Meaning
打扰 means to disturb or interrupt someone, typically when they are busy, resting, or concentrating. It's commonly used when apologizing for interrupting or asking for someone's time and attention. The word carries a polite, considerate tone and acknowledges that you may be causing inconvenience.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 打扰 in polite requests or apologies, especially when initiating conversations with strangers, making phone calls, or entering someone's space. Common patterns include '打扰一下' (excuse me for a moment) and '不好意思打扰你' (sorry to bother you). It's more formal than casual interruptions among close friends.
Examples
- 01不好意思打扰一下，请问图书馆怎么走？, ?Excuse me for bothering you, could you tell me how to get to the library?
- 02我现在很忙，请不要打扰我。, .I'm very busy right now, please don't disturb me.
Characters
Common collocations
- 打扰一下excuse me (for a moment)
- 不好意思打扰sorry to bother (you)
- 打扰别人to disturb others
- 打扰了sorry for disturbing (you)
Origin
打 originally meant 'to strike' but developed many extended meanings including 'to engage in an action.' 扰 means 'to disturb' or 'to cause disorder.' Together they form a compound meaning 'to cause disturbance through action.'