算了
In Chinese, 'leave it' can be translated in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 算了.
The phrase 算了 is used to express a desire to drop a topic, stop an argument or dismiss a matter that is no longer worth pursuing, meaning 'forget it' or 'let it go'. Other ways to express 'leave it' include: 别碰 to tell someone to 'leave it' or 'not to touch' something. 别管 to indicate the act of 'leaving something as it is' or 'not interfering'. And 别搭理 to tell someone to 'leave them alone' or 'ignore' a situation. All these expressions utilize the word 别, which means 'do not' or 'don't'.
Which one should you use?
While 算了 can mean 'forget it', it often carries a tone of resignation or slight annoyance, implying 'never mind, it's not worth the trouble'.
How does it change in a sentence?
算了 can function as a complete sentence on its own to end a conversation or a specific line of reasoning.
Did you know?
- The word 算 in 算了 originally refers to counting with an abacus. In this phrase, it implies that the 'account' has been settled or the mental math is finished and no further calculation is needed.
- In many social contexts, saying 算了 can act as a 'social exit' to prevent 'loss of face' (丢脸 diū liǎn). It allows both parties to end a disagreement gracefully without someone being explicitly wrong.
- The word 管 in 别管 means 'to manage' or 'to control' and is the same character used for 'pipe' or 'tube'. This reflects a conceptual link between controlling a flow and managing a situation.
Examples in context
- 别碰，这是易碎品。Leave it, this is fragile.
- 别管了，乱七八糟。Leave it, it's a mess.
- 算了，别再提了。Suàn le, bié zài tí le.Leave it, don't mention it again.
- 算了，我不想争论了。Suàn le, wǒ bù xiǎng zhēng lùn le.Leave it, I don't want to argue anymore.
- 既然这样，那就算了。Jì rán zhè yàng, nà jiù suàn le.Since it's like this, just leave it.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about where to eat dinner.
- 雨婷 Yuting我们去吃面条吧。Wǒmen qù chī miàntiáo ba.Let's go eat noodles.
- 俊杰 Junjie但我不想吃面。Dàn wǒ bùxiǎng chī miàn.But I don't want to eat noodles.
- 雨婷 Yuting算了，听你的吧。Suànle, tīng nǐ de ba.Leave it, let's do it your way.
- 俊杰 Junjie太好了，谢谢雨婷。Tài hǎole, xièxiè Yǔtíng.Great, thank you Yuting.
