Lovely Idiom：不好意思

1.The phrase ”不好意思”(bù hǎo yì sī) is a polite way for asking or communicating with Chinese people as an initial sentence, kind of similar to “excuse me” but not so serious.
For example: at barbershop
If the barbers would ask you to bend your head forward a little or hold your head straightly, before they touch you, he or she might say ”不好意思” in advance (to notice you).

2. In some cases, it just expresses the courtesy; makes a respectful salutation.
For example: visit friends
When you just hear "come on in "or meet their families, you may say ”不好意思” to them.
After visit, before you leave, you may still say ”不好意思” (then... It's kind of late. I'd better leave...).

3. Sometimes it means “excuse me” but with more euphemism
For example: at cinema
In case you are late for finding the seats, someone sits back and let you pass by; you may say ”不好意思”.
If case your friend come later than you a little, he or she may say ”不好意思”. But if they arrive very late, they would say sorry.

4. The other case
Anyway, it’s a mild way in place of plainer expression; we use it very often.
For the moment, I’m gonna to leave work and play jazz drum later, well…I need to say ”不好意思” and Tschüss!