Understanding how to express “not this time” in Chinese is crucial for effective communication, whether you’re declining an offer, expressing a temporary inability, or setting boundaries. This article provides a detailed exploration of various ways to convey this meaning, covering grammatical structures, practical examples, and common usage scenarios.
It’s designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, aiming to enhance their fluency and accuracy in Chinese conversation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Expressing negation is a fundamental aspect of any language, and Chinese is no exception. When it comes to conveying “not this time,” Chinese offers a variety of options, each with subtle nuances and specific contexts.
Mastering these expressions allows you to communicate more precisely and naturally. This ability is not just about knowing the words; it’s about understanding the underlying grammar and cultural implications.
Whether you’re navigating social situations, conducting business, or simply engaging in everyday conversations, knowing how to say “not this time” effectively can significantly enhance your communication skills and build stronger relationships.
Definition and Context
The phrase “not this time” generally indicates a temporary inability or unwillingness to participate in a proposed activity or accept an offer. In Chinese, this concept can be expressed in several ways, depending on the specific context and the desired level of politeness.
The expressions range from direct refusals to more indirect and polite suggestions for future possibilities. Understanding the nuances of each expression is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and maintaining positive relationships.
The choice of expression often depends on the relationship between the speakers, the formality of the situation, and the specific reason for the refusal.
The general context for using “not this time” includes scenarios such as:
- Declining an invitation due to a prior engagement.
- Postponing a meeting or activity due to time constraints.
- Expressing temporary inability to assist with a task.
- Politely refusing a request that you cannot fulfill at the moment.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of expressing “not this time” in Chinese often involves combining a time-related word or phrase with a negation word and a verb or adjective indicating the inability or unwillingness. Here’s a breakdown of the common structural elements:
- Time-related word/phrase: This specifies the time frame being referred to (e.g., 今天 jīntiān – today, 这次 zhè cì – this time, 现在 xiànzài – now).
- Negation word: The most common negation word is 不 bù (not).
- Verb/Adjective: This indicates the action or state that is not possible or desirable (e.g., 行 xíng – okay/work, 可以 kěyǐ – can, 方便 fāngbiàn – convenient).
- Particle (optional): A sentence-final particle like 吧 ba can soften the tone and suggest a possibility in the future.
For example, in the phrase “这次不行 zhè cì bùxíng” (not this time), “这次 zhè cì” is the time-related phrase, “不 bù” is the negation word, and “行 xíng” means “okay” or “work.”
Types and Categories
There are several ways to express “not this time” in Chinese, each with slightly different connotations. Here are some common expressions:
今晚不行 (Jīnwǎn bùxíng) – Not Tonight
This expression is used to decline an invitation or activity specifically for tonight. It’s a direct way of saying that you’re unavailable for the evening.
这次不行 (Zhè cì bùxíng) – Not This Time
This is a general expression for “not this time” and can be used in various contexts where you want to decline a specific instance of something.
暂时不行 (Zànshí bùxíng) – Not for Now
This indicates a temporary inability or unwillingness, suggesting that the situation might change in the future. It implies that you are not available or willing at the present moment but might be open to it later.
现在不行 (Xiànzài bùxíng) – Not Right Now
Similar to “暂时不行,” this expression emphasizes that you are currently unavailable or unable to do something. It suggests that the timing is not right at the moment.
下次吧 (Xià cì ba) – Maybe Next Time
This is a more polite and indirect way of declining, suggesting that you might be open to the idea in the future. The particle 吧 ba softens the tone and makes it less of a direct refusal.
Examples
The following sections provide examples of how to use these expressions in various scenarios. Each example includes the Chinese phrase, pinyin, and English translation.
General Examples
This table provides general examples of how to use different expressions for “not this time” in Chinese.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 这次不行，我太忙了。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ tài máng le. | Not this time, I’m too busy. |
| 今晚不行，我有约会。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ yǒu yuēhuì. | Not tonight, I have a date. |
| 暂时不行，我现在没空。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xiànzài méi kòng. | Not for now, I don’t have time right now. |
| 现在不行，我在开会。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ zài kāihuì. | Not right now, I’m in a meeting. |
| 下次吧，我最近很忙。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ zuìjìn hěn máng. | Maybe next time, I’ve been very busy recently. |
| 这次不行，我要加班。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ yào jiābān. | Not this time, I have to work overtime. |
| 今晚不行，我需要休息。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiūxí. | Not tonight, I need to rest. |
| 暂时不行，资金还没到位。 | Zànshí bùxíng, zījīn hái méi dàowèi. | Not for now, the funds haven’t arrived yet. |
| 现在不行，我正在处理紧急事务。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ zhèngzài chǔlǐ jǐnjí shìwù. | Not right now, I’m dealing with an emergency. |
| 下次吧，等我忙完这一阵子。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒ máng wán zhè yī zhènzi. | Maybe next time, after I finish this busy period. |
| 这次不行，我需要准备考试。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ xūyào zhǔnbèi kǎoshì. | Not this time, I need to prepare for an exam. |
| 今晚不行，我答应了陪家人。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ dāying le péi jiārén. | Not tonight, I promised to spend time with my family. |
| 暂时不行，我们需要更多时间考虑。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen xūyào gèng duō shíjiān kǎolǜ. | Not for now, we need more time to consider. |
| 现在不行，网络连接有问题。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǎngluò liánjiē yǒu wèntí. | Not right now, there’s a problem with the internet connection. |
| 下次吧，等天气好一点。 | Xià cì ba, děng tiānqì hǎo yīdiǎn. | Maybe next time, when the weather is better. |
| 这次不行，预算超支了。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, yùsuàn chāozhī le. | Not this time, the budget is overspent. |
| 今晚不行，我已经很累了。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ yǐjīng hěn lèi le. | Not tonight, I’m already very tired. |
| 暂时不行，新的政策还没确定。 | Zànshí bùxíng, xīn de zhèngcè hái méi quèdìng. | Not for now, the new policies haven’t been finalized yet. |
| 现在不行，系统正在维护。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, xìtǒng zhèngzài wéihù. | Not right now, the system is undergoing maintenance. |
| 下次吧，等我学会了再试。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒ xuéhuì le zài shì. | Maybe next time, after I learn it and try again. |
| 这次不行，我的车坏了。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ de chē huài le. | Not this time, my car broke down. |
| 今晚不行，我要看医生。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ yào kàn yīshēng. | Not tonight, I have to see a doctor. |
| 暂时不行，我还在学习这个技能。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ hái zài xuéxí zhège jìnéng. | Not for now, I’m still learning this skill. |
| 现在不行，我需要先完成这个项目。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiān wánchéng zhège xiàngmù. | Not right now, I need to finish this project first. |
| 下次吧，等我有空的时候。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒ yǒu kòng de shíhou. | Maybe next time, when I have free time. |
Declining Invitations
This table demonstrates how to politely decline invitations using “not this time” expressions.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 谢谢你的邀请，这次不行，我已经有安排了。 | Xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ yǐjīng yǒu ānpái le. | Thank you for the invitation, but not this time, I already have plans. |
| 今晚不行，我要早点休息。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ yào zǎodiǎn xiūxí. | Not tonight, I want to rest early. |
| 谢谢你邀请我参加聚会，暂时不行，我最近身体不太舒服。 | Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒ cānjiā jùhuì, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ zuìjìn shēntǐ bù tài shūfu. | Thank you for inviting me to the party, but not for now, I haven’t been feeling well recently. |
| 现在不行，我需要完成一些工作。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào wánchéng yīxiē gōngzuò. | Not right now, I need to finish some work. |
| 下次吧，我很想去，但是最近太忙了。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, dànshì zuìjìn tài máng le. | Maybe next time, I really want to go, but I’ve been too busy lately. |
| 非常感谢你的邀请，这次不行，我已经答应了朋友。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ yǐjīng dāying le péngyou. | Thank you so much for the invitation, but not this time, I already promised a friend. |
| 今晚不行，我需要照顾我的孩子。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào zhàogù wǒ de háizi. | Not tonight, I need to take care of my children. |
| 谢谢你的邀请，暂时不行，我有一些私人的事情要处理。 | Xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ yǒu yīxiē sīrén de shìqing yào chǔlǐ. | Thank you for the invitation, but not for now, I have some personal matters to attend to. |
| 现在不行，我需要去机场接人。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào qù jīchǎng jiē rén. | Not right now, I need to pick someone up from the airport. |
| 下次吧，我很想参加，但最近时间安排很紧张。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ hěn xiǎng cānjiā, dàn zuìjìn shíjiān ānpái hěn jǐnzhāng. | Maybe next time, I really want to participate, but my schedule is very tight recently. |
| 非常感谢你的邀请，这次不行，我需要参加一个重要的会议。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ xūyào cānjiā yī ge zhòngyào de huìyì. | Thank you very much for your invitation, but not this time, I need to attend an important meeting. |
| 今晚不行，我需要准备明天的报告。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào zhǔnbèi míngtiān de bàogào. | Not tonight, I need to prepare for tomorrow’s report. |
| 谢谢你的邀请，暂时不行，我需要照顾生病的家人。 | Xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xūyào zhàogù shēngbìng de jiārén. | Thank you for the invitation, but not for now, I need to take care of a sick family member. |
| 现在不行，我需要处理一些紧急的邮件。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào chǔlǐ yīxiē jǐnjí de yóujiàn. | Not right now, I need to handle some urgent emails. |
| 下次吧，我很想去，但最近实在太忙了。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, dàn zuìjìn shízài tài máng le. | Maybe next time, I really want to go, but I’ve been really busy lately. |
| 非常感谢你的邀请，这次不行，我需要参加一个家庭聚会。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ xūyào cānjiā yī ge jiātíng jùhuì. | Thank you very much for your invitation, but not this time, I need to attend a family gathering. |
| 今晚不行，我需要完成一个项目。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào wánchéng yī ge xiàngmù. | Not tonight, I need to finish a project. |
| 谢谢你的邀请，暂时不行，我需要参加一个培训课程。 | Xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xūyào cānjiā yī ge péixùn kèchéng. | Thank you for the invitation, but not for now, I need to attend a training course. |
| 现在不行，我需要处理一些紧急的事务。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào chǔlǐ yīxiē jǐnjí de shìwù. | Not right now, I need to handle some urgent matters. |
| 下次吧，我很想去，但最近身体不太舒服。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, dàn zuìjìn shēntǐ bù tài shūfu. | Maybe next time, I really want to go, but I haven’t been feeling well recently. |
Postponing Activities
This table illustrates how to postpone activities using expressions meaning “not this time.”
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 这次不行，我们下次再讨论这个问题吧。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒmen xià cì zài tǎolùn zhège wèntí ba. | Not this time, let’s discuss this issue next time. |
| 现在不行，我们改天再见面吧。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒmen gǎitiān zài jiànmiàn ba. | Not right now, let’s meet another day. |
| 暂时不行，我们稍后再继续这个项目。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen shāo hòu zài jìxù zhège xiàngmù. | Not for now, let’s continue this project later. |
| 今晚不行，我们明天再开始吧。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒmen míngtiān zài kāishǐ ba. | Not tonight, let’s start tomorrow. |
| 下次吧，等我们有更多时间再一起研究。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒmen yǒu gèng duō shíjiān zài yīqǐ yánjiū. | Maybe next time, let’s study together when we have more time. |
| 这次不行，我们下周再安排会议吧。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒmen xiàzhōu zài ānpái huìyì ba. | Not this time, let’s schedule the meeting next week. |
| 现在不行，我们晚点再决定。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒmen wǎndiǎn zài juédìng. | Not right now, let’s decide later. |
| 暂时不行，我们过几天再考虑。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen guò jǐ tiān zài kǎolǜ. | Not for now, let’s consider it in a few days. |
| 今晚不行，我们改天再一起吃饭吧。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒmen gǎitiān zài yīqǐ chīfàn ba. | Not tonight, let’s eat together another day. |
| 下次吧，等我们准备好再开始。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒmen zhǔnbèi hǎo zài kāishǐ. | Maybe next time, let’s start when we are ready. |
| 这次不行，我们下个月再计划行程吧。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒmen xià ge yuè zài jìhuà xíngchéng ba. | Not this time, let’s plan the trip next month. |
| 现在不行，我们明天早上再继续工作。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒmen míngtiān zǎoshang zài jìxù gōngzuò. | Not right now, let’s continue working tomorrow morning. |
| 暂时不行，我们下个季度再审核预算。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen xià ge jìdù zài shěnhé yùsuàn. | Not for now, let’s review the budget next quarter. |
| 今晚不行，我们周末再一起去看电影。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒmen zhōumò zài yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng. | Not tonight, let’s go to the movies together on the weekend. |
| 下次吧，等我们有更多资源再启动项目。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒmen yǒu gèng duō zīyuán zài qǐdòng xiàngmù. | Maybe next time, let’s launch the project when we have more resources. |
| 这次不行，我们明年再申请这个奖项吧。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒmen míngnián zài shēnqǐng zhège jiǎngxiàng ba. | Not this time, let’s apply for this award next year. |
| 现在不行，我们稍后一起讨论解决方案。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒmen shāohòu yīqǐ tǎolùn jiějué fāng’àn. | Not right now, let’s discuss the solution later. |
| 暂时不行，我们下周再一起参加活动。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen xiàzhōu zài yīqǐ cānjiā huódòng. | Not for now, let’s participate in the activity next week. |
| 今晚不行，我们下个月再举办派对。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒmen xià ge yuè zài jǔbàn pàiduì. | Not tonight, let’s have a party next month. |
| 下次吧，等我们有更多时间再一起旅行。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒmen yǒu gèng duō shíjiān zài yīqǐ lǚxíng. | Maybe next time, let’s travel together when we have more time. |
Expressing Inability
This table shows how to express a temporary inability to do something.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 这次不行，我真的帮不了你。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ zhēn de bāng bù liǎo nǐ. | Not this time, I really can’t help you. |
| 现在不行，我做不到。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ zuò bù dào. | Not right now, I can’t do it. |
| 暂时不行，我无法提供帮助。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ wúfǎ tígōng bāngzhù. | Not for now, I can’t provide help. |
| 今晚不行，我不能参加。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ bù néng cānjiā. | Not tonight, I can’t participate. |
| 下次吧，我或许能帮上忙。 | Xià cì ba, wǒ huòxǔ néng bāng shàng máng. | Maybe next time, I might be able to help. |
| 这次不行，我的能力有限。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ de nénglì yǒuxiàn. | Not this time, my abilities are limited. |
| 现在不行，我手头有更紧急的事情。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ shǒutóu yǒu gèng jǐnjí de shìqing. | Not right now, I have more urgent matters at hand. |
| 暂时不行，我还需要学习相关的技能。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ hái xūyào xuéxí xiāngguān de jìnéng. | Not for now, I still need to learn the relevant skills. |
| 今晚不行，我需要处理紧急的家庭事务。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào chǔlǐ jǐnjí de jiātíng shìwù. | Not tonight, I need to handle urgent family matters. |
| 下次吧，到时候我可能会有更多的时间。 | Xià cì ba, dàoshíhou wǒ kěnéng huì yǒu gèng duō de shíjiān. | Maybe next time, I might have more time then. |
| 这次不行，我需要先咨询专家。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiān zīxún zhuānjiā. | Not this time, I need to consult an expert first. |
| 现在不行，我无法访问相关数据。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ wúfǎ fǎngwèn xiāngguān shùjù. | Not right now, I cannot access the relevant data. |
| 暂时不行，我还在等待上级的批准。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ hái zài děngdài shàngjí de pīzhǔn. | Not for now, I am still waiting for approval from superiors. |
| 今晚不行，我需要参加一个重要的会议。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào cānjiā yī ge zhòngyào de huìyì. | Not tonight, I need to attend an important meeting. |
| 下次吧，等我完成了其他任务再说。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒ wánchéng le qítā rènwu zài shuō. | Maybe next time, after I complete other tasks. |
| 这次不行，我的电脑出了问题。 | Zhè cì bùxíng, wǒ de diànnǎo chū le wèntí. | Not this time, my computer is having problems. |
| 现在不行，我需要先解决这个问题。 | Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiān jiějué zhège wèntí. | Not right now, I need to resolve this issue first. |
| 暂时不行，我需要更多的时间来评估情况。 | Zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xūyào gèng duō de shíjiān lái pínggū qíngkuàng. | Not for now, I need more time to assess the situation. |
| 今晚不行，我需要陪伴家人。 | Jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào péibàn jiārén. | Not tonight, I need to spend time with my family. |
| 下次吧，等我准备好所有的材料。 | Xià cì ba, děng wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo suǒyǒu de cáiliào. | Maybe next time, after I prepare all the materials. |
Polite Refusals
This table illustrates how to politely refuse something using “not this time” expressions.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 非常感谢您的好意，这次不行。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de hǎoyì, zhè cì bùxíng. | Thank you very much for your kindness, but not this time. |
| 谢谢你的提议，现在不行，我需要考虑一下。 | Xièxiè nǐ de tíyì, xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào kǎolǜ yīxià. | Thank you for your suggestion, but not right now, I need to think about it. |
| 感谢您的邀请，暂时不行，我最近比较忙。 | Gǎnxiè nín de yāoqǐng, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ zuìjìn bǐjiào máng. | Thank you for your invitation, but not for now, I’ve been quite busy lately. |
| 谢谢您，今晚不行，我另有安排。 | Xièxiè nín, jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ lìng yǒu ānpái. | Thank you, but not tonight, I have other plans. |
| 下次吧，非常感谢您的邀请。 | Xià cì ba, fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de yāoqǐng. | Maybe next time, thank you very much for your invitation. |
| 非常感谢您的帮助，这次恐怕不行。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de bāngzhù, zhè cì kǒngpà bùxíng. | Thank you very much for your help, but I’m afraid not this time. |
| 谢谢您，现在不行，我需要先完成手头的工作。 | Xièxiè nín, xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiān wánchéng shǒutóu de gōngzuò. | Thank you, but not right now, I need to finish the work at hand first. |
| 感谢您的提议，暂时不行，我需要更多的时间来考虑。 | Gǎnxiè nín de tíyì, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xūyào gèng duō de shíjiān lái kǎolǜ. | Thank
you for your suggestion, but not for now, I need more time to consider. |
| 谢谢您，今晚不行，我需要早点休息。 | Xièxiè nín, jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào zǎodiǎn xiūxí. | Thank you, but not tonight, I need to rest early. |
| 下次吧，非常感谢您的理解。 | Xià cì ba, fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de lǐjiě. | Maybe next time, thank you very much for your understanding. |
| 非常感谢您的关心，这次恐怕不行，我需要集中精力处理其他事情。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de guānxīn, zhè cì kǒngpà bùxíng, wǒ xūyào jízhōng jīnglì chǔlǐ qítā shìqing. | Thank you very much for your concern, but I’m afraid not this time, I need to concentrate on other things. |
| 谢谢您，现在不行，我需要先处理一些紧急的邮件。 | Xièxiè nín, xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ xūyào xiān chǔlǐ yīxiē jǐnjí de yóujiàn. | Thank you, but not right now, I need to handle some urgent emails first. |
| 感谢您的帮助，暂时不行，我需要评估一下情况。 | Gǎnxiè nín de bāngzhù, zànshí bùxíng, wǒ xūyào pínggū yīxià qíngkuàng. | Thank you for your help, but not for now, I need to assess the situation. |
| 谢谢您，今晚不行，我已经答应了和家人一起吃饭。 | Xièxiè nín, jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ yǐjīng dāying le hé jiārén yīqǐ chīfàn. | Thank you, but not tonight, I have already promised to have dinner with my family. |
| 下次吧，非常感谢您的耐心。 | Xià cì ba, fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de nàixīn. | Maybe next time, thank you very much for your patience. |
| 非常感谢您的支持，这次恐怕不行，我们需要重新考虑一下策略。 | Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de zhīchí, zhè cì kǒngpà bùxíng, wǒmen xūyào chóngxīn kǎolǜ yīxià cèlüè. | Thank you very much for your support, but I’m afraid not this time, we need to reconsider the strategy. |
| 谢谢您，现在不行，我们正在进行系统维护。 | Xièxiè nín, xiànzài bùxíng, wǒmen zhèngzài jìnxíng xìtǒng wéihù. | Thank you, but not right now, we are undergoing system maintenance. |
| 感谢您的邀请，暂时不行，我们需要更多的时间来准备。 | Gǎnxiè nín de yāoqǐng, zànshí bùxíng, wǒmen xūyào gèng duō de shíjiān lái zhǔnbèi. | Thank you for your invitation, but not for now, we need more time to prepare. |
| 谢谢您，今晚不行，我需要完成一个紧急的项目。 | Xièxiè nín, jīnwǎn bùxíng, wǒ xūyào wánchéng yī ge jǐnjí de xiàngmù. | Thank you, but not tonight, I need to complete an urgent project. |
| 下次吧，非常感谢您的合作。 | Xià cì ba, fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de hézuò. | Maybe next time, thank you very much for your cooperation. |
Usage Rules
When using these expressions, keep the following rules in mind:
- Politeness: Always be polite and respectful, especially when declining an invitation or offer. Use phrases like “谢谢 xièxiè” (thank you) and “非常感谢 fēicháng gǎnxiè” (thank you very much) to soften the refusal.
- Context: Choose the expression that best fits the context. “今晚不行 jīnwǎn bùxíng” is specific to tonight, while “这次不行 zhè cì bùxíng” is more general.
- Explanation: Provide a brief explanation if possible. This helps the other person understand your reason for declining and avoids misunderstandings.
- Future Possibility: Suggest a future possibility if you are genuinely interested. Saying “下次吧 xià cì ba” indicates that you might be open to the idea later.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when expressing “not this time” in Chinese:
- Direct Refusal: Avoid being too direct or blunt, as it can be considered impolite. Always soften the refusal with polite phrases.
- Incorrect Word Choice: Using the wrong expression for the context. For example, using “今晚不行 jīnwǎn bùxíng” when you mean “not this time” in general.
- Lack of Explanation: Not providing any explanation for the refusal, which can be seen as rude or dismissive.
- Grammatical Errors: Making grammatical errors in the sentence structure, which can lead to confusion.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Translation
Translate the following sentences into Chinese using appropriate expressions for “not this time.”
- Not tonight, I have to work. 今晚不行，我要工作。
- Not this time, I’m too busy. 这次不行，我太忙了。
- Not for now, I need more time. 暂时不行，我需要更多的时间。
- Not right now, I’m in a meeting. 现在不行，我在开会。
- Maybe next time, I’ll be free. 下次吧，我会有空。
Exercise 2: Dialogue Completion
Complete the following dialogues with appropriate expressions for “not this time.”
-
A: 你今晚要不要一起去看电影？ (Do you want to go to the movies tonight?)
B: ____, 我需要早点休息。 (____, I need to rest early.) 今晚不行 -
A: 你能帮我一个忙吗？ (Can you help me with a favor?)
B: ____, 我现在很忙。 (____, I’m very busy right now.) 现在不行 -
A: 我们下周一起去旅行吧？ (Let’s go traveling together next week?)
B: ____, 我最近没有时间。 (____, I don’t have time recently.) 暂时不行
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some additional points to consider:
- Regional Variations: Be aware that some expressions might be more common in certain regions of China.
- Formal vs. Informal: Adjust your language based on the formality of the situation. Use more formal expressions when speaking to superiors or in professional settings.
- Cultural Nuances: Understand the cultural nuances of declining offers or invitations. In some situations, it might be more appropriate to offer an alternative suggestion.
FAQ
How do I politely refuse an invitation in Chinese?
Use phrases like “谢谢你的邀请 xièxiè nǐ de yāoqǐng” (thank you for your invitation) and explain your reason for declining. Suggest a future possibility if you are genuinely interested.
What is the difference between “暂时不行 zànshí bùxíng” and “现在不行 xiànzài bùxíng“?
“暂时不行 zànshí bùxíng” (not for now) implies a temporary inability, while “现在不行 xiànzài bùxíng” (not right now) emphasizes the current timing is not suitable. They are often interchangeable but have slightly different nuances.
Is it rude to say “不行 bùxíng” directly?
Saying “不行 bùxíng” directly can be considered impolite. It’s better to soften the refusal with polite phrases and explanations.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying “not this time” in Chinese involves understanding various expressions, their nuances, and appropriate usage contexts. By practicing these phrases and following the usage rules, you can effectively communicate your inability or unwillingness while maintaining positive relationships.
Remember to be polite, provide explanations, and suggest future possibilities when appropriate. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to navigate social and professional situations with greater confidence and fluency.