不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si) literally means not good meaning and is a versatile social expression. Used as an apology it is milder than 对不起 (duì bu qǐ, I'm sorry) and suitable for small inconveniences. As a preface to a request it functions like excuse me or pardon me. It can also describe feeling embarrassed or awkward about something (我很不好意思, I feel quite embarrassed). Its positive counterpart 好意思 means to have the nerve to (with a slightly reproachful tone).