How do you say “no” in Chinese without sounding rude?

In this episode, we explore the difference between direct refusal and more natural, socially appropriate ways to decline in Mandarin.

 

⭐Simple & Direct Refusal

💔 Bù xíng.

不行。

No. / That won't work.

💔 Wǒ bù qù.

我不去。

I'm not going.

 

⭐More Natural Refusals

💕 Wǒ kěnéng méi bànfǎ cānjiā.

我可能没办法参加。

I may not be able to attend.

💕 Zhè cì kěnéng bù tài fāngbiàn.

这次可能不太方便。

It might not be convenient this time.

💕 Xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, dàn wǒ yǐjīng yǒu ānpái le.

谢谢你的邀请，但我已经有安排了。

Thank you for the invitation, but I already have plans.

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