Saying no without saying no

10 phrases

我尽量吧 - I'll do my best - and 再考虑考虑 - let me think it over some more - are refusals, not promises, and hearing them as commitments is a classic mistake. 你另请高明 - please seek someone more capable - is a flat no dressed as a compliment.

我看看再说吧。 wǒ kànkan zài shuō ba. — let me see - meaning probably not

恐怕有点困难。 kǒngpà yǒudiǎn kùnnan. — I'm afraid that may be difficult

我尽量吧。 wǒ jǐnliàng ba. — I'll do what I can - no promises

到时候再联系。 dào shíhou zài liánxì. — let's be in touch nearer the time

这次就算了吧。 zhè cì jiù suàn le ba. — let's leave it this time

我怕不太方便。 wǒ pà bú tài fāngbiàn. — it might not be convenient

我得回去商量一下。 wǒ děi huíqù shāngliang yíxià. — I'll have to check with the others

再考虑考虑。 zài kǎolǜ kǎolǜ. — let me mull it over

你另请高明吧。 nǐ lìng qǐng gāomíng ba. — you'd better ask someone abler

心领了，谢谢。 xīnlǐng le, xièxie. — the thought is enough, thank you

HEYGOW

Saying no without saying no