Yes or no in Chinese? That is the question!
Learning a language isn’t just about knowing how to agree; it’s equally crucial to master saying no clearly and politely.
When speaking Chinese, knowing various ways to refuse politely, firmly, or even humorously will greatly enhance your conversational abilities and cultural interactions.
So, let’s dive into how to say “no” in Chinese!
What is No in Chinese?
In Chinese, the direct translation for “no” is 不 (bù). However, depending on context and formality, various other expressions and phrases might be more appropriate.
How to Say No in Chinese – 23 Essential Expressions
1. 不 (bù) – No, not
This is the simplest form of refusal or negation. It’s straightforward but might come off blunt in certain polite conversations.
Example:
A: 你喜欢吃辣吗？(Nǐ xǐhuān chī là ma? – Do you like spicy food?)
B: 不，我不喜欢。(Bù, wǒ bù xǐhuān. – No, I don’t.)
2. 不要 (bú yào) – Don’t want
This expression is commonly used to refuse offers politely but clearly, implying personal preference rather than general negation.
Example:
A: 要喝茶吗？(Yào hē chá ma? – Would you like some tea?)
B: 不要，谢谢。(Bú yào, xièxiè. – No, thanks.)
3. 没有 (méi yǒu) – Don’t have, no
This phrase indicates the absence or non-existence of something, and while not a direct refusal, it gently conveys “no.”
Example:
A: 你有时间吗？(Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? – Do you have time?)
B: 没有，对不起。(Méi yǒu, duìbuqǐ. – No, sorry.)
4. 不行 (bù xíng) – Not okay, can’t
This phrase clearly but politely denies permission or indicates inability.
Example:
A: 明天可以见面吗？(Míngtiān kěyǐ jiànmiàn ma? – Can we meet tomorrow?)
B: 不行，我有事。(Bù xíng, wǒ yǒu shì. – I can’t. I have plans.)
5. 没兴趣 (méi xìngqù) – Not interested
This expression firmly yet politely indicates lack of interest.
Example:
A: 想不想参加这个活动？(Xiǎng bù xiǎng cānjiā zhège huódòng? – Want to join this event?)
B: 没兴趣，谢谢。(Méi xìngqù, xièxiè. – Not interested, thanks.)
6. 不用了 (bú yòng le) – No need
This phrase gently declines offers of assistance or additional service.
Example:
A: 需要帮忙吗？(Xūyào bāngmáng ma? – Need help?)
B: 不用了，谢谢。(Bú yòng le, xièxiè. – No need, thank you.)
7. 算了 (suàn le) – Forget it, never mind
This phrase expresses a casual refusal or withdrawal of a previous suggestion, often used when changing one’s mind.
Example:
A: 要不试试这个？(Yào bù shìshì zhège? – Why not try this?)
B: 算了，还是不要吧。(Suàn le, háishì bú yào ba. – Forget it, better not.)
8. 不方便 (bù fāngbiàn) – Not convenient
This phrase politely indicates that something is inconvenient without giving a direct rejection.
Example:
A: 明天可以帮我搬家吗？(Míngtiān kěyǐ bāng wǒ bānjiā ma? – Can you help me move tomorrow?)
B: 明天不方便。(Míngtiān bù fāngbiàn. – Tomorrow isn’t convenient.)
9. 不了 (bù le) – Not anymore, no more
This is used to refuse something after having had enough or when one no longer wants something.
Example:
A: 再吃点吧。(Zài chī diǎn ba. – Have a little more.)
B: 不了，我吃饱了。(Bù le, wǒ chī bǎo le. – No more, I’m full.)
10. 免了 (miǎn le) – Skip it, forget about it
This phrase is used when one wants to decline an invitation or suggestion without sounding too blunt.
Example:
A: 今天晚上聚会？(Jīntiān wǎnshàng jùhuì? – Party tonight?)
B: 免了，我累了。(Miǎn le, wǒ lèi le. – Skip it, I’m tired.)
11. 下次再说 (xià cì zài shuō) – Maybe next time
This is a polite and indirect way to decline an invitation or offer, implying that the person might consider it later.
Example:
A: 一起去看电影吧。(Yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng ba. – Want to watch a movie?)
B: 下次再说吧。(Xià cì zài shuō ba. – Maybe next time.)
12. 拉倒吧 (lā dǎo ba) – Forget about it
This phrase is a casual and somewhat playful way to reject a suggestion or idea.
Example:
A: 你去给老板提意见吧。(Nǐ qù gěi lǎobǎn tí yìjiàn ba. – Go suggest something to the boss.)
B: 拉倒吧，我才不去。(Lā dǎo ba, wǒ cái bù qù. – Forget about it, I’m definitely not going.)
13. 不必了 (bú bì le) – Not necessary
This phrase is used to politely refuse an offer when something is unnecessary.
Example:
A: 我送你回家吧。(Wǒ sòng nǐ huí jiā ba. – Let me take you home.)
B: 不必了，我自己能回去。(Bú bì le, wǒ zìjǐ néng huí qù. – Not necessary, I can get home myself.)
14. 谢绝 (xièjué) – Politely decline
This phrase is a formal and respectful way to reject an invitation or offer.
Example:
A: 我们邀请您参加晚宴。(Wǒmen yāoqǐng nín cānjiā wǎnyàn. – We invite you to a banquet.)
B: 非常感谢，但我要谢绝。(Fēicháng gǎnxiè, dàn wǒ yào xièjué. – Thank you very much, but I must decline.)
15. 不至于 (bù zhìyú) – Not to that extent
This phrase is used to dismiss an exaggeration or downplay a situation.
Example:
A: 你生气了吗？(Nǐ shēngqì le ma? – Are you angry?)
B: 不至于吧。(Bù zhìyú ba. – Not to that extent.)
16. 还是算了吧 (háishì suàn le ba) – Better forget it
This phrase is used to retract an idea or abandon a plan.
Example:
A: 你要不要试试？(Nǐ yào bù yào shìshì? – Do you want to try it?)
B: 还是算了吧。(Háishì suàn le ba. – Better forget it.)
17. 不可能 (bù kěnéng) – Impossible
This phrase firmly rejects something that is unrealistic or out of the question.
Example:
A: 你觉得我们能完成吗？(Nǐ juéde wǒmen néng wánchéng ma? – Do you think we can finish it?)
B: 不可能，时间太短了。(Bù kěnéng, shíjiān tài duǎn le. – Impossible, the time is too short.)
18. 哪能啊 (nǎ néng a) – How could I?
This phrase is often used to modestly refuse praise or an overestimation of one’s ability.
Example:
A: 你真厉害，什么都会。(Nǐ zhēn lìhài, shénme dōu huì. – You’re amazing, you can do everything.)
B: 哪能啊，我只会一点。(Nǎ néng a, wǒ zhǐ huì yīdiǎn. – How could I? I only know a little.)
19. 免谈 (miǎn tán) – No discussion
This phrase is used when rejecting negotiations or further discussion on a matter.
Example:
A: 我们再商量一下？(Wǒmen zài shāngliáng yīxià? – Can we discuss this again?)
B: 免谈！(Miǎn tán! – No discussion!)
20. 免不了 (miǎn bù liǎo) – I can’t avoid it
This phrase acknowledges an unavoidable situation while implying reluctance.
Example:
A: 你真的要参加这个活动吗？(Nǐ zhēn de yào cānjiā zhège huódòng ma? – Do you really have to attend this event?)
B: 免不了啊。(Miǎn bù liǎo a. – I can’t avoid it.)
21. 说不定 (shuō bù dìng) – Not sure, maybe not
This phrase expresses uncertainty and can be a way to avoid committing to something.
Example:
A: 你周末会去吗？(Nǐ zhōumò huì qù ma? – Will you go this weekend?)
B: 说不定。(Shuō bù dìng. – Not sure, maybe not.)
22. 我没把握 (wǒ méi bǎwò) – I’m not sure
This phrase is used to convey uncertainty and indirectly decline something.
Example:
A: 你能完成这个任务吗？(Nǐ néng wánchéng zhège rènwù ma? – Can you complete this task?)
B: 我没把握。(Wǒ méi bǎwò. – I’m not sure.)
23. 不太合适 (bù tài héshì) – Not quite suitable
This phrase is used when rejecting an idea or plan for being unsuitable.
Example:
A: 这个方案怎么样？(Zhège fāng’àn zěnme yàng? – How about this plan?)
B: 不太合适。(Bù tài héshì. – Not quite suitable.)
FAQs on How to Say No in Chinese
Is It Rude to Say No in China?
In China, directly saying “no” (不) can seem blunt, especially in formal or professional contexts. It’s often preferable to use softer alternatives such as 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) or 可能不行 (kěnéng bù xíng – maybe not possible).
What Does Bu Yao Mean?
不要 (bú yào) means “don’t want” or “no thanks.” It is commonly used to politely refuse an offer or request without causing offense.
How Do You Express Oh No in Chinese?
To express surprise or disappointment, you can use 哦，不！ (Ò, bù!) or 糟了 (zāo le), which translates to “oh no!”
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got a solid list of ways to say no in Mandarin, so you’ll never have to struggle with awkward refusals again.
Whether you want to be polite, firm, or just casual, you have plenty of options. Next time you need to say no, try out one of these phrases and see how naturally it fits into your conversation!
If this guide helped you feel more prepared to say no in Chinese, why not share it with a friend who’s also learning?
Happy learning and sharing!