The basic structure

When you want to talk about what someone is doing right now, you need to use the present progressive tense, but how do you do that when verbs in Chinese don’t change at all? In Chinese, we have three words that we add to a sentence to indicate that an action is in progress.

1. Subject + 正在 + state/action + (呢)
2. Subject + 在 + state/action + (呢)
3. Subject + 正 + state/action + 呢
4. Subject + state/action + 呢

Note that in the first two structures, including 呢 at the end is optional.

Common expressions

What are you doing?
你正在干/做什么（呢）？
(Nǐ zhèngzài gàn/zuò shénme (ne)?)

你在干/做什么(呢)？
(Nǐ zài gàn/zuò shénme (ne)?)
你正干/做什么呢？

(Nǐ zhèng gàn/zuò shénme ne?)
你干/做什么呢？
(Nǐ gàn/zuò shénme ne?)

e.g.

A: 你正在做什么？(Nǐ zhèngzài zuò shénme?)
What are you doing?

B: 我正在开会。(Wǒ zhèngzài kāihuì.)
I’m in a meeting.

A: 你在干什么呢？(Nǐ zài gànshénme ne?)
What are you doing?

B: 我在洗衣服呢。(Wǒ zài xǐ yīfú ne.)
I’m doing the laundry.

A：你正做什么呢？(Nǐ zhèng zuò shénme ne?)
What are you doing?

B：我正包饺子呢。(Wǒ zhèng bāo jiǎozi ne.)
I’m making dumplings.

A: 你干什么呢？(Nǐ gànshénme ne?)
What are you doing?

B: 我工作呢。(Wǒ gōngzuò ne.)
I’m working.

You can also ask someone more specifically “Are you doing something” by using a specific verb and adding 吗 at the end instead of 呢, like so: Are you …… ?

你在……吗？

e.g.

A：你在吃东西吗？(Nǐ zài chī dōngxi ma?)
Are you eating?

B：是的，我在吃饺子。(Shì de, wǒ zài chī jiǎozi.)
Yes, I’m eating dumplings.

A：你在做运动吗？(Nǐ zài zuò yùndòng ma?)
Are you exercising?

B:  没有，我正在休息呢。(Méiyǒu, wǒ zhèngzài xiūxi ne.)
No, I’m taking a break.

Casual expressions

There are many common Chinese expressions used in everyday life which actually originate from different dialects. You’ll often hear questions like this:

你在干嘛呢？/ 你干嘛呢？/干嘛呢？
(Nǐ zài gànmá ne?)

你在干啥呢？/ 你干啥呢？/ 干啥呢？
(Nǐ zài gànshá ne?)

啥 and 嘛 are both words that mean “what” in some dialects. They’re almost exclusively used in verbal conversations.

e.g.

A: 你在干嘛呢？(Nǐ zài gànmá ne?)
What are you doing?

B：我在洗碗呢。(Wǒ zài xǐ wǎn ne.)
I’m washing the dishes.

A：干啥呢？(Gànshá ne?)
What are you up to?

B：学习呢。(Xuéxí ne.)
Studying。

You can also ask “What are you busy with?”

你在忙什么？
(Nǐ zài máng shénme?)

忙啥呢？   
(Máng shá ne?)

e.g.

A: 你在忙什么？(Nǐ zài máng shénme?)
What are you busy with?

B：我在准备搬家呢。(Wǒ zài zhǔnbèi bānjiā ne.)
I’m getting ready to move.

And just like the other way we looked at earlier, there is also a more casual way to ask with a yes-no question.

……呢？
Are you……?

e.g.

A: 散步呢？(Sànbù ne?)
Are you taking a walk?

B：是啊，散步呢。(Shì a, sànbù ne.)
Yes, I’m walking.

A：看电影呢？(Kàn diànyǐng ne?)
Are you watching a movie?

B：不是，我在玩游戏。(Bùshì, wǒ zài wán yóuxì.)
No, I’m playing a game.

Some Daily Activities

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The common expressions to say “sorry”

对不起 (duì bù qǐ)

对不起  literally means “sorry”. It`s a formal and straightforward way to admit you made a mistake and apologize for it. It`s often used when you’ve made a mistake, caused inconvenience, or hurt someone’s feelings. The tone is sincere, can be used in both serious and casual contexts.

e.g.

对不起，我帮不了你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bāng bù liǎo nǐ.)
Sorry, I can`t help you.

对不起，我迟到了。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídào le.)
Sorry, I’m late.

A: 对不起，我不该在会上顶撞你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù gāi zài huì shàng dǐngzhuàng nǐ.) I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have contradicted you in the meeting.
B: 我理解你的想法，但下次可以私下讨论。(Wǒ lǐjiě nǐ de xiǎngfǎ, dàn xià cì kěyǐ sīxià tǎolùn.) I understand your perspective, but next time we can discuss it privately.

A: 对不起，我不小心碰倒了你的咖啡。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn pèng dǎo le nǐ de kāfēi.) I’m sorry, I accidentally knocked over your coffee.
B: 没关系，地板我来擦就好。 (Méi guānxi, dìbǎn wǒ lái cā jiù hǎo.) No worries, I’ll wipe the floor.

不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)

“Feel embarrassed” or “excuse me.” It can be used to apologize for smaller mistakes/interruptions (e.g., bumping into someone, asking for a small favor). Also it’s used to express shyness or politeness. The tone is polite and slightly softer than “对不起,” often for lighter situations.

e.g.

A:我喜欢你！(Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ!) I like you!
B:不好意思，我有男朋友了。(Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ yǒu nán péngyǒule.) Sorry, I have a boyfriend already.

A: 不好意思，能不能借过一下？ (Bù hǎo yìsi, néng bùnéng jièguò yīxià?) Excuse me, could I pass by?
B: 没问题，你先走。 (Méi wèntí, nǐ xiān zǒu.) No problem, you go ahead.

A: 不好意思，我打扰你一下。你能帮我看下这个文件吗？ (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ dǎrǎo nǐ yīxià. Nǐ néng bāng wǒ kàn xià zhège wénjiàn ma?) Sorry to bother you. Could you help me look over this document?
B: 好的，给我看看吧。 (Hǎo de, gěi wǒ kànkan ba.) Sure, let me have a look.

抱歉 (bàoqiàn)

Similar to 对不起, but can sound a bit more formal or written. Often found in formal messages, business emails, or polite conversations. It shows regret or remorse.

e.g.

A:你还没来吗？(Nǐ hái méi lái ma?) Are you not coming yet?
B:抱歉，我今天不能来了。(Bàoqiàn, wǒ jīn tiān bù néng lái le.) Sorry, I can’t come today.

A: 抱歉，会议要临时改到明天。(Bàoqiàn, huìyì yào línshí gǎi dào míngtiān.) I’m sorry, but the meeting has been rescheduled to tomorrow.
B: 没关系，我会重新安排我的时间。(Méi guānxi, wǒ huì chóngxīn ānpái wǒ de shíjiān.) No problem, I’ll rearrange my schedule.

A: 抱歉，上次没能及时回复你的邮件。(Bàoqiàn, shàng cì méi néng jíshí huífù nǐ de yóujiàn.) Sorry, I couldn’t reply to your email in time.
B: 没事，我知道你工作忙。(Méi shì, wǒ zhīdào nǐ gōngzuò máng.) It’s okay, I know you’re busy.

This expression is used in particular when you feel sorry about something that happened to someone, and you want to express your sympathy.

e.g.

对于你离婚的事，我感到很抱歉。(Duìyú nǐ líhūn de shì, wǒ gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn.) I`m sorry about your divorce.

很抱歉通知您，您的行李丢失了。(Hěn bàoqiàn tōngzhī nín, nín de xínglǐ diūshī le.) I’m very sorry to inform you that your luggage has been lost.

对于这次洪水给大家造成的损失，我们感到很抱歉。(Duìyú zhè cì hóngshuǐ gěi dàjiā zàochéng de sǔnshī, wǒmen gǎndào hěn bàoqiàn.)  We feel very sorry for the damage this flood has caused everyone.

The extended phrases to express “Sorry” in Chinese

我不是故意的。(Wǒ bùshì gùyì de.)

“I didn’t mean it” or “I didn’t do it on purpose.”

It emphasizes that any mistake or harm caused was accidental, not intentional.

e.g.

A: 你怎么撞到我了？(Nǐ zěnme zhuàng dào wǒ le?) Why did you bump into me?
B: 对不起，我不是故意的，刚才没看到你。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bùshì gùyì de, gāngcái méi kàn dào nǐ.) I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just didn’t see you.

A: 你把我的杯子摔碎了？ (Nǐ bǎ wǒ de bēizi shuāi suì le?) Did you break my cup?
B: 我不是故意的，我赔你一个新的。 (Wǒ bùshì gùyì de, wǒ péi nǐ yī gè xīn de.) I didn’t do it on purpose. I’ll get you a new one.

A: 你为什么在群里发错信息？很尴尬啊。(Nǐ wèishéme zài qún lǐ fā cuò xìnxī? Hěn gāngà a.) Why did you send the wrong message in the group chat? That’s so awkward.
B: 我不是故意的，发之前没仔细检查。 (Wǒ bùshì gùyì de, fā zhīqián méi zǐxì jiǎnchá.) I didn’t mean to. I didn’t double-check before sending.

你别生气。(Nǐ bié shēngqì.)

“Don’t be angry.”

It’s used when you notice someone is upset or furious, and you want them to calm down.

e.g.

A: 我都和你说了很多遍了，你怎么还是忘？ (Wǒ dōu hé nǐ shuō le hěn duō biàn le, nǐ zěnme háishì wàng?) I’ve told you so many times, why do you still forget?
B: 你别生气，我下次一定记得。(Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ xià cì yīdìng jìdé.) Don’t be angry. I’ll remember next time.

A: 你又迟到了，让我等了半个小时！ (Nǐ yòu chídào le, ràng wǒ děng le bàn gè xiǎoshí!) You’re late again, I’ve been waiting for half an hour!
B: 你别生气，我堵车了，下次提前出门。 (Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ dǔchē le, xià cì tíqián chūmén.) Please don’t be mad. There was a traffic jam. I’ll leave earlier next time.

A: 你怎么能忘了我的生日？ (Nǐ zěnme néng wàng le wǒ de shēngrì?) How could you forget my birthday?
B: 你别生气，我真的忙晕了。(Nǐ bié shēngqì, wǒ zhēn de máng yūn le.) Please don’t be angry. I’ve been so busy I got confused.

是我不对。(Shì wǒ bùduì.)

“It’s my fault” or “I’m in the wrong.”

This admits responsibility or error straightforward.

e.g.

嘲笑你，这是我不对。 (Cháoxiào nǐ, zhè shì wǒ bùduì.) I didn’t mean to make fun of you, it’s my bad., this is my bad.

A: 这次的工作失误是谁造成的？ (Zhè cì de gōngzuò shīwù shì shuí zàochéng de?) Who caused this mistake at work this time?
B: 是我不对，我没仔细检查。 (Shì wǒ bùduì, wǒ méi zǐxì jiǎnchá.) It’s my fault; I didn’t check carefully.

A: 你怎么把我的名字拼错了？ (Nǐ zěnme bǎ wǒ de míngzì pīn cuò le?) Why did you misspell my name?
B: 是我不对，疏忽了。我会重新打印。 (Shì wǒ bùduì, shūhū le. Wǒ huì chóngxīn dǎyìn.) That’s my fault, I was careless. I’ll reprint it.

是我不好。(Shì wǒ bùhǎo.)

“It’s my bad.”

This is similar to “是我不对,” but sounds a bit more casual or personal.

e.g.

A: 我等了你很久，你为什么没来接我？ (Wǒ děngle nǐ hěn jiǔ, nǐ wèishéme méi lái jiē wǒ?) I waited for you a long time. Why didn’t you come pick me up?
B: 是我不好，忘记了。我现在马上过去。 (Shì wǒ bùhǎo, wàngjì le. Wǒ xiànzài mǎshàng guòqù.) It’s my bad, I forgot. I’ll head over right now.

A: 这篇文章里有好几个错别字。 (Zhè piān wénzhāng lǐ yǒu hǎo jǐ gè cuòbiézì.) There are several typos in this article.
B: 是我不好，没有仔细校对。 (Shì wǒ bùhǎo, méiyǒu zǐxì jiàoduì.) My bad, I didn’t proofread carefully.

是我的问题。(Shì wǒ de wèntí.)

“It’s my problem” or “I’m the one at fault.”

A clear acknowledgment of personal responsibility. It can be used in casual or formal contexts.

e.g.

这次比赛输了，都是我的问题。(Zhè cì bǐsài shūle, dōu shì wǒ de wèntí.) We lost the competition. It’s all my fault.

A: 为什么进度还没有更新？ (Wèishéme jìndù hái méiyǒu gēngxīn?) Why haven’t we updated our progress yet?
B: 是我的问题，工作安排得不够合理。 (Shì wǒ de wèntí, gōngzuò ānpái de bù gòu hélǐ.) It’s my problem. I didn’t schedule the work properly.

A: 合同里这个条款看起来不太对。 (Hétóng lǐ zhège tiáokuǎn kàn qǐlái bù tài duì.) This clause in the contract seems off.
B: 是我的问题，没有仔细审阅合同内容。 (Shì wǒ de wèntí, méiyǒu zǐxì shěnyuè hétóng nèiróng.) It’s my mistake. I didn’t carefully review the contract.

我错了。(Wǒ cuò le.)

“I was wrong” or “I made a mistake.”

This is a very direct way of admitting fault. Suitable for both serious and casual contexts, depending on tone.

e.g.

A: 我告诉过你别把文件放桌边，你看，掉到地上了。 (Wǒ gàosu guò nǐ bié bǎ wénjiàn fàng zhuō biān, nǐ kàn, diào dào dìshang le.) I told you not to leave the files on the edge of the table. See, they fell on the floor.
B: 我错了，我马上整理好。 (Wǒ cuò le, wǒ mǎshàng zhěnglǐ hǎo.) I was wrong, I’ll clean them up right away.

妈妈，我错了，下次不会再淘气了。（Māma, wǒ cuò le, xià cì bù huì zài táoqì le.）Mom, I was wrong. I won’t be naughty again next time.

老婆，我错了。我不会再骗你了，相信我。（Lǎopo, wǒ cuò le. Wǒ bù huì zài piàn nǐ le, xiāngxìn wǒ.）Wife, I was wrong. I won’t lie to you anymore. Trust me.

The common expressions to Accept Apologies in Chinese

Being able to graciously accept an apology is just as important as being able to say you’re sorry when you do something wrong. Now that we’ve learned how to apologize in Chinese, let’s take a look at how to respond when someone says sorry to you.

没关系 (méi guān xì)

“It doesn’t matter.” It used to accept an apology or reassure someone that what happened isn’t a big deal.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我打翻了你的水杯。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ dǎfān le nǐ de shuǐbēi.) Sorry, I knocked over your water cup.
B: 没关系，我再倒一杯就好。 (Méi guānxi, wǒ zài dào yī bēi jiù hǎo.) It’s okay; I’ll just pour another cup.

A: 我好像迟到了五分钟，真不好意思。 (Wǒ hǎoxiàng chídào le wǔ fēnzhōng, zhēn bù hǎo yìsi.) I seem to be five minutes late. I’m really sorry.
B: 没关系，我也才刚到。 (Méi guānxi, wǒ yě cái gāng dào.) It’s fine; I just got here too.

A: 不好意思，这次作业没做好，拖了小组的后腿。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, zhè cì zuòyè méi zuòhǎo, tuō le xiǎozǔ de hòutuǐ.) Sorry, I didn’t do a good job on this assignment and held the group back.
B: 没关系，下次我们一起努力就行了。 (Méi guānxi, xià cì wǒmen yīqǐ nǔlì jiù xíng le.) It’s okay. Let’s work harder together next time.

没事儿 (méi shìr)

“No matter” or “It’s nothing.”

It is similar to “没关系,” used to convey that something isn’t important or that you’re unbothered by it.

e.g.

A: 我不小心踩到你了，疼不疼？ (Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn cǎi dào nǐ le, téng bù téng?) I accidentally stepped on you. Does it hurt?
B: 没事儿，我没事儿。 (Méi shìr, wǒ méi shìr.) It’s nothing, I’m fine.

A: 昨天我忘了回你的消息，对不起啊。 (Zuótiān wǒ wàng le huí nǐ de xiāoxi, duìbùqǐ a.) I’m sorry I forgot to reply to your message yesterday.
B: 没事儿，你后来不是打电话给我了吗？ (Méi shìr, nǐ hòulái bù shì dǎ diànhuà gěi wǒ le ma?) No problem. You called me afterward anyway.

A: 抱歉，我先走了。 (Bàoqiàn, wǒ xiān zǒu le.) Sorry, I have to leave first.
B: 没事儿，你有事就先忙吧。 (Méi shìr, nǐ yǒu shì jiù xiān máng ba.) It’s alright. Go ahead if you need to.

The extended phrases to Accept Apologies in Chinese

别放在心上 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng.)

A way of saying “Never mind” or “Don’t dwell on it.” This is used to comfort someone who feels guilty or worried.

e.g.

A: 对不起，那天说话太冲了，希望你别生气。 (Duìbùqǐ, nà tiān shuōhuà tài chōng le, xīwàng nǐ bié shēngqì.) Sorry, I was too harsh the other day. I hope you’re not mad.
B: 别放在心上，我都没当回事。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, wǒ dōu méi dāng huí shì.) Don’t worry about it. I didn’t take it seriously.

A: 我没能帮上忙，真是过意不去。 (Wǒ méi néng bāng shàng máng, zhēn shì guò yì bù qù.) I feel really bad for not being able to help.
B: 别放在心上，下次有机会再一起努力。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, xià cì yǒu jīhuì zài yīqǐ nǔlì.) Never mind. We’ll have another chance to try together next time.

A: 我好像一直给你添麻烦，真不好意思。 (Wǒ hǎoxiàng yīzhí gěi nǐ tiān máfan, zhēn bù hǎo yìsi.) I feel like I’ve been causing you trouble. I’m so sorry.
B: 别放在心上，我们是朋友嘛。 (Bié fàng zài xīn shàng, wǒmen shì péngyǒu ma.) Don’t let it bother you. We’re friends, after all.

小事儿，别担心 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn.)

“It’s a small matter, don’t worry.” It used to tell someone that the issue is minor and they shouldn’t stress over it.

e.g.

A: 不好意思，我把你的笔弄丢了。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ bǎ nǐ de bǐ nòng diū le.) I’m sorry, I lost your pen.
B: 小事儿，别担心，我还有好几支呢。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, wǒ hái yǒu hǎo jǐ zhī ne.) It’s a small matter, don’t worry. I have several more.

A: 抱歉，我不小心把桌子弄脏了。 (Bàoqiàn, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn bǎ zhuōzi nòng zāng le.) Sorry, I accidentally got the table dirty.
B: 小事儿，别担心，擦一下就好了。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, cā yīxià jiù hǎo le.) No big deal; just wipe it and it’ll be fine.

A: 我今天没带现金，可能晚点才能还你钱。 (Wǒ jīntiān méi dài xiànjīn, kěnéng wǎn diǎn cái néng huán nǐ qián.) I didn’t bring cash today, so I might only be able to pay you back later.
B: 小事儿，别担心，什么时候都行。 (Xiǎo shìr, bié dānxīn, shénme shíhou dōu xíng.) It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it—any time is fine.

不要紧 (bù yào jǐn)

“It’s not serious” / “Don’t worry about it.” A reassuring phrase to say the situation isn’t a big problem.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我来的路上堵车了。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ lái de lùshang dǔchē le.) Sorry, I got stuck in traffic.
B: 不要紧，我也才到。 (Bù yào jǐn, wǒ yě cái dào.) No worries, I just got here too.

A: 我刚才讲话声音有点大，吓到你了吗？ (Wǒ gāngcái jiǎnghuà shēngyīn yǒudiǎn dà, xià dào nǐ le ma?)  I was speaking a bit loudly just now—did I scare you?
B: 不要紧，我没事儿。(Bù yào jǐn, wǒ méi shìr.) It’s alright, I’m fine.

不用在意 (bù yòng zài yì)

“No need to mind” or “Don’t worry about it.” A casual way to tell someone not to stress about it.

e.g.

A: 不好意思，我忘了带你要的文件。 (Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ wàng le dài nǐ yào de wénjiàn.) I’m sorry; I forgot the file you asked for.
B: 不用在意，明天再拿给我就行。 (Bù yòng zài yì, míngtiān zài ná gěi wǒ jiù xíng.) It’s alright. Just bring it to me tomorrow.

A: 这道菜太咸了，不好意思，让你失望了。 (Zhè dào cài tài xián le, bù hǎo yìsi, ràng nǐ shīwàng le.) This dish is too salty. I’m sorry if it disappointed you.
B: 不用在意，我们下次再尝试就好。(Bù yòng zài yì, wǒmen xià cì zài chángshì jiù hǎo.) Don’t worry about it. We’ll just try again next time.

没什么大不了的 (méi shénme dàbùliǎo de)

“It’s no big deal.” A casual, friendly way to say the mistake or issue isn’t important.

e.g.

A: 对不起，我不小心碰坏了你的笔记本电脑。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù xiǎoxīn pèng huài le nǐ de bǐjìběn diànnǎo.) I’m sorry, I accidentally damaged your laptop.
B: 先别担心，没什么大不了的，我们看看怎么修。 (Xiān bié dānxīn, méi shénme dàbùliǎo de, wǒmen kànkan zěnme xiū.) Don’t worry yet. It’s no big deal. Let’s see how we can fix it.

A: 抱歉，把你的咖啡杯打碎了。 (Bàoqiàn, bǎ nǐ de kāfēi bēi dǎ suì le.) I’m sorry, I broke your coffee mug.
B: 没什么大不了的，我再买一个就行。 (Méi shénme dàbùliǎo de, wǒ zài mǎi yī gè jiù xíng.) It’s no big deal. I’ll just get another one.

The post Various ways to say “Sorry” and Accept Apologies in Chinese appeared first on .

The common expressions

你怎么了？(Nǐ zěnme le?)

Literally “What’s wrong with you?” or “What happened to you?”

This is a direct way to ask if someone is okay or if something is bothering them.

e.g.

A: 你怎么了？怎么闷闷不乐的？(Nǐ zěnme le? Zěnme mènmèn-bù-lè de?) What’s wrong? Why so down?
B: 我跟朋友吵架了，现在心情很不好。(Wǒ gēn péngyǒu chǎojià le, xiànzài xīnqíng hěn bù hǎo.) I had an argument with my friend, so I’m in a bad mood.

A: 你怎么了？看起来好累啊。(Nǐ zěnme le? Kàn qǐlái hǎo lèi a.) What’s wrong? You look so tired.
B: 昨天晚上没睡好，熬夜赶作业了。(Zuótiān wǎnshang méi shuì hǎo, áoyè gǎn zuòyè le.) I didn’t sleep well last night. I stayed up late to finish homework.

你还好吗？(Nǐ hái hǎo ma?)

Are you alright?” or “Are you still doing okay?”

It’s used to check if someone is fine or needs help.

e.g.

A: 你还好吗？听说你前几天生病了。(Nǐ hái hǎo ma? Tīngshuō nǐ qián jǐ tiān shēngbìng le.) Are you alright now? I heard you were sick a few days ago.
B: 谢谢关心，我已经恢复得差不多了。(Xièxie guānxīn, wǒ yǐjīng huīfù de chàbùduō le.) Thanks for asking. I’ve almost recovered.

A: 你还好吗？最近工作压力很大吧？(Nǐ hái hǎo ma? Zuìjìn gōngzuò yālì hěn dà ba?) How are you holding up? Work’s been stressful lately, right?
B: 是啊，有点累，但还撑得住。(Shì a, yǒudiǎn lèi, dàn hái chēng de zhù.) Yeah, I’m a bit tired, but I can manage.

你没事吧？(Nǐ méishì ba?)

“Are you okay?” or “Nothing’s wrong, right?”

It’s usually said with concern when you suspect there might be a problem.

e.g.

A: 你没事吧？怎么一句话都不说？(Nǐ méishì ba? Zěnme yī jù huà dōu bù shuō?) Are you alright? Why aren’t you saying anything?
B: 我在想一些烦心事，暂时不想说话。(Wǒ zài xiǎng yīxiē fánxīn shì, zhànshí bù xiǎng shuōhuà.) I’m thinking about something troubling me. I don’t feel like talking.

A: 你没事吧？怎么脸色这么白？(Nǐ méishì ba? Zěnme liǎnsè zhème bái?) Are you alright? You look really pale.
B: 我肚子疼，想去医务室看看。(Wǒ dùzi téng, xiǎng qù yīwùshì kànkan.) My stomach hurts. I want to go to the nurse’s office.

出什么事儿了？(Chū shénme shìr le?)

“What happened?” or “Is something wrong?”

A slightly more direct question to see if an incident or problem has occurred.

e.g.

A: 你刚才为什么喊得那么大声？出什么事儿了？(Nǐ gāngcái wèishénme hǎn de nàme dàshēng? Chū shénme shìr le?) Why were you shouting just now? What happened?
B: 厨房着火了，幸好现在灭了。(Chúfáng zháohuǒ le, xìnghǎo xiànzài miè le.) There was a fire in the kitchen, but luckily it’s out now.

A: 你看起来很慌张，出什么事儿了？ (Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn huāngzhāng, chū shénme shìr le?) You seem flustered. What’s up?
B: 我忘了带护照，不能登机了！(Wǒ wàng le dài hùzhào, bùnéng dēngjī le!) I forgot my passport and can’t board the plane!

The extended phrases to express “what’s wrong?” in Chinese

Extended expressions

遇到麻烦了吗？(Yù dào máfan le ma?)

“Are you in trouble?” or “Have you run into a problem?”

It implies you suspect they’re facing a difficult situation.

e.g.

A: 遇到麻烦了吗？我看你一个人发呆。(Yù dào máfan le ma? Wǒ kàn nǐ yī gèrén fādāi.) Are you in some trouble? You seem lost in thought.
B: 考试成绩出来了，不太理想。(Kǎoshì chéngjì chūlái le, bù tài lǐxiǎng.) My exam results are out, and they’re not so good.

A: 你电话打得火急火燎的，遇到麻烦了吗？(Nǐ diànhuà dǎ de huǒjíhuǒliǎo de, yù dào máfan le ma?) You were making urgent calls. Something troubling you?
B: 客户突然要改方案，我得马上重新做。(Kèhù tūrán yào gǎi fāng’àn, wǒ děi mǎshàng chóngxīn zuò.) The client suddenly wants to change the plan, so I have to redo everything.

到底怎么回事？(Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?)

“What on earth is going on?”

This phrase shows a stronger sense of urgency or confusion.

e.g.

A: 你们两个吵什么呢？到底怎么回事？(Nǐmen liǎng gè chǎo shénme ne? Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?) What are you two arguing about? What’s really going on?
B: 我们在讨论旅行计划，但意见不合。(Wǒmen zài tǎolùn lǚxíng jìhuà, dàn yìjiàn bùhé.) We’re discussing travel plans, but we can’t agree.

A: 我怎么听说你要转学？到底怎么回事？(Wǒ zěnme tīng shuō nǐ yào zhuǎnxué? Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?) I heard you’re transferring schools. What’s really going on?
B: 家里出了点状况，我需要去别的城市。(Jiālǐ chūle diǎn zhuàngkuàng, wǒ xūyào qù bié de chéngshì.) There’s a situation at home, so I have to move to another city.

有什么问题，说出来听听。(Yǒu shén me wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.)

“If there’s any problem, tell me about it.”

An invitation for the other person to share concerns.

e.g.

A: 你一副心事重重的样子，有什么问题，说出来听听。(Nǐ yī fù xīnshì chóngchóng de yàngzi, yǒu shénme wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.) You look very worried. If there’s anything on your mind, tell me.
B: 我对未来很迷茫，不知道要不要换专业。(Wǒ duì wèilái hěn mímáng, bù zhīdào yào bùyào huàn zhuānyè.) I feel lost about my future. Not sure if I should change my major.

A: 你好像有心事，有什么问题，说出来听听。(Nǐ hǎoxiàng yǒu xīnshì, yǒu shénme wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.) You seem burdened. If anything’s wrong, let me know.
B: 我跟爸妈的关系最近不好，想找人聊聊。(Wǒ gēn bàmā de guānxi zuìjìn bù hǎo, xiǎng zhǎo rén liáoliao.) My relationship with my parents isn’t good lately. I need someone to talk to.

Show your concern if someone seems unhappy

What do you say when you think your friend is in a bad mood, and you just want to ask them directly why they seem down? You can try using these phrases.

心情不好吗？(Xīnqíng bù hǎo ma?)

“Are you in a bad mood?” or “Feeling down?”

A gentle way to ask if someone’s mood is off.

e.g.

A: 看你一句话都不说，心情不好吗？(Kàn nǐ yī jù huà dōu bù shuō, xīnqíng bù hǎo ma?) You’re not saying a word. Are you feeling upset?
B: 最近压力太大，想一个人静静。(Zuìjìn yālì tài dà, xiǎng yī gèrén jìngjìng.) I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and just want some quiet time.

A: 心情不好吗？想不想出去走走？(Xīnqíng bù hǎo ma? Xiǎng bù xiǎng chūqù zǒuzou?) Feeling down? Do you want to go out for a walk?
B: 好啊，也许散散心会好点。(Hǎo a, yěxǔ sànsan xīn huì hǎo diǎn.) Sure. Maybe a walk will help clear my mind.

你怎么那么严肃?  (Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù?)

“Why are you so serious?”

It’s often used when someone’s expression looks stern or worried.

e.g.

A: 你怎么那么严肃？发生什么事了吗？(Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù? Fāshēng shénme shì le ma?) Why so serious? Did something happen?
B: 在想一个重要决定，脑子里乱哄哄的。(Zài xiǎng yī gè zhòngyào juédìng, nǎozi lǐ luàn hōng hōng de.) I’m thinking about an important decision, my mind is all over the place.

A: 你怎么那么严肃？好像心事很重。(Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù? Hǎoxiàng xīnshì hěn zhòng.) Why the serious face? You seem burdened by something.
B: 我怕这个项目做不好，会影响团队成绩。(Wǒ pà zhège xiàngmù zuò bù hǎo, huì yǐngxiǎng tuánduì chéngjì.) I’m worried if I don’t do this project well, it’ll affect the whole team’s performance.

你怎么满脸不高兴？(Nǐ zěnme mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng?)

“Why do you look so unhappy?”

This focuses on visible signs of dissatisfaction or sadness.

e.g.

A: 你怎么满脸不高兴？发生什么不好的事了吗？ (Nǐ zěnme mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng? Fāshēng shénme bù hǎo de shì le ma?) Why do you look so unhappy? Did something bad happen?
B: 我今天面试失败了，非常失落。(Wǒ jīntiān miànshì shībài le, fēicháng shīluò.) I failed an interview today. Feeling really down.

A: 大家都很开心，怎么就你满脸不高兴？(Dàjiā dōu hěn kāixīn, zěnme jiù nǐ mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng?) Everyone else is happy. Why do you look so gloomy?
B: 我丢了钱包，现在没心情参加派对了。(Wǒ diū le qiánbāo, xiànzài méi xīnqíng cānjiā pàiduì le.) I lost my wallet, so I’m in no mood for the party.

你怎么拉着个脸？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn?)

Literally it means “Why are you pulling a face?”, similar to “Why the long face?”.

It is used when someone looks upset or sullen.

e.g.

A: 你怎么拉着个脸？是不是不舒服？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn? Shì bù shì bù shūfú?) Why the long face? Are you feeling unwell?
B: 我有点感冒，头晕脑胀的。(Wǒ yǒudiǎn gǎnmào, tóu yūn nǎo zhàng de.) I have a bit of a cold. Feeling dizzy and foggy.

A: 你怎么拉着个脸？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn?) Why do you look so down?
B: 我的车子被拖走了，心情特别差。(Wǒ de chēzi bèi tuōzǒu le, xīnqíng tèbié chà.) My car got towed, so I’m really upset.

你今天看着好像不太高兴啊。(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a.)

“You don’t look too happy today.”

A softer observation that someone’s mood is off.

e.g.

A: 你今天看着好像不太高兴啊，是不是没睡好？(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a, shì bù shì méi shuì hǎo?) You don’t look too happy today. Did you not sleep well?
B: 嗯，昨天失眠了，今天没精神。(En, zuótiān shīmián le, jīntiān méi jīngshén.)
Yeah, I had insomnia last night and feel exhausted today.

A: 你今天看着好像不太高兴啊，想出去透透气吗？(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a, xiǎng chūqù tòutou qì ma?) You don’t look very happy today. Want to go out for some fresh air?
B: 好主意，也许放松一下会好很多。 (Hǎo zhǔyì, yěxǔ fàngsōng yīxià huì hǎo hěn duō.) Good idea. Maybe a bit of relaxation will help.

你好像不大对劲儿啊。(Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a.)

“You don’t seem quite right.”

This is used when you sense something is off with someone, either emotionally or physically.

e.g.

A: 你好像不大对劲儿啊，怎么一直低着头？(Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a, zěnme yīzhí dīzhe tóu?) You seem off. Why are you hanging your head?
B: 我今天被老师批评了，觉得特别丢脸。(Wǒ jīntiān bèi lǎoshī pīpíng le, juéde tèbié diūliǎn.) My teacher scolded me today, and I feel embarrassed.

A: 你好像不大对劲儿啊，要不要先回家休息？ (Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a, yào bùyào xiān huí jiā xiūxi?) You don’t look well. Maybe you should go home and rest?
B: 我头很晕，恐怕要早退一下。 (Wǒ tóu hěn yūn, kǒngpà yào zǎotuì yīxià.) I’m really dizzy. I might have to leave early.

Express that you’re worried about someone’s health

What if someone looks unwell? How do you ask them about their health appropriately? Here are a few phrases that you can use.

你身体不舒服吗？(Nǐ shēntǐ bú shūfú ma?)

“Are you feeling unwell?”

A straightforward way to show concern about someone’s physical condition.

e.g.

A: 你身体不舒服吗？怎么老咳嗽？ (Nǐ shēntǐ bù shūfú ma? Zěnme lǎo késou?) Are you unwell? You keep coughing.
B: 最近天气变冷，我有点感冒。(Zuìjìn tiānqì biàn lěng, wǒ yǒudiǎn gǎnmào.) It’s gotten colder lately, and I’ve caught a cold.

A: 你身体不舒服吗？要不要去医务室看一下？(Nǐ shēntǐ bù shūfú ma? Yàobùyào qù yīwùshì kàn yīxià?) Are you feeling sick? Do you want to visit the school nurse?
B: 好，我现在就过去看看。谢谢你。 (Hǎo, wǒ xiànzài jiù guòqù kànkan. Xièxie nǐ.) Okay, I’ll go now. Thank you.

你好些了吗？ (Nǐ hǎoxiēle ma?)

“Are you feeling better?”

It is used to follow up after someone has been sick or upset.

e.g.

A: 昨天情绪不好，今天你好些了吗？ (Zuótiān qíngxù bù hǎo, jīntiān nǐ hǎoxiē le ma?) You were in a bad mood yesterday. Feeling any better today?
B: 还行，休息了一晚好多了。(Hái xíng, xiūxī le yī wǎn hǎo duō le.) I’m okay. After a night’s rest, I feel much better.

A: 你好些了吗？胃疼有没有缓解？ (Nǐ hǎoxiē le ma? Wèi téng yǒu méiyǒu huǎnjiě?) Are you any better? Is your stomachache easing up?
B: 已经好多了，药很管用。 (Yǐjīng hǎo duō le, yào hěn guǎnyòng.) It’s much better now. The medicine worked well.

你今天感觉怎么样？ (Nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng?)

“How are you feeling today?”

A polite way to check on someone’s overall condition—physical or emotional.

e.g.

A: 你今天感觉怎么样？头还痛吗？ (Nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng? Tóu hái tòng ma?) How are you feeling today? Still have a headache?
B: 好多了，今天可以正常工作了。(Hǎo duō le, jīntiān kěyǐ zhèngcháng gōngzuò le.) Much better. I can work normally today.

A: 昨天你心情不好，今天感觉怎么样？ (Zuótiān nǐ xīnqíng bù hǎo, jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng?) You were upset yesterday. How about today?
B: 好一点了。我跟朋友聊了聊，心里舒服多了。 (Hǎo yīdiǎn le. Wǒ gēn péngyǒu liáo le liáo, xīnlǐ shūfu duō le.) I feel better. I talked with a friend, and it helped.

要不要去医院？ (Yào bùyào qù yīyuàn?)

“Do you want to go to the hospital (or clinic)?”

It is often asked if you see someone in pain or suspect a more serious condition.

e.g.

A: 你发烧得很厉害，要不要去医院？ (Nǐ fāshāo de hěn lìhài, yào bùyào qù yīyuàn?) You have a high fever. Do you want to go to the hospital?
B: 好，我先量个体温，然后就去。 (Hǎo, wǒ xiān liàng gè tǐwēn, ránhòu jiù qù.) Okay, I’ll take my temperature first and then go.

A: 你脸色那么差，要不要去医院检查一下？ (Nǐ liǎnsè nàme chà, yào bùyào qù yīyuàn jiǎnchá yīxià?) You look really bad. Should we go to the hospital?
B: 我先吃点药，如果还不好再去。 (Wǒ xiān chī diǎn yào, rúguǒ hái bù hǎo zài qù.) I’ll take some medicine first. If it doesn’t get better, I’ll go.

要不要回去休息一下？ (Yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?)

“Do you want to go back (home) and rest for a bit?”

A kind suggestion when someone looks tired or ill.

e.g.

A: 你看上去没精神，要不要回去休息一下？ (Nǐ kàn shàngqù méi jīngshén, yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?) You look exhausted. Maybe go home and rest?
B: 好的，我回家睡一会儿，下午再来。 (Hǎo de, wǒ huí jiā shuì yīhuìr, xiàwǔ zài lái.) Alright, I’ll go home and nap, then come back in the afternoon.

A: 如果你不舒服，就别勉强，要不要回去休息一下？ (Rúguǒ nǐ bù shūfú, jiù bié miǎnqiǎng, yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?) If you’re feeling unwell, don’t push yourself. Want to go back and rest?
B: 谢谢关心，我觉得再等一会儿看看。 (Xièxie guānxīn, wǒ juéde zài děng yīhuìr kànkan.) Thanks for caring. I’ll wait a bit and see how I feel.

Offer help

What do you say if you want to offer help? Here are a few good sentences you can use to express your empathy.

有什么需要，随时跟我说。(Yǒu shén me xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.)

“Let me know anytime if there’s anything you need.” A friendly offer of help or support.

e.g.

A: 你看起来忙不过来了，有什么需要，随时跟我说。 (Nǐ kàn qǐlái máng bù guò lái le, yǒu shénme xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.) You seem swamped. Let me know anytime if you need anything.
B: 谢谢你！我可能需要你帮我跑个腿。 (Xièxie nǐ! Wǒ kěnéng xūyào nǐ bāng wǒ pǎo gè tuǐ.) Thank you! I might need you to help me run an errand.

A: 最近搬家很麻烦吧？有什么需要，随时跟我说。(Zuìjìn bānjiā hěn máfan ba? Yǒu shénme xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.) Moving is tough, right? Let me know if there’s anything you need.
B: 太好了，我正好缺人手帮我搬家具。 (Tài hǎo le, wǒ zhènghǎo quē rénshǒu bāng wǒ bān jiājù.) Awesome, I actually need extra hands to move furniture.

有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Yǒu shén me wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?)

“Is there anything I can do to help?” A direct question to see if assistance is needed.

e.g.

A: 你看起来很着急，有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn zhāojí, yǒu shénme wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?) You look really worried. Anything I can do to help?
B: 我车坏了，能不能顺路载我一程？ (Wǒ chē huài le, néng bùnéng shùnlù zài wǒ yī chéng?) My car broke down. Could you possibly give me a ride?

A: 你做报告做到这么晚，有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Nǐ zuò bàogào zuò dào zhème wǎn, yǒu shénme wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?) You’re working on your report so late. Anything I can help with?
B: 可以帮我查点资料吗？我一个人实在忙不过来。 (Kěyǐ bāng wǒ chá diǎn zīliào ma? Wǒ yī gèrén shízài máng bù guò lái.) Could you help me look up some information? I really can’t handle it all on my own.

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The common expressions

不用了 (búyòng le)

No need.

When someone offers help, an object, or a service and you want to politely turn it down.

e.g.

A：你用我的车吧。(Nǐ yòng wǒ de chē ba.) You can use my car.
B：不用了，太麻烦你了。(Bùyòngle, tài máfan nǐ le.) No, it’s too much trouble for you.

A: 我帮你拿包吧。(Wǒ bāng nǐ ná bāo ba.) Let me carry your bag.
B: 不用了，我自己拿就行。(Bù yòng le, wǒ zìjǐ ná jiù xíng.) No need; I can carry it myself.

不要，谢谢。(Búyào, xièxie.)

No, thanks.

When someone offers you something (e.g., an item, food, or suggestion) and you don’t want it or aren’t interested. The 谢谢 softens the refusal, so it doesn’t come off as too blunt.

e.g.

A: 想试试这个新品饮料吗？(Xiǎng shìshi zhège xīnpǐn yǐnliào ma?) Would you like to try this new drink?
B: 不要，谢谢，我对饮料没兴趣。(Bú yào, xièxie, wǒ duì yǐnliào méi xìngqù.) No, thanks; I’m not interested in drinks.

A: 这款护肤品现在有折扣哦，要不要看看？(Zhè kuǎn hùfūpǐn xiànzài yǒu zhékòu o, yào bùyào kànkan?) We have a discount on this skincare product. Want to check it out?
B: 不要，谢谢。(Búyào, xièxie.) No, thanks.

The extended phrases to refuse in Chinese

1. Refusing an invitation

Sometimes, it’s difficult to guess whether an invitation is real or merely a polite offer. In this case, a simple polite refusal can be used to judge the persons’ true intentions.

改天吧 (gǎi tiān ba)

Maybe another day.

e.g.

A：去我家坐坐吧！(Qù wǒjiā zuòzuò ba!) Go to my house and have a seat!
B：改天吧。(Gǎitiān ba.) Maybe another day.

下次吧 (xià cì ba)

Maybe next time.

e.g.

A: 明天来我家吃饭吗？(Míngtiān lái wǒ jiā chīfàn ma?) Want to come over for dinner tomorrow?
B: 下次吧，这几天我有事。(Xià cì ba, zhè jǐ tiān wǒ yǒu shì.) Maybe next time; I’m busy these days.

以后/回头再说 (yǐhòu /huítóu zài shuō)

Let’s talk about it later.

e.g.

A: 我们下个月去旅行怎么样？(Wǒmen xià gè yuè qù lǚxíng zěnmeyàng?) How about traveling next month?
B: 回头再说吧，我现在不好确定。(Huítóu zài shuō ba, wǒ xiànzài bù hǎo quèdìng.) Let’s talk about it later; I can’t be sure right now.

Of course, if they respond and confirm that their invitation was serious, accepting is the most appropriate way to respond.

2. Refusing an offer

Chinese people tend to decline gifts or favors multiple times before finally accepting them. This is a polite way to show modesty because it shows that you don’t want to trouble others.

不必了 (búbì le)

It’s not necessary.

e.g.

A: 要不要我先给你垫钱？(Yào bùyào wǒ xiān gěi nǐ diàn qián?) Do you want me to pay for you first?
B: 不必了，谢谢，我带了现金。(Bú bì le, xièxie, wǒ dài le xiànjīn.) No need, thanks; I have cash with me.

太麻烦你了 (tài máfán nǐ le)

It’s too much of a bother.

e.g.

A: 我可以陪你去医院吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ péi nǐ qù yīyuàn ma?) Can I accompany you to the hospital?
B: 太麻烦你了，我自己能行。(Tài máfan nǐ le, wǒ zìjǐ néng xíng.) It’s too much trouble for you; I can manage on my own.

别忙了 (biémáng le)

Please don’t bother.

e.g.

A: 我给你准备点水果好吗？(Wǒ gěi nǐ zhǔnbèi diǎn shuǐguǒ hǎo ma?) Shall I get you some fruit?
B: 别忙了，我很快就要走。(Bié máng le, wǒ hěn kuài jiù yào zǒu.) Please don’t bother; I’ll be leaving soon.

This initial refusal before final acceptance also happens often when people offer food or drink, especially when it is offered by someone they don’t know well.  That’s why when Chinese people offer you something to eat or drink, and encourage you to “eat more,” if you really want to say no, you can use the phrases:

我现在不想吃。(Wǒ xiànzài bù xiǎng chī.)

I don’t feel like eating right now.

e.g.

A: 你要不要先吃点午饭？(Nǐ yàobùyào xiān chī diǎn wǔfàn?) Do you want to eat lunch first?
B: 我现在不想吃，等我忙完再说。(Wǒ xiànzài bù xiǎng chī, děng wǒ máng wán zài shuō.) I don’t feel like eating right now. Let’s wait until I finish my work.

谢谢，待会儿吧。(Xièxie, dāi huìr ba.)

Thank you, maybe later.

e.g.

A: 喝点咖啡吗？(Hē diǎn kāfēi ma?) Want some coffee?
B: 谢谢，待会儿吧，我刚喝过茶。(Xièxie, dāi huìr ba, wǒ gāng hē guò chá.) Thanks, maybe later. I just had tea.

3. Refusing unsolicited suggestions

When talking to someone you know, on the other hand, it’s more common, and polite, to make an excuse or say you’ll get back to them later. For example:

我考虑考虑 (Wǒ kǎolǜ kǎolǜ.)

I’ll think it over.

e.g.

A: 现在办理会员有优惠哦！(Xiànzài bànlǐ huìyuán yǒu yōuhuì o!) There’s a discount if you sign up for membership now!
B: 我考虑考虑，再决定吧。(Wǒ kǎolǜ kǎolǜ, zài juédìng ba.) I’ll think it over and then decide.

我想想吧 (Wǒ xiǎngxiǎng ba.)

I’ll think about it.

e.g.

A: 我觉得你应该换台新电脑。(Wǒ juéde nǐ yīnggāi huàn tái xīn diànnǎo.) I think you should buy a new computer.
B: 我想想吧，现在还不确定。(Wǒ xiǎngxiǎng ba, xiànzài hái bù quèdìng.) I’ll think about it; I’m not sure yet.

4. Refusing a request

If someone is asking you for information or advice and you don’t feel comfortable doing so, you can try to redirect the conversation by switching the topic, putting it off, or dodging the question. You might say:

我不太清楚。 (Wǒ bú tài qīngchǔ.)

I am not really sure.

e.g.

A: 你能告诉我公司财务信息吗？(Nǐ néng gàosù wǒ gōngsī cáiwù xìnxī ma?) Could you share the company’s financial info with me?
B: 我不太清楚，你最好去问财务部。(Wǒ bú tài qīngchǔ, nǐ zuìhǎo qù wèn cáiwù bù.) I’m not really sure; you’d better ask the Finance Department.

这样不好吧。(zhèyàng bùhǎo ba)

This might not work.

e.g.

A: 我想直接拿别人的方案用一下，你觉得呢？(Wǒ xiǎng zhíjiē ná biérén de fāng’àn yòng yíxià, nǐ juéde ne?) I plan to use someone else’s proposal directly. What do you think?
B: 这样不好吧，还是自己做比较妥当。(Zhèyàng bùhǎo ba, háishì zìjǐ zuò bǐjiào tuǒdàng.) That might not be good; it’s safer to create our own.

可能不太方便。(kěnéng bútài fāngbiàn)

It might be too inconvenient.

e.g.

A：你告诉我老板的想法，好吗？
(Nǐ gàosù wǒ lǎobǎn de xiǎngfǎ, hǎo ma?) Can you tell me what the boss thinks?
B：可能不太方便。(kěnéng bútài fāngbiàn) It might be too inconvenient.

Bonus phrases!

When someone gives you an unreasonable request or suggestion, and you want to decline directly, you can say:

不可能 (bùkěnéng)

Impossible！

e.g.

A: 这份工作明天就能完成吧？(Zhè fèn gōngzuò míngtiān jiù néng wánchéng ba?) Can you finish this job by tomorrow?
B: 不可能，时间完全来不及。(Bù kěnéng, shíjiān wánquán láibují.) Impossible, there’s not enough time at all.

想得美 (xiǎngdeměi)

You wish!

e.g.

A: 你能借我你的车一个月吗？(Nǐ néng jiè wǒ nǐ de chē yīgè yuè ma?) Can you lend me your car for a month?
B: 想得美，我自己天天要用。(Xiǎng de měi, wǒ zìjǐ tiāntiān yào yòng.) You wish! I need it every day myself.

没门儿 (méiménr)

No way!

e.g.

A: 我能搬去你家住一阵子吗？(Wǒ néng bān qù nǐ jiā zhù yízhènzi ma?) Can I move in with you for a while?
B: 没门儿，我连自己房间都不够。(Méi ménr, wǒ lián zìjǐ fángjiān dōu bú gòu.) No way! I don’t even have enough space for myself.

休想 (xiūxiǎng)

Never, not a chance!

e.g.

A: 能让你替我写报告吗？(Néng ràng nǐ tì wǒ xiě bàogào ma?) Can you write the report for me?
B: 休想，这是你的工作。(Xiūxiǎng, zhè shì nǐ de gōngzuò.) Not a chance! That’s your job.

Theses refusals are very straightforward and blunt, be careful about who you say them to.

想得美 is a little sarcastic, and 休想 is very firm and resolute, and it might sound like you’re quite annoyed.

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没

Talking about the past with 没

没 (méi) is used when talking about the past. Adverbials related to time, such as yesterday, last month, before, or once long ago, can be used with 没 to indicate when something didn’t happen in the past. Keep in mind that in Chinese you need to add the negation, in this case 没, to the main verb for it to make sense.

e.g.

A：你早上吃东西了吗？ (Nǐ zǎoshang chī dōngxi le ma?)
Have you eaten anything this morning?

B：我没吃呢。(Wǒ méi chī ne.)
No, I haven’t.

A：你昨天去学校了吗？(Nǐ zuótiān qù xuéxiàole ma?)
Did you go to school yesterday?

B：我没去。(Wǒ méi qù.)
No, I didn’t.

Talking about the present with 没有

Since 有 (yŏu) by itself means “have”, 没有 (méiyŏu) means “to not have”. 没有 can be used to say that you have not done something in the past, but it is also used to talk about the present or future to say that you don’t have something according to the context, Such as:

A: 给我100块钱吧！(Gěi wǒ 100 kuài qián ba!)
Give me 100 kuai!

B：我没有钱。(Wǒ méiyǒu qián.)
I don’t have money.

A：明天你有时间和我吃饭吗？(Míngtiān nǐ yǒu shíjiān hé wǒ chīfàn ma?)
Do you have time to eat with me tomorrow?

B：明天我没有时间。(Míngtiān wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.)
I don’t have time tomorrow.

不

Responding to yes-no questions with 不

Yes-No questions are formed by placing the word “吗” at the end of a sentence, For example someone might ask you 你学中文吗? (Do you study Chinese?) If someone asks you a yes-no question，and you want to say “no” in reply, you just need to add 不 to the main verb or adjective.

不是

A: 你是他的女朋友吗？(Nǐ shì tā de nǚ péngyǒu ma?)
Are you his girlfriend?

B：不是。(Búshì.)
No, I’m not.

不要

A：你要吃东西吗？(Nǐ yào chī dōngxi ma?)
Do you want to eat something?

B：不要。(Bú yào.)
No, I don’t want to.

不想

A: 你想睡觉吗？(Nǐ xiǎng shuìjiào ma?)
Do you want to sleep?

B：不想。(Bù xiǎng.)
No, I don’t want to.

不能

A: 你能快一点吗？(Nǐ néng kuài yīdiǎn ma?)
Could you go faster?

B: 不能。(Bù néng.)
No, I can’t.

不会

A: 你会游泳吗？(Nǐ huì yóuyǒng ma?)
Can you swim?

B: 不会。(Bú huì.)
No, I can’t.

不可以

A: 你可以帮我吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?)
Can you help me?

B: 不可以。(Bù kěyǐ .)
No, I can’t.

Responding to affirmative-negative questions with 不

Similar to yes-no questions, when we expect someone to give a simple direct answer, we often use this affirmative-negative question structure, which looks like this:

Adj. + 不 + Adj.

Verb + 不 + Verb

So if you’d like to just reply “no” to a question like this, it’s very simple, you can just say

不 + Adj. / Verb

For example

A: 你们今天累不累？ (Nǐmen jīntiān lèi bú lèi? )
Are you tired or not today?

B: 不累。(Bú lèi.)
Not tired.

A: 你家离公园远不远？(Nǐ jiā lí gōngyuán yuǎn bù yuǎn?)
Is your home far away from the park or not?

B：不远。(Bù yuǎn)
No, not far.

A: 我这么走，对不对？(Wǒ zhème zǒu, duì búduì?)
I go in this way, right?

B: 不对。(Bú duì)
Not right.

A: 我不学习汉语了，行不行？(Wǒ bù xuéxí hànyǔ le, xíng bùxíng?)
Is it okay if I don’t learn Chinese?

B: 不行. (Bù xíng.)
No, it’s not okay.

A: 我不去上班了，好不好？(Wǒ bú qù shàngbān le, hǎo bù hǎo?)
Is it alright if I don’t go to work?

B: 不好。(Bù hǎo)
No, it’s not alright.

The post Various Ways to Say “No” in Chinese appeared first on .

The common expressions

Just like in English, you can reply to a compliment simply by thanking the person for their kind words. The most direct and simple way is saying 谢谢, thank you.

You can also simply say:

真的吗？谢谢！(Zhēn de ma? Xièxie!) Really? Thank you!

多谢夸奖，我会继续努力的。(Duōxiè kuājiǎng, wǒ huì jìxù nǔlì de.) Thank you for the praise, I will continue to work hard.

e.g.

A: 你的衣服真好看！(Nǐ de yīfu zhēn hǎokàn!) Your clothes are so beautiful!
B: 真的吗？谢谢！(Zhēn de ma? Xièxie!) Really? Thank you!

A: 做得好！(Zuò de hǎo!) Good job!
B:多谢夸奖，我会继续努力的。(Duōxiè kuājiǎng, wǒ huì jìxù nǔlì de.) Thank you for the praise, I will continue to work hard.

This kind of response is really common among younger people because it is casual and you don’t have to pretend that it’s not true.

The extended phrases to respond to compliments in Chinese

As you might already know, modesty is an important part of Chinese culture. If someone pays you a compliment, it’s the Chinese way to be humble. Instead of accepting the compliment, you should refuse it first!

Politely Denying It (Ⅰ)

In a more formal setting, such as at work, you should use more official-sounding phrases:

不敢当。(Bù gǎndāng.) I don’t deserve your praise

哪里哪里，我还差得远。(Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, wǒ hái chà de yuǎn.) No no, I’m still really far off.

没有没有，都是运气。(Méiyǒu méiyǒu, dōu shì yùnqì.) No no, pure luck.

惭愧惭愧，还有进步的空间。(Cánkuì cánkuì, hái yǒu jìnbù de kōngjiān.) Ashamed, there is still space to get better.

还不够好，需要继续努力。(Hái bùgòu hǎo, xūyào jìxù nǔlì.) It’s still not good enough. I need to keep working hard on it.

e.g.

A: 你是最好的医生！(Nǐ shì zuì hǎo de yīshēng!) You are the best doctor!
B: 不敢当。(Bù gǎndāng.) I don’t deserve your praise.

A: 你的汉语太好了！(Nǐ de hànyǔ tài hǎo le!）Your Chinese is so good!
B: 还不够好，需要继续努力。(Hái bùgòu hǎo, xūyào jìxù nǔlì.) It’s still not good enough. I need to keep working hard on it.

A: 你的发音比中国人还好！(Nǐ de fǎ yīn bǐ zhōngguó rén hái hǎo!) Your pronunciation is better than Chinese!
B: 哪里哪里，我还差得远。(Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, wǒ hái chà de yuǎn.) No no, I’m still really far off.

Politely Denying It (Ⅱ)

There are also several casual phrases you can use to refuse a compliment, like:

哪有！(Nǎ yǒu!) Not at all!

还行吧。(Hái xíng ba.) It’s alright.

还差得远呢。(Hái chà de yuǎn ne.) I’m still really far off.

我没那么好。(Wǒ méi nàme hǎo.) I’m not that good.

咳！运气好罢了。(Hāi! Yùnqì hǎo bàle.) I’m just very lucky.

e.g.

A: 大家都说你很厉害！(Dàjiā dōu shuō nǐ hěn lìhài!) Everyone says you are great!
B: 哪有！(Nǎ yǒu!) Not at all!

A: 这次你表现得不错啊！(Zhè cì nǐ biǎoxiàn de bùcuò a!) You performed well this time!
B: 还行吧。(Hái xíng ba.) It’s alright.

A: 恭喜你又赢了！(Gōngxǐ nǐ yòu yíng le!) Congratulations on winning again!
B: 咳！运气好罢了。(Hāi! Yùnqì hǎo bàle.) I’m just very lucky.

Politely Denying It (Ⅲ)

Another way to show modesty when receiving compliments is to say that they’re just flattering you. These kinds of phrases focus mainly on the person giving you the compliment, instead of focusing on you. For example:

你过奖了。(Nǐ guòjiǎng le.) You flatter me.

你过誉了。(Nǐ guòyù le.) You’re exaggerating.

你太夸张了。(Nǐ tài kuāzhāng le.) You’re exaggerating too much

e.g.

A: 你真的太美了！(Nǐ zhēn de tàiměi le!) You are really so beautiful!
B: 你过奖了。(Nǐ guòjiǎng le.) You flatter me.

A: 你怎么那么聪明！(Nǐ zěnme nàme cōngmíng!) Why are you so smart!
B: 你太夸张了。(Nǐ tài kuāzhāng le.) You’re exaggerating too much.

Returning the Compliment

If you’d like to accept the compliment, but don’t want to focus only on yourself, you can repay their kindness by returning the compliment, just say:

你也不错啊！(Nǐ yě bùcuò a!) You are good too!

我还要向你多学习。(Wǒ hái yào xiàng nǐ duō xuéxí.) I still need to learn from you more.

e.g.

A: 你穿这身衣服美极了！(Nǐ chuān zhè shēn yīfu měi jíle!) You look beautiful in this dress!
B: 你也不错啊 ! (Nǐ yě bùcuò a!) You look good too!

A: 你的演讲精彩极了！(Nǐ de yǎnjiǎng jīngcǎi jíle!) Your speech is wonderful!
B: 我还要向你多学习。(Wǒ hái yào xiàng nǐ duō xuéxí.) I still need to learn from you more.

Sharing the Credit

Another way to accept a compliment and still be humble is sharing the credit with others. These slightly more advanced responses are extremely useful in business contexts and truly show your appreciation for those who help you.

多亏了XX。(Duō kuī le) Thanks to XX.

e.g.

A: 你又是第一名，真优秀！(Nǐ yòu shì dì yī míng, zhēn yōuxiù!) You take the first place again, so outstanding!
B: 多亏了王老师。(Duō kuī le Wáng lǎoshī) Thanks to teacher Wang.

这是大家的功劳。(Zhè shì dàjiā de gōngláo.) The credit belongs to all of us.

e.g.

A: 恭喜你又赢了，真棒！(Gōngxǐ nǐ yòu yíngle, zhēn bàng!) Congratulations, you won again. Awesome!
B: 这是大家的功劳。(Zhè shì dàjiā de gōngláo.) The credit belongs to all of us.

是Somebody + Verb + 得好

是XX教得好。It’s just because XX taught really well.

e.g.

是老师教得好。(Shì lǎoshī jiāo de hǎo.) It’s just because teacher taught really well.

是XX配合得好。It’s just because XX contributed so much.

e.g.

是同事配合得好。(Shì tóngshì pèihé de hǎo.)
It’s just because the coworkers contributed so much.

是XX领导得好。It’s just that XX lead really well.

e.g.

是经理领导得好。(Shì jīnglǐ lǐngdǎo de hǎo.)
It’s just that the manager leaded really well.

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The basic uses in sentences

Structure 1: Subject + Adverb + Adjective

When you place the adverb directly before the adjective, it intensifies or modifies that adjective. The subject (a person, thing, or place) comes first, then the adverb, and then the adjective.

…很… (hěn)

“Very” – the most common and neutral intensifier in Chinese.

e.g.

你很漂亮！(Nǐ hěn piàoliang!) You are very beautiful!

这道菜很辣！(Zhè dào cài hěn là!) This dish is very spicy!

他们的演技很棒！(Tāmen de yǎnjì hěn bàng!) Their acting is really great!

…太… (tài)

“Too” – it indicates something is excessive in degree or amount.

e.g.

这件衣服太贵了！(Zhè jiàn yīfu tài guì le!) This piece of clothing is too expensive!

今天的作业太多了！(Jīntiān de zuòyè tài duō le!) Today’s homework is too much!

这个问题太难了！(Zhège wèntí tài nán le!) This question is too difficult!

…真… (zhēn)

“Really” – it expresses genuine or true feeling.

e.g.

你今天真漂亮！(Nǐ jīntiān zhēn piàoliang!) You look really beautiful today!

他真聪明！(Tā zhēn cōngmíng!) He’s really smart!

这里的咖啡真好喝！(Zhèlǐ de kāfēi zhēn hǎohē!) The coffee here is really delicious!

…好… (hǎo)

“So” – a slightly colloquial way to say “very” or “so,” conveying a subjective sense of surprise or intensity.

e.g.

这儿的风景好美！(Zhèr de fēngjǐng hǎo měi!) The scenery here is so beautiful!

你今天好精神！(Nǐ jīntiān hǎo jīngshén!) You look so energetic today!

那个电影好感人！(Nà gè diànyǐng hǎo gǎnrén!) That movie is so moving!

…相当… (xiāngdāng)

“Quite” – stronger than “很,” implies a fairly high degree.

e.g.

这道菜相当好吃！(Zhè dào cài xiāngdāng hǎochī!) This dish is quite delicious!

他相当幽默。(Tā xiāngdāng yōumò.) He’s quite humorous.

这部电影相当有意思。(Zhè bù diànyǐng xiāngdāng yǒuyìsi.) This movie is quite interesting.

…特别… (tèbié)

“Especially / particularly” – emphasizes that something stands out more than usual.

e.g.

他今天特别帅。(Tā jīntiān tèbié shuài.) He looks especially handsome today.

我觉得这道甜品特别好吃。(Wǒ juéde zhè dào tiánpǐn tèbié hǎochī.) I find this dessert especially tasty.

这个地方在晚上特别安静。(Zhège dìfang zài wǎnshàng tèbié ānjìng.) This place is particularly quiet at night.

…怎么那么… (zěnme nàme)

“Why so…?” – expresses surprise or amazement at how extreme something is.

e.g.

你怎么那么可爱。(Nǐ zěnme nàme kě’ài.) You are so cute.

今天天气怎么那么热。(Jīntiān tiānqì zěnme nàme rè.) It is so hot today.

他怎么那么客气。(Tā zěnme nàme kèqì.) He is so polite.

Structure 2: Subject + Adjective + Adverb

With these expressions, the adjective comes first, followed by the adverbial phrase.

…极了 (jí le)

“Extremely,” it’s placed right after the adjective.

e.g.

这个蛋糕好吃极了！(Zhège dàngāo hǎochī jí le!) This cake is extremely delicious!

那座山漂亮极了！(Nà zuò shān piàoliang jí le!) That mountain is extremely beautiful!’

你今天的表现精彩极了！(Nǐ jīntiān de biǎoxiàn jīngcǎi jí le!) Your performance today was extremely wonderful!

…得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo)

“Exceedingly” or “incredibly,” it creates a very strong emphasis on the adjective that precedes it.

e.g.

这个地方美得不得了！(Zhège dìfāng měi de bùdéliǎo!) This place is incredibly beautiful!

他开心得不得了！(Tā kāixīn de bùdéliǎo!) He’s unbelievably happy!

那位歌手唱得好听得不得了！(Nà wèi gēshǒu chàng de hǎotīng de bùdéliǎo!) That singer sounds unbelievably good!

The extended phrases to give compliments in Chinese

Just like in English, there are many different words in Chinese to express how good something is. These can be really useful in everyday life because they’re so versatile and easily fit into the structures we just learned. Let’s look at some examples and their English equivalents.

e.g.

您真了不起！(Nǐn zhēn liǎobùqǐ!) You are terrific!

你儿子好棒！(Nǐ érzi hǎo bàng!) Your son is great!

你太牛了，这么难的题都会做。(Nǐ tài niú le, zhème nán de tí dōu huì zuò.) You’re so awesome; you can even solve such difficult problems.

他们夫妻的知名度都是业内了不得的。(Tāmen fūqī de zhīmíngdù dōu shì yè nèi liǎobùdé de.) As a couple, their fame within the industry is truly outstanding.

Complimenting Someone’s Appearance

If you want to compliment someone’s physical appearance, you probably want to use adjectives that are more descriptive. Let’s go over some Chinese adjectives that you can use to tell someone how beautiful or handsome they look.

e.g.

你的新发型太好看了！(Nǐ de xīn fǎxíng tài hǎokàn le!)
Your new hairstyle is so beautiful!

你好优雅啊！(Nǐ hǎo yōuyǎ a! )
You are so elegant!

你穿这身衣服美极了！(Nǐ chuān zhè shēn yīfu měi jíle!)
You look gorgeous in this dress!

你怎么那么有型！(Nǐ zěnme nàme yǒu xíng!)
Why are you so stylish!

Compliment Someone’s Personality or Behavior

While compliments related to physical appearance are nice to hear, compliments about a person’s personal character or work are equally important. Here are a few words you can use when you want to compliment someone’s personality:

e.g.

你女儿特别乖！(Nǐ nǚ’ér tèbié guāi!)
Your daughtaer is really well-behaved!

你真靠谱！(Nǐ zhēn kào pǔ!)
You are so reliable!

你的演讲精彩极了！(Nǐ de yǎnjiǎng jīngcǎi jíle!)
Your speech is wonderful!

你的想法很有意思！(Nǐ de xiǎngfǎ hěn yǒuyìsi!)
Your idea is very interesting!

The post Various ways to give compliments in Chinese appeared first on .

Let’s explore the common expressions and their uses in sentences for ‘I think’ in Chinese.

我想……

想 is used to express a person’s will or plan, and means “to want” as seen in the sentence “ 我想睡觉。”（I want to sleep.）

Here we’re going to focus on another usage for 想, using it to express a thought or assumption.

The basic structure:

Somebody + 想 + other elements.

e.g.

我想他说的是对的。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ tā shuōde shì duì de.) I think what he said is right.

我想他们会来。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ tāmen huì lái.) I think they will come.

我想今天不会下雨。 (Wǒ xiǎng jīntiān bú huì xiàyǔ.) I think it won’t rain today.

我想明天再去看一次电影。(Wǒ xiǎng míngtiān zài qù kàn yícì diànyǐng.) I think I’ll go watch the movie again tomorrow. / I want to go watch the movie again tomorrow.

Pay attention that if you want to say “I don’t think…”, you cannot say “我不想……”. Since “我不想……” means “I don’t want”. Instead, you need to negate the content of what you think, rather than 想 itself.

e.g.

我想他说的是不对的。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ tā shuōde shì bú duì de.) I don’t think what he said is right.

我想他们不会来了。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ tāmen bú huì lái le.) I don’t think they will come.

我觉得……

觉得 literally means “to feel” or “to think” and emphasizes personal feelings or subjective impressions. It’s similar to 想 when expressing “I think,” but 觉得 usually carries a more personal, emotional, or subjective tone.

The basic structure:

Somebody +觉得+other elements.

e.g.

我觉得他没错。(Wǒ juéde tā méi cuò.) I don’t think he is wrong.

我觉得明天他可能会迟到。(Wǒ juéde mínɡtiān tā kěnénɡ huì chídào.) I think he will be late tomorrow.

我觉得这家餐厅的菜非常好吃。(Wǒ juéde zhè jiā cāntīng de cài fēicháng hǎochī.) I feel (think) that the food at this restaurant is really delicious.

我觉得他今天的心情不太好。(Wǒ juéde tā jīntiān de xīnqíng bú tài hǎo.) I think (it seems to me) that he’s not in a good mood today.

我认为……

认为 means “to believe” or “to hold the view that…” It often indicates a reasoned opinion or judgment and is commonly used in more formal or serious contexts (e.g., essays, official statements).

The basic structure:

Somebody / Something + 认为 + other elements
(Here something can refer to an essay, meeting, organization, etc.)

e.g.

我认为这件事应该再讨论讨论。(Wǒ rènwéi zhè jiàn shì yīnɡɡāi zài tǎolùn tǎolun.) I think we should have another discussion on it.

文章认为保护地球，人人有责。(Wénzhānɡ rènwéi bǎohù dìqiú, rénrén yǒu zé.) The essay reads that protecting the earth is the responsibility of everyone.

专家们认为这个问题需要全球合作。(Zhuānjiā men rènwéi zhège wèntí xūyào quánqiú hézuò.) Experts believe that this problem requires global cooperation.

很多人认为保持健康的关键是合理饮食和运动。(Hěn duō rén rènwéi bǎochí jiànkāng de guānjiàn shì hélǐ yǐnshí hé yùndòng.) Many people believe that the key to staying healthy is a proper diet and exercise.

我以为……

以为 is used when your subjective assumption/judgment turns out to be contrary to reality. It often translates to “I thought…” in English, but the actual situation proves you were wrong or different from what you believed.

The basic structure:

Somebody + 以为 + other elements

Similar to 想, you cannot say “我不以为…” or “我没以为….” To negate the idea, you typically place the negation in the content of what was (incorrectly) believed.

e.g.

我以为他不想去。(Wǒ yǐwéi tā bù xiǎnɡ qù.) 
I thought he didn’t want to go.   ->   but actually he wants to go.

我们以为他是中国人，但实际上他是韩国人。(Wǒmen yǐwéi tā shì Zhōnɡɡuó rén，dàn shíjìshànɡ tā shì Hánɡuó rén.) We thought that he was Chinese, but in fact he was Korean.

我以为你已经出发了，没想到你还没走。 (Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ yǐjīng chūfā le, méi xiǎngdào nǐ hái méi zǒu.) I thought you had already left, but to my surprise, you’re still here.

他以为自己能准时到，可最后还是迟到了。 (Tā yǐwéi zìjǐ néng zhǔnshí dào, kě zuìhòu háishì chídào le.) He thought he could arrive on time, but in the end, he was still late.

The post Various ways to say “I think” in Chinese appeared first on .

The common expressions

不用谢 (Bùyòng xiè.)

This term literally means “No need to thank me.” A polite and casual response to “thank you,” indicating the speaker thinks it’s nothing significant or that they’re happy to help.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你帮我带早餐。(Xièxie nǐ bāng wǒ dài zǎocān.) Thank you for bringing me breakfast.
B: 不用谢。(Bùyòng xiè.) No need to thank me.

A: 感谢你提醒我带钥匙。(Gǎnxiè nǐ tíxǐng wǒ dài yàoshi.) Thank you for reminding me to bring my keys.
B: 不用谢，这是小事。(Bùyòng xiè, zhè shì xiǎo shì.) No need to thank me; it’s nothing.

A: 谢谢你送我到机场。(Xièxie nǐ sòng wǒ dào jīchǎng.) Thank you for driving me to the airport.
B: 不用谢，路上小心。(Bùyòng xiè, lùshàng xiǎoxīn.) No need to thank me; travel safe.

不用客气 (bùyòng kèqì.)

“No need to be so polite.” This is another common response to “thank you,” suggesting friendliness and that the favor was no trouble.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你帮我拿行李。(Xièxie nǐ bāng wǒ ná xínglǐ.) Thank you for helping me carry my luggage.
B: 不用客气。(Bùyòng kèqì.) You’re welcome.

A: 太感谢你给我指路了。(Tài gǎnxiè nǐ gěi wǒ zhǐlù le.) Thank you so much for giving me directions.
B: 不用客气，希望你玩的开心。(Bùyòng kèqì, xīwàng nǐ wán de kāixīn.) You’re welcome. Hope you have fun.

A: 谢谢你带我参观公司。(Xièxie nǐ dài wǒ cānguān gōngsī.) Thank you for showing me around the company.
B: 不用客气，随时找我有问题再问。(Bùyòng kèqì, suíshí zhǎo wǒ yǒu wèntí zài wèn.) You’re welcome; feel free to ask me anytime if you have questions.

你太客气了 (Nǐ tài kèqìle.)

It literally means “You’re too polite.” And it is used to respond to someone’s gratitude or compliments, indicating they don’t need to be so formal or excessively grateful.

e.g.

A: 我真的不知道怎么感谢你。(Wǒ zhēn de bù zhīdào zěnme gǎnxiè nǐ.) I really don’t know how to thank you.
B: 你太客气了，这都没什么。(Nǐ tài kèqì le, zhè dōu méishénme.) You’re too polite; it’s nothing.

A: 这是给你的一点心意。(Zhè shì gěi nǐ de yìdiǎn xīnyì.) This is a small gift for you.
B: 你太客气了，真不用这么破费。(Nǐ tài kèqì le, zhēn bùyòng zhème pòfèi.) You’re too polite. You really didn’t have to spend money.

A: 谢谢你帮我找工作机会。(Xièxie nǐ bāng wǒ zhǎo gōngzuò jīhuì.) Thank you for helping me find a job opportunity.
B: 你太客气了，希望你一切顺利。(Nǐ tài kèqì le, xīwàng nǐ yíqiè shùnlì.) You’re too polite; I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

The extended phrases to express “You’re Welcome” in Chinese

The modest expressions

这是我的荣幸。(Zhè shì wǒ de róngxìng.)

“It’s my honor.” It’s a modest expression used when you want to show that you feel honored or privileged to have helped.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你参加我的婚礼。(Xièxie nǐ cānjiā wǒ de hūnlǐ.) Thank you for attending my wedding.
B: 这是我的荣幸，祝你们百年好合。(Zhè shì wǒ de róngxìng, zhù nǐmen bǎinián hǎo hé.) It’s my honor. Wishing you a long and happy marriage.

A: 感谢您来给我们做演讲。(Gǎnxiè nín lái gěi wǒmen zuò yǎnjiǎng.) Thank you for giving us the speech.
B: 这是我的荣幸，希望对大家有所帮助。(Zhè shì wǒ de róngxìng, xīwàng duì dàjiā yǒu suǒ bāngzhù.) It’s my honor. I hope it helps everyone.

乐意效劳 (Lèyì xiàoláo.)

 “Happy to serve.” This is polite and slightly formal, it shows willingness to help or serve someone.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你帮我解决技术问题。(Xièxie nǐ bāng wǒ jiějué jìshù wèntí.) Thank you for fixing the technical issue for me.
B: 乐意效劳，下次有需要再找我。(Lèyì xiàoláo, xiàcì yǒu xūyào zài zhǎo wǒ.) Happy to help. Feel free to come to me next time you need it.

A: 我能请你帮忙翻译一下这个文件吗？(Wǒ néng qǐng nǐ bāngmáng fānyì yíxià zhège wénjiàn ma?) Could I ask you to help translate this document?
B: 当然，乐意效劳。(Dāngrán, lèyì xiàoláo.) Of course, I’m happy to serve.

The casual expressions

那没什么。(Nà méishénme.)

“That’s nothing.” It’s a casual way to downplay your effort, implying it was no trouble at all.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你给我买药来。(Xièxie nǐ gěi wǒ mǎi yào lái.) Thank you for buying medicine for me.
B: 那没什么，你好好休息吧。(Nà méishénme, nǐ hǎohāo xiūxi ba.) That’s nothing; just rest well.

A: 感谢你帮我完成这份报告。(Gǎnxiè nǐ bāng wǒ wánchéng zhè fèn bàogào.) Thank you for helping me finish this report.
B: 那没什么，我正好有空。(Nà méishénme, wǒ zhènghǎo yǒu kòng.) That’s nothing; I just happened to have time.

没事 (Méishì.)

“No problem” or “It’s alright.” This is very casual and colloquial, similar to “No worries” in English.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你借我钱渡过难关。(Xièxie nǐ jiè wǒ qián dùguò nánguān.) Thank you for lending me money to get through a tough time.
B: 没事，先拿着用吧。(Méishì, xiān názhe yòng ba.) No worries, just use it first.

A: 我不小心打翻了你的咖啡，对不起！(Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn dǎfān le nǐ de kāfēi, duìbùqǐ!) I accidentally spilled your coffee; I’m so sorry!
B: 没事，擦一擦就好了。(Méishì, cā yì cā jiù hǎo le.) It’s all right; just wipe it up.

小意思 (Xiǎo yìsi.)

“A small token/gesture.” This is often used when giving a small gift or doing a small favor to downplay it as not being a big deal.

e.g.

A: 这个礼物你特地给我买的吗？(Zhège lǐwù nǐ tèdì gěi wǒ mǎi de ma?) Did you specially buy this gift for me?
B: 小意思，希望你喜欢。(Xiǎo yìsi, xīwàng nǐ xǐhuān.) It’s just a little something; hope you like it.

A: 谢谢你的生日惊喜！(Xièxie nǐ de shēngrì jīngxǐ!) Thank you for the birthday surprise!
B: 小意思，祝你生日快乐。(Xiǎo yìsi, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè.) It’s just a small gesture; happy birthday!

举手之劳 (Jǔ shǒu zhī láo.)

“The effort of lifting a hand.” It suggests that it took very little effort to help; a polite way to say “It’s no trouble at all.”

e.g.

A: 你又帮我修好了电脑，谢谢！(Nǐ yòu bāng wǒ xiū hǎo le diànnǎo, xièxie!) You fixed my computer again. Thank you!
B: 只是举手之劳，下次再出问题告诉我。(Zhǐshì jǔ shǒu zhī láo, xiàcì zài chū wèntí gàosu wǒ.) It’s just a small effort. Let me know if it acts up again.

A: 你替我值班到这么晚，真的太感谢了。(Nǐ tì wǒ zhíbān dào zhème wǎn, zhēn de tài gǎnxiè le.) Thank you so much for covering my shift so late.
B: 举手之劳，你别放在心上。(Jǔ shǒu zhī láo, nǐ bié fàng zài xīn shàng.) It’s no big deal; don’t worry about it.

Bonus expressions

咱们谁跟谁呀，别客气！(Zánmen shéi gēn shéi ya, bié kèqì!)

“We’re so close; no need to be polite!” This is very casual and friendly, often used among close friends or family to show that formalities aren’t necessary.

e.g.

A: 谢谢你帮我搬家，这么多东西。(Xièxie nǐ bāng wǒ bānjiā, zhème duō dōngxi.) Thank you for helping me move; there’s so much stuff.
B: 咱们谁跟谁呀，别客气！(Zánmen shéi gēn shéi ya, bié kèqì!) We’re so close; no need to thank me!

A: 多谢你帮我找房子，真不好意思麻烦你。(Duōxiè nǐ bāng wǒ zhǎo fángzi, zhēn bù hǎoyìsi máfan nǐ.) Thanks for helping me find a place to live; I feel bad bothering you.
B: 咱们谁跟谁呀，别客气！(Zánmen shéi gēn shéi ya, bié kèqì!) We’re so close; don’t be so formal!

那是我应该做的。(Nà shì wǒ yīnggāi zuò de.)

“That’s what I should do.” It implies that helping you was the speaker’s responsibility or something they’re naturally inclined to do, so no thanks are necessary.

e.g.

A: 感谢你一直照顾我。(Gǎnxiè nǐ yīzhí zhàogù wǒ.) Thank you for always taking care of me.
B: 那是我应该做的。(Nà shì wǒ yīnggāi zuò de.) It’s what I should do.

A: 没想到你还特地跑一趟给我送文件。(Méi xiǎngdào nǐ hái tèdì pǎo yí tàng gěi wǒ sòng wénjiàn.) I didn’t expect you to go out of your way to deliver the documents to me.
B: 那是我应该做的，幸好没耽误你。(Nà shì wǒ yīnggāi zuò de, xìnghǎo méi dānwù nǐ.) It’s what I should do; luckily I didn’t delay you.

The post Various ways to say “You’re Welcome” in Chinese appeared first on .

The common expressions

谢谢 (xièxie)

谢谢 is the phrase that you’ll see the most in daily life because it is simple and quick to say, and suitable for most everyday situations.

e.g.

A: 这是你要的文件。 (Zhè shì nǐ yào de wénjiàn.) Here are the documents you requested.
B: 谢谢。 (Xièxie.) Thanks.

A: 我帮你把门打开吧。 (Wǒ bāng nǐ bǎ mén dǎkāi ba.) Let me open the door for you.
B: 好的，谢谢！(Hǎo de, xièxie!) Okay, thanks!

A: 祝你考试顺利！(Zhù nǐ kǎoshì shùnlì!) Good luck on your exam!
B: 谢谢，你也是！(Xièxie, nǐ yě shì!) Thanks, you too!

The uses in sentences

If you would like to direct your thanks to a specific person or group of people, you can add a noun at the end to add emphasis.

谢谢/感谢 + Somebody

e.g.

• 谢谢你 (Xièxie nǐ.) Thank you.
• 谢谢你们 (Xièxie nǐmen.) Thank you all.
• 谢谢大家 (Xièxie dàjiā.) Thanks to everyone.
• 感谢我的家人 (Gǎnxiè wǒ de jiārén.) Thanks to my family.

If you would like to thank someone for doing something specific, you can emphasize that action by adding it at the end like so:

谢谢/感谢 + something

e.g.

• 谢谢你的帮助。(Xièxie nǐ de bāngzhù.) Thank you for your help.
• 谢谢你的鼓励。(Xièxie nǐ de gǔlì.) Thank you for your encouragement.
• 感谢你的支持。(Gǎnxiè nǐ de zhīchí.) Your support is greatly appreciated.
• 感谢你做的一切。(Gǎnxiè nǐ zuò de yīqiè.) Thank you for everything.

The extended phrases to express “Thank you” in Chinese

Deep Appreciation Expressions

万分感谢 (wànfēn gǎnxiè)

This literally translates to “ten-thousand-fold thanks” or “thanks a million.” It emphasizes a deep level of gratitude, often used in more formal or heartfelt situations.

e.g.

A: 我已经把问题解决了。 (Wǒ yǐjīng bǎ wèntí jiějué le.) I’ve solved the problem.
B: 万分感谢！如果没有你，我都不知道该怎么办。 (Wànfēn gǎnxiè! Rúguǒ méiyǒu nǐ, wǒ dōu bù zhīdào gāi zěnme bàn.) Thanks a million! I really wouldn’t have known what to do without you.

A: 这是您需要的所有数据。 (Zhè shì nín xūyào de suǒyǒu shùjù.) Here is all the data you needed.
B: 万分感谢，我这就去完成报告。 (Wànfēn gǎnxiè, wǒ zhè jiù qù wánchéng bàogào.) Thank you so much. I’ll go finish the report now.

非常感谢 (fēicháng gǎnxiè)

It means “thank you very much,” stronger than “谢谢” but not overly formal. It shows sincere appreciation.

e.g.

A: 我替你买好车票了。 (Wǒ tì nǐ mǎi hǎo chēpiào le.) I bought the train ticket for you.
B: 太好了，非常感谢！(Tài hǎo le, fēicháng gǎnxiè! ) That’s great, thank you so much!

A: 我把你的电脑修好了。 (Wǒ bǎ nǐ de diànnǎo xiū hǎo le.) I fixed your computer.
B: 非常感谢，帮了我大忙。 (Fēicháng gǎnxiè, bāngle wǒ dàmáng.) Thank you so much, you really helped me out.

感激不尽 (gǎnjī bù jìn)

This means “I can’t thank you enough.” It’s often used in more formal or emotional contexts to express profound gratitude.

e.g.

A: 我特意帮你找到了这个资料。 (Wǒ tèyì bāng nǐ zhǎodào le zhège zīliào.) I specifically found this information for you.
B: 感激不尽！这对我太重要了。 (Gǎnjī bù jìn! Zhè duì wǒ tài zhòngyào le.) I can’t thank you enough! This is extremely important to me.

A: 我已经为你联系好了房东，能再降一点房租。 (Wǒ yǐjīng wèi nǐ liánxì hǎo le fángdōng, néng zài jiàng yìdiǎn fángzū.) I spoke to the landlord for you, and they agreed to lower the rent a bit more.
B: 感激不尽，你真是帮了大忙！(Gǎnjī bù jìn, nǐ zhēnshi bāngle dàmáng!) I can’t thank you enough. You’ve been an enormous help!

The Informal Expressions

谢了 (Xièle.)

谢了 is an informal, shortened way of saying “Thanks.” Friends often use it in casual speech or text messages.

e.g.

A: 我给你留了点小吃。 (Wǒ gěi nǐ liúle diǎn xiǎochī.) I saved some snacks for you.
B: 哇，谢了！(Wa, xièle!) Oh, thanks!

A: 你记得给我带个雨伞啊？(Nǐ jìdé gěi wǒ dài gè yǔsǎn a?) Remember to bring an umbrella for me?
B: 好的，马上带上。 (Hǎo de, mǎshàng dài shàng.) Sure, I’ll bring it right away.
A: 谢了啊。(Xièle a.) Thanks!

多谢 (Duōxiè!)

It literally means “many thanks.” It’s slightly more casual than “谢谢,” often used in everyday, friendly contexts.

e.g.

A: 我帮你充了地铁卡。 (Wǒ bāng nǐ chōngle dìtiě kǎ.) I topped up your metro card for you.
B: 啊，多谢！(A, duōxiè!) Oh, many thanks!

A: 给你推荐的餐厅怎么样？(Gěi nǐ tuījiàn de cāntīng zěnmeyàng?) How was the restaurant I recommended?
B: 很不错，多谢你的推荐！(Hěn bùcuò, duōxiè nǐ de tuījiàn!) It was great. Many thanks for the recommendation!

你最好了。(Nǐ zuì hǎole.)

“You are the best.” An informal way to express gratitude plus praise.

e.g.

A: 我帮你买了你最喜欢的奶茶。 (Wǒ bāng nǐ mǎi le nǐ zuì xǐhuān de nǎichá.) I got your favorite milk tea for you.
B: 太好了！你最好了！(Tài hǎo le! Nǐ zuì hǎo le!) That’s awesome! You’re the best!

A: 我今天早上顺路帮你拿了包裹。 (Wǒ jīntiān zǎoshang shùnlù bāng nǐ ná le bāoguǒ.) I picked up your package on my way this morning.
B: 真是谢谢！你最好了。 (Zhēnshi xièxie! Nǐ zuì hǎo le.) Thank you so much! You’re the best.

你真好。( Nǐ zhēn hǎo)

“It’s so kind of you.” “You’re really nice.” It conveys gratitude and compliments the other person’s kindness or help.

e.g.

A: 如果累了，你就先休息一下，我来帮你。 (Rúguǒ lèi le, nǐ jiù xiān xiūxi yíxià, wǒ lái bāng nǐ. ) If you’re tired, take a break; I’ll help you.
B: 你真好，谢谢你。 (Nǐ zhēn hǎo, xièxie nǐ. ) You’re really kind, thank you.

A: 我已经替你发邮件给老板了。 (Wǒ yǐjīng tì nǐ fā yóujiàn gěi lǎobǎn le.) I emailed the boss on your behalf.
B: 你真好，省得我再去写一遍。 (Nǐ zhēn hǎo, shěngde wǒ zài qù xiě yíbiàn.) You’re so nice; that saves me from writing it again.

辛苦了！(Xīnkǔ le!)

It literally means “You’ve worked hard.” / “It’s been tough on you.” It is used to acknowledge someone’s effort or hard work, similar to “Thank you for your hard work.”

e.g.

A: 我今天加班到很晚才回来。 (Wǒ jīntiān jiābān dào hěn wǎn cái huílái.) I worked overtime until very late today.
B: 你也辛苦了，快去休息吧。 (Nǐ yě xīnkǔ le, kuài qù xiūxi ba. ) You must be tired as well. Go get some rest.

A: 我把这个活动的所有细节都安排好了。 (Wǒ bǎ zhège huódòng de suǒyǒu xìjié dōu ānpái hǎo le. ) I arranged all the details for the event.
B: 太好了，辛苦了！(Tài hǎo le, xīnkǔ le! ) That’s great. Thanks for all your hard work!

麻烦你了！(Máfan nǐ le!)

“Sorry to bother you.” It’s both an apology for causing inconvenience and a thank-you for someone’s help.

e.g.

A: 我明天要出差，能帮我照顾一下我的猫吗？ (Wǒ míngtiān yào chūchāi, néng bāng wǒ zhàogù yíxià wǒ de māo ma?) I have a business trip tomorrow. Can you help take care of my cat?
B: 没问题。 (Méi wèntí.) No problem.
A: 麻烦你了。 (Máfan nǐ le.) Sorry to bother you (and thank you).

A: 能不能帮我看一下我的行李？我去下洗手间。 (Néng bu néng bāng wǒ kàn yíxià wǒ de xínglǐ? Wǒ qù xià xǐshǒujiān.) Could you watch my luggage for a moment? I’m going to the restroom.
B: 没问题，你去吧。 (Méi wèntí, nǐ qù ba.) No problem, go ahead.
A: 麻烦你了。 (Máfan nǐ le.) Thank you, sorry for the inconvenience.

Longer Phrases

我得好好谢谢你。(Wǒ děi hǎohǎo xièxie nǐ.)

“I really need to thank you well.” This emphasizes that you plan to show or express gratitude in a more significant way.

e.g.

A: 你帮我在关键时刻度过了难关。 (Nǐ bāng wǒ zài guānjiàn shíkè dùguò le nánguān.) You helped me through a critical moment.
B: 别客气，这都是应该的。 (Bié kèqi, zhè dōu shì yīnggāi de.) Don’t be so polite; it’s what I should do.
A: 不行，我得好好谢谢你。 (Bùxíng, wǒ děi hǎohǎo xièxie nǐ.) No, I really need to thank you properly.

A: 我已经替你联系好工作机会了。 (Wǒ yǐjīng tì nǐ liánxì hǎo gōngzuò jīhuì le.) I found a job opportunity for you.
B: 我得好好谢谢你啊，这对我太重要了。 (Wǒ děi hǎohǎo xièxie nǐ a, zhè duì wǒ tài zhòngyào le.) I really need to thank you. This is so important for me.

没有你我不知道该怎么办。(Méiyǒu nǐ wǒ bù zhīdào gāi zěnme bàn.)

“I don’t know what to do without you.” This conveys profound gratitude and dependency on the other person’s help.

e.g.

A: 我送你到医院检查一下吧。 (Wǒ sòng nǐ dào yīyuàn jiǎnchá yíxià ba.) Let me take you to the hospital for a check-up.
B: 没有你我不知道该怎么办。谢谢你一直照顾我。 (Méiyǒu nǐ wǒ bù zhīdào gāi zěnme bàn. Xièxie nǐ yìzhí zhàogù wǒ.) I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for always taking care of me.

A: 我把你的银行卡找回来了。 (Wǒ bǎ nǐ de yínhángkǎ zhǎo huílái le.) I found your bank card.
B: 真是太感谢了，没有你我不知道该怎么办。 (Zhēnshi tài gǎnxiè le, méiyǒu nǐ wǒ bù zhīdào gāi zěnme bàn.) Thank you so much. I wouldn’t know what to do without you.

我欠你个人情。(Wǒ qiàn nǐ gè rénqíng.)

 “I owe you a favor.” It implies that you’ll repay the kindness in the future.

e.g.

A: 我帮你改好了这份报告。 (Wǒ bāng nǐ gǎi hǎo le zhè fèn bàogào. “I revised the report for you.”)
B: 你太厉害了！我欠你个人情，下次请你吃饭。 (Nǐ tài lìhài le! Wǒ qiàn nǐ gè rénqíng, xiàcì qǐng nǐ chīfàn. “You’re amazing! I owe you one; I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”)

A: 没想到你还记得帮我买演唱会门票。 (Méi xiǎngdào nǐ hái jìdé bāng wǒ mǎi yǎnchànghuì ménpiào.) I can’t believe you remembered to buy me concert tickets.

B: 小事一桩。 (Xiǎo shì yī zhuāng.) It’s no big deal.
A: 我可欠你个人情了！(Wǒ kě qiàn nǐ gè rénqíng le!) I really owe you one!

真不知道该怎么感谢你。(Zhēn bù zhīdào gāi zěnme gǎnxiè nǐ.)

“I really don’t know how to repay you.” This is a strong expression of gratitude when something is a big help or favor.

e.g.

A: 今天我去火车站接你爸妈吧。 (Jīntiān wǒ qù huǒchēzhàn jiē nǐ bàmā ba.) I’ll go pick up your parents at the train station today.
B: 真不知道该怎么感谢你，太感谢了。 (Zhēn bù zhīdào gāi zěnme gǎnxiè nǐ, tài gǎnxiè le.) I really don’t know how to thank you; thank you so much.

A: 你的论文我已经帮你润色好了。 (Nǐ de lùnwén wǒ yǐjīng bāng nǐ rùnsè hǎo le.) I helped proofread your paper.
B: 真不知道该怎么感谢你，你太厉害了。 (Zhēn bù zhīdào gāi zěnme gǎnxiè nǐ, nǐ tài lìhài le.) I really don’t know how to thank you; you’re awesome.

多亏你帮了我个大忙。(Duōkuī nǐ bāngle wǒ gè dàmáng.)

 “Luckily you helped me a lot.” It highlights that the other person’s help was crucial and timely.

e.g.

A: 早上我顺便把你孩子送到学校了。 (Zǎoshang wǒ shùnbiàn bǎ nǐ háizi sòng dào xuéxiào le.) I dropped your kid off at school this morning.
B: 多亏你帮了我个大忙，我真的来不及了。 (Duōkuī nǐ bāngle wǒ gè dàmáng, wǒ zhēn de láibují le.) Thank you so much; I really wouldn’t have made it in time.

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