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| 失陪 [2025/08/13 08:47] – created xiaoer | 失陪 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== shīpéi: 失陪 - Excuse me (for leaving), I must be going ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** shipei, 失陪, shipei meaning, how to say excuse me in Chinese, Chinese for leaving a party, polite way to leave in Chinese, Chinese etiquette, formal Chinese phrases, Sorry I have to go in Chinese, 失陪了 | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese phrase **失陪 (shīpéi)**, the polite and culturally appropriate way to say "Excuse me, I must be going." This comprehensive guide explains its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage in social and business situations. Discover why `shīpéi` is more than just "goodbye" and how using it correctly shows respect and maintains social harmony in Chinese culture. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** shī péi | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Interjection | |
| * **HSK Level:** N/A (Not on the official HSK 1-6 lists, but extremely common and important for intermediate learners and above). | |
| * **Concise Definition:** To excuse oneself for leaving; to be unable to accompany someone further. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** `失陪` is a polite, semi-formal phrase used when you need to leave a social or professional gathering. It literally translates to "to lose accompaniment," which beautifully captures the sense of regret for no longer being able to keep the other person(s) company. It's the perfect way to show respect to your host, colleagues, or elders when you have to depart before them. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **失 (shī):** The core meaning is "to lose" or "to fail." Think of it as losing an object, losing your way, or in this case, losing the ability to do something. | |
| * **陪 (péi):** The core meaning is "to accompany" or "to keep someone company." It's composed of the "place" or "mound" radical `阝` (fù) and a phonetic component `咅` (pǒu). The character implies being with someone in a certain place. | |
| When combined, **失陪 (shīpéi)** creates the meaning "to lose the ability to accompany you." This frames the act of leaving not as a simple, self-centered departure, but as a respectful apology for breaking the social connection. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| `失陪` is a window into the core Chinese cultural values of social harmony (和谐, héxié) and giving "face" (面子, miànzi). | |
| In many Western cultures, particularly American culture, leaving a gathering is often framed around the individual's needs. Phrases like "Sorry, I've got to run!" or "I need to get going" are common and perfectly acceptable. The focus is on the "I." | |
| In contrast, `失陪` shifts the focus to the other person. By saying you can no longer "accompany" them, you are acknowledging their importance and the value of the time you spent together. You are apologizing for the "service" of your company that you are now withdrawing. This is a powerful way of giving the other person face—showing them respect and affirming their social standing. | |
| Using `失陪` demonstrates that you are a considerate and culturally aware person who understands the unspoken rules of Chinese social etiquette. It prevents an early departure from being seen as rude or dismissive, instead turning it into a moment of mutual respect. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| `失陪` is primarily used in semi-formal to formal contexts. It would be considered strange or overly stuffy to use it with very close friends or family. | |
| **Common Scenarios:** | |
| * **Leaving a Dinner Party or Banquet:** When you are a guest and need to leave before others, you would say `失陪` to the host and other guests at your table. | |
| * **Excusing Yourself from a Business Meeting:** If you have another appointment and need to leave a meeting early, saying `不好意思，我得先失陪一下` (Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ děi xiān shīpéi yīxià) is the standard, professional way to do so. | |
| * **Stepping Away from a Conversation:** If you need to take an important phone call or attend to another matter, you can say `失陪一下` (shīpéi yīxià) to excuse yourself temporarily. | |
| * **As a Host:** A host might also use this phrase if they need to briefly leave their guests, for example, to go to the kitchen. "你们先聊，我失陪一下" (Nǐmen xiān liáo, wǒ shīpéi yīxià) - "Please continue chatting, excuse me for a moment." | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| **Example 1:** | |
| * 不好意思，我还有点事，先**失陪**了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ hái yǒudiǎn shì, xiān **shīpéi** le. | |
| * English: I'm sorry, I have something else to attend to, so I must be going now. | |
| * Analysis: This is a classic and very common way to excuse yourself from a social gathering. Starting with `不好意思` (bù hǎoyìsi) softens the statement further. | |
| **Example 2:** | |
| * 王总，时间不早了，我明天要早起，就此**失陪**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wáng zǒng, shíjiān bù zǎo le, wǒ míngtiān yào zǎoqǐ, jiùcǐ **shīpéi**. | |
| * English: Director Wang, it's getting late and I have to wake up early tomorrow, so I'll take my leave here. | |
| * Analysis: A very formal example suitable for a subordinate leaving a dinner with their boss (`王总`). `就此` (jiùcǐ) means "at this point" or "right here," adding to the formality. | |
| **Example 3:** | |
| * 真抱歉，我得去接个重要的电话，**失陪**一下。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhēn bàoqiàn, wǒ děi qù jiē gè zhòngyào de diànhuà, **shīpéi** yīxià. | |
| * English: I'm so sorry, I have to go take an important phone call. Excuse me for a moment. | |
| * Analysis: Here, `失陪一下` (shīpéi yīxià) indicates a temporary departure. The speaker intends to return after the call. | |
| **Example 4:** | |
| * 各位，我下午还有个会，不能再陪大家了，先**失陪**了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Gèwèi, wǒ xiàwǔ hái yǒu gè huì, bùnéng zài péi dàjiā le, xiān **shīpéi** le. | |
| * English: Everyone, I have another meeting this afternoon and can't accompany you any longer. Please excuse me for leaving first. | |
| * Analysis: This is a great way to address a group of people (`各位`, gèwèi). The speaker clearly states the reason for leaving, which adds to the sincerity. | |
| **Example 5:** | |
| * (As a host) 你们先坐，我去看看厨房。**失陪**，**失陪**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Nǐmen xiān zuò, wǒ qù kànkan chúfáng. **Shīpéi**, **shīpéi**. | |
| * English: Please, have a seat, I'm just going to check on the kitchen. Excuse me, excuse me. | |
| * Analysis: A host uses this to show they are not neglecting their guests, just temporarily stepping away. Repeating it (`失陪, 失陪`) makes the apology sound more sincere and polite. | |
| **Example 6:** | |
| * 我今天身体不太舒服，恕我不能奉陪，先**失陪**了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān shēntǐ bù tài shūfu, shù wǒ bùnéng fèngpéi, xiān **shīpéi** le. | |
| * English: I'm not feeling well today, please forgive me for not being able to keep you company, I must be leaving now. | |
| * Analysis: This is a very polite and slightly more elaborate way to excuse oneself. `恕我` (shù wǒ - forgive me) and `奉陪` (fèngpéi - a very respectful way to say "accompany") are formal terms. | |
| **Example 7:** | |
| * A: 你不多坐一会儿吗？ (Nǐ bù duō zuò yīhuìr ma?) - Aren't you going to stay a bit longer? | |
| * B:不了，谢谢。我得回家照顾孩子，**失陪**了。 (Bù le, xièxie. Wǒ děi huíjiā zhàogù háizi, **shīpéi** le.) - No, thank you. I have to go home and take care of my kids, please excuse me. | |
| * Analysis: A common exchange where one person politely declines an invitation to stay longer and uses `失陪` as a respectful closing. | |
| **Example 8:** | |
| * 今天的晚宴非常感谢您的款待。我得先走一步，**失陪**了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Jīntiān de wǎnyàn fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de kuǎndài. Wǒ děi xiān zǒu yībù, **shīpéi** le. | |
| * English: Thank you so much for your hospitality at the banquet tonight. I must make a move now, please excuse me. | |
| * Analysis: This sentence combines gratitude with the act of leaving. `先走一步` (xiān zǒu yībù) is a common expression that pairs well with `失陪`. | |
| **Example 9:** | |
| * 李教授，感谢您的指导。我这边还有急事处理，就先**失陪**了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Lǐ jiàoshòu, gǎnxiè nín de zhǐdǎo. Wǒ zhèbiān hái yǒu jíshì chǔlǐ, jiù xiān **shīpéi** le. | |
| * English: Professor Li, thank you for your guidance. I have an urgent matter to handle, so I'll have to excuse myself now. | |
| * Analysis: Perfect for a student or junior academic taking leave from a professor or senior scholar. It shows deference and respect for their time. | |
| **Example 10:** | |
| * (A message on WeChat after leaving a dinner) | |
| * 王经理，我刚到家。今晚很开心，不好意思提前走了，再次为我的**失陪**表示抱歉。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wáng jīnglǐ, wǒ gāng dàojiā. Jīnwǎn hěn kāixīn, bù hǎoyìsi tíqián zǒu le, zàicì wèi wǒ de **shīpéi** biǎoshì bàoqiàn. | |
| * English: Manager Wang, I just got home. I had a great time tonight, sorry for leaving early, and I apologize again for my early departure. | |
| * Analysis: Here, `失陪` is used as a noun ("my departure/inability to accompany"). This follow-up message is a great professional touch, showing extra courtesy. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| * **Mistake 1: Using it with close friends.** | |
| * //Incorrect:// (To your best friend) 喂，我先**失陪**了。(Wèi, wǒ xiān shīpéi le.) | |
| * **Why it's wrong:** This sounds very distant and overly formal, as if you are treating your friend like a business associate. It creates an awkward social distance. | |
| * **Correct Usage:** 我先走了啊！(Wǒ xiān zǒu le a!) or 拜拜！(Bàibai!) | |
| * **Mistake 2: Confusing it with a general "Excuse Me".** | |
| * `失陪` is NOT a direct translation of "Excuse me." It cannot be used to get someone's attention or to squeeze past someone in a crowd. | |
| * //Incorrect:// (Tapping someone's shoulder) **失陪**，请问洗手间在哪？(Shīpéi, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ?) | |
| * **Why it's wrong:** The meaning is completely out of context. You are not leaving their company. | |
| * **Correct Usage:** //不好意思//，请问洗手间在哪？(Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ?) or to pass someone, //借过一下// (jièguò yīxià). | |
| * **Mistake 3: Using it when leaving an empty space.** | |
| * You must be leaving the "company" of another person. If you're the last one to leave the office for the day, you don't say `失陪` to the empty room. The "陪" (accompany) part of the word requires another person to be present. | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[告辞]] (gàocí) - To take one's leave. Even more formal than `失陪`, often used in historical settings or very official business contexts. Literally "to announce one's departure." | |
| * [[留步]] (liú bù) - The polite response to `失陪` or `告辞`. It means "Don't bother seeing me out," literally "stay your steps." The host says this to the departing guest. | |
| * [[先走一步]] (xiān zǒu yī bù) - "To take a step first." A common, slightly less formal but still polite way to announce you're leaving before others. | |
| * [[我先走了]] (wǒ xiān zǒu le) - "I'm leaving first." The most common, neutral-to-informal way to say you're leaving. Perfect for colleagues and friends. | |
| * [[不好意思]] (bù hǎoyìsi) - "Excuse me / Sorry / Feeling embarrassed." A versatile word often used as a softener before saying `失陪`. | |
| * [[奉陪]] (fèngpéi) - To accompany (respectful). This is the formal verb for keeping someone company, often used in the phrase `恕不奉陪` (shù bù fèngpéi), "forgive me for not being able to accompany you." | |
| * [[打扰]] (dǎrǎo) - To disturb or to interrupt. Used when you need to interrupt someone, as in `打扰一下` (dǎrǎo yīxià). | |