Slang dictionary · Pinyin abbreviations · Chinese internet slang
What does DBQ mean?
Also written: DBQ, 对不起, duibuqi
In short
DBQ is the pinyin initialism of 对不起 (duì bu qǐ), "sorry". In Chinese online chat it is a casual, low-key apology, lighter than writing the full word. It became popular in fan communities and teenage chat, and China Youth Daily explained it in a 2018 report on young people's internet slang. It is also used before a blunt opinion, like "sorry, but…".
Where DBQ comes from
Like XSWL (笑死我了) and ZQSG (真情实感, "real feelings"), DBQ takes the first letter of each pinyin syllable. Fan communities used such initialisms a lot: they are fast and work as an in-group code that outsiders don't read at a glance.
In October 2018 China Youth Daily defined DBQ as the pinyin initials of 对不起 and quoted the line "你连 dbq 都不知道，xswl！" ("You don't even know dbq? LMAO!").
How to use DBQ
- dbq，刚刚在开会没看到消息 (sorry, I was in a meeting and missed your message)
- dbq 我又迟到了，奶茶我请 (sorry I'm late again, bubble tea's on me)
- dbq，但这部剧真的很难看下去 (sorry, but this show is really hard to sit through)
- dbq 说句实话，这个配色不太行 (sorry, honestly, this color scheme doesn't work)
- dbq dbq！ (sorry sorry!), after an accidental spoiler
The first two are real apologies; the middle two are "sorry, but" before a critique.
Similar abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| dbq | 对不起 | sorry |
| bhys | 不好意思 | excuse me, sorry (a bit more polite) |
| xswl | 笑死我了 | dying of laughter |
| zqsg | 真情实感 | genuinely emotionally invested |
When not to use DBQ
DBQ suits small slips between friends. For a real mistake, or an apology to a boss, client or older person, the abbreviation looks careless; write 对不起 in full and explain.
And "dbq, but…" may not feel like an apology to the person being criticised, so use it with some care.
FAQ
Is DBQ rude?
No. It is an apology, just a very casual one.
How do I reply to DBQ?
没事 (no problem) or 没关系 (it's fine) work; friends often reply 原谅你了 (forgiven) or a sticker.
What is DBQ in English?
Simply "sorry". The "dbq, but…" use is like "sorry, but…" in English.