我的中文说得不好
wǒ de zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo
To say "I am not fluent in chinese" in Chinese, use 我的中文说得不好 (wǒ de zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo).
This phrase is used to inform others that you lack proficiency in the language. It is a common, humble way to express that while you have some ability, you are not yet fluent. This differs from saying you cannot speak the language at all.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "My Chinese is spoken not well".
Which one should you use?
Use 我的中文说得不好 to imply you have some level of ability but lack proficiency. If you want to communicate that you have no ability to speak the language at all, use 我不会说中文.
How does it change in a sentence?
The structure uses the particle 得 (de) to link the verb 说 (shuō, to speak) with the complement 不好 (bù hǎo, not well) to describe the manner of the action.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ de zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo
Did you know?
- If you say 我的中文说得不好, a native speaker might respond with '哪里哪里' (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ), which literally means 'where, where' but functions as a way to politely disagree with your self-deprecation.
- The word 中文 (zhōngwén) specifically refers to the written or general language, whereas 汉语 (hànyǔ) emphasizes the spoken tongue of the Han people. Using 中文 in this phrase makes the statement feel more inclusive of reading and writing skills.
- In many Chinese-speaking cultures, claiming you speak 'not well' is actually a form of politeness called '谦虚' (qiānxū), or modesty. Even advanced learners might use it to avoid sounding arrogant when receiving compliments.
Examples in context
- 我的中文说得不好。Wǒ de Zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo.My Chinese is not very good.
- 不好意思，我的中文说得不好。Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ de Zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo.Sorry, I don't speak Chinese well.
- 我还在学习，我的中文说得不好。Wǒ hái zài xuéxí, wǒ de Zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo.I am still learning, my Chinese is not good.
Example conversation
A man is trying to order food in a Chinese restaurant.
- 俊杰 Junjie你好，请问这个多少钱？Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn zhège duōshǎo qián?Hello, how much is this?
- 佳怡 Jiayi请问您需要用中文点餐吗？Qǐngwèn nín xūyào yòng Zhōngwén diǎncān ma?Would you like to order in Chinese?
- 俊杰 Junjie不用了，我的中文说得不好。Bùyòng le, wǒ de Zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo.No thanks, my Chinese is not good.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没关系，我们可以用英文。Méiguānxì, wǒmen kěyǐ yòng Yīngwén.That's okay, we can use English.
