láojià: 劳驾 - Excuse Me, May I trouble you?

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.

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)`.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.