    * Analysis: This is the classic use case for `劳驾`. You're on a crowded bus and need to get to the door. `让一下 (ràng yīxià)` means "make way for a moment."
-  * **Example 2:**
-    * **劳驾**，能帮我拍张照吗？
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, néng bāng wǒ pāi zhāng zhào ma?
-    * English: Excuse me, could you help me take a picture?
-    * Analysis: A polite way to ask a stranger for a small favor. Using `劳驾` here shows you respect their time.
-  * **Example 3:**
-    * **劳驾**，请把那个盐递给我。
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, qǐng bǎ nàge yán dì gěi wǒ.
-    * English: May I trouble you to please pass me that salt?
-    * Analysis: Used at a dinner table with people you don't know very well. It's more polite than just shouting "Salt!".
-  * **Example 4:**
-    * 师傅，**劳驾**，在前面路口停一下车。
-    * Pinyin: Shīfù, **láojià**, zài qiánmiàn lùkǒu tíng yīxià chē.
-    * English: Driver, excuse me, please stop the car at the next intersection.
-    * Analysis: A common and respectful way to address a taxi driver (`师傅 shīfù`) and give an instruction.
-  * **Example 5:**
-    * **劳驾**，请问去火车站怎么走？
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, qǐngwèn qù huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?
-    * English: Excuse me, may I ask how to get to the train station?
-    * Analysis: Here, `劳驾` is used to get someone's attention before asking a question (`请问 qǐngwèn`). It adds an extra layer of politeness.
-  * **Example 6:**
-    * **劳驾**，这个座位有人吗？
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma?
-    * English: Excuse me, is this seat taken?
-    * Analysis: A polite way to interrupt someone to ask a question about your shared environment.
-  * **Example 7:**
-    * **劳驾**，能帮我按一下10楼吗？
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, néng bāng wǒ àn yīxià shí lóu ma?
-    * English: Excuse me, could you help me press the button for the 10th floor?
-    * Analysis: A perfect scenario for `劳驾` in an elevator when you can't reach the buttons.
-  * **Example 8:**
-    * 服务员，**劳驾**，买单！
-    * Pinyin: Fúwùyuán, **láojià**, mǎidān!
-    * English: Waiter, excuse me, the bill please!
-    * Analysis: A polite but effective way to get the attention of service staff in a restaurant.
-  * **Example 9:**
-    * **劳驾**，您的包挡住路了。
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, nín de bāo dǎngzhù lù le.
-    * English: Excuse me, your bag is blocking the way.
-    * Analysis: A respectful way to point out a problem and implicitly ask someone to move their belongings. Note the use of the formal "you" (`您 nín`).
-  * **Example 10:**
-    * **劳驾**，把窗户关一下，有点儿冷。
-    * Pinyin: **Láojià**, bǎ chuānghu guān yīxià, yǒudiǎnr lěng.
-    * English: Excuse me, please close the window, it's a bit cold.
-    * Analysis: Used to make a polite request that benefits you but requires a small action from another person.
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
-  * **`劳驾 (láojià)` vs. `不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)`:** This is the most common point of confusion.
-    * Use **`劳驾`** when you are asking someone to perform a **small action** for you (move, pass something, press a button). It acknowledges their *labor*.
-    * Use **`不好意思`** as a general-purpose "excuse me" or "sorry." Use it when you accidentally bump someone, when you feel slightly embarrassed, or to get someone's attention for a question. It's about your feeling of slight awkwardness or apology.
-    * **Incorrect:** You step on someone's foot and say: `*劳驾!` This is wrong. You should say `不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi)` or `对不起 (duìbuqǐ)`.
-  * **`劳驾 (láojià)` vs. `麻烦你 (máfán nǐ)`:**
-    * These are very similar and often interchangeable. `麻烦你 (máfán nǐ)` literally means "to trouble you."
-    * `劳驾` can sometimes feel slightly more formal, classic, or Northern-sounding.
-    * `麻烦你` is extremely common all over China and is a safe and polite alternative in almost any situation where you would use `劳驾`.
-===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
-  * [[不好意思]] (bù hǎoyìsi) - A more versatile "excuse me," also used for minor apologies and expressing embarrassment. It's less about asking for labor and more about the feeling of imposition.
-  * [[麻烦]] (máfán) - The root word for "trouble" or "troublesome." Often used in the phrase `麻烦你... (máfán nǐ...)`, a very common synonym for `劳驾`.
-  * [[请问]] (qǐngwèn) - "May I please ask..." Used specifically to introduce a question. It can be used alone or after `劳驾`.
-  * [[打扰一下]] (dǎrǎo yīxià) - "To interrupt for a moment." Similar to `劳驾`, but it focuses more on the act of interrupting someone's concentration or conversation.
-  * [[让一下]] (ràng yīxià) - "Make way for a moment." This is the action you are often requesting when you say `劳驾` in a crowd.
-  * [[借过]] (jièguò) - "Borrowing a pass," meaning "passing through." It's a very direct and informal way to ask to get by, common in crowded, fast-moving situations.
-  * [[对不起]] (duìbuqǐ) - "I'm sorry." Reserved for more significant apologies where you have caused a real inconvenience or harm. Not used for getting attention.