Ever been in China and someone invited you to do something, but you just weren’t feeling it? No problem! Saying “not this time” in Mandarin is actually pretty easy. Here at Accurate Translate, we help people talk across languages, and knowing how to politely decline requests is a key skill.
Quick Ways to Say “No”
- “Bu liao” (不了): This is the most direct way to say “no,” but it can sound a bit blunt. You can soften it by adding “zhe ci” (这一次) which means “this time.” So, you could say “zhe ci bu liao” (这一次不了) which means ”not this time”.
- “Mian le” (免了): This is a casual way to say “I’ll pass this time,” kind of like saying “no thanks” to a friend.
Being Extra Polite
Sometimes, a simple “no” might not be the best fit. Here’s how to be super nice about it:
- “Gai tian ba” (改天吧): This means “another day,” a great way to decline without giving a reason.
- “Xia ci ba” (下次吧): Similar to “gai tian ba” but suggests “next time” specifically.
- “Zan shi bu” (暂时不): This translates to “not for now,” perfect if you’re unsure about the future but want to say no politely in the present.
Bonus Tip!
Adding a quick explanation can make your refusal even smoother. For example, “Wo you dian mang” (我有点忙) means “I’m a bit busy today.”
Speak Mandarin with Confidence!
Knowing how to say “no” politely is a must-have skill! With these simple phrases, you’ll be navigating social situations in Mandarin Chinese with ease.
By understanding these options, you can effectively decline invitations or requests in Mandarin Chinese while still being polite and respectful.
In summary, knowing how to say “not this time” in Mandarin Chinese—using phrases like “这次不行” (zhè cì bùxíng) with tact and consideration—helps you navigate social situations gracefully. Whether declining an invitation due to prior commitments or other reasons, these phrases ensure that your responses align with cultural expectations, promoting positive and respectful interactions.
