What is the correct way to say: “I thought you were somebody else.”

Question

In English if you mistake someone for another person it is common to say "I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else".

How should this be said in Chinese?

Answer 1

噢，不好意思，我认错人了。

This is what I usually say in a real conversation.

Answer 2

I think the most common way is:

我以为你是另外一个人
_{wo yiwei ni shi linwai yi ge ren}

You could also say:

我以为你是别人
_{wo yiwei ni shi bie ren}

Often you may say the name of the person that you think they are:

我以为你是 'someone's name'.

You may like to add:

不好意思
_{bu hao yisi}

At the beginning of the sentence depending on the circumstance.

Answer 3

chentudou has great answer. I'd like to add

很抱歉，我看错人了

抱歉 for being extra polite

Answer 4

Useful to know:

If it's on the phone, say 不好意思，我打错了。