现在不行
xiànzài bù xíng
The English phrase "not right now" is translated into Chinese as 现在不行 (xiànzài bù xíng).
现在不行 is used to decline an invitation, a request or a suggestion because the current timing is inconvenient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 现在 (now) and 不行 (not okay/not possible).
Which one should you use?
While 现在不行 means it is not convenient or possible, 现在不可以 specifically implies that an action is prohibited or not permitted at this moment.
How do you pronounce it?
xiànzài bù xíng
When do people say it?
In some regions, adding 那个… which means 'um…' before 暂时不行 is a common way to soften a refusal.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, 不行 can be used as an exclamation of overwhelming emotion, such as when something is too funny or too cute to handle, similar to 'I can't even' in English.
- The word 行 in 不行 originally referred to a 'journey' or 'road'. Over time, it evolved from meaning 'to go' to meaning 'to be okay' or 'to be capable'.
- In Chinese culture, saying 不行 can feel too blunt. People often avoid saying 'not right now' directly and instead say 我看看 meaning 'I will see', which is often a polite way to decline.
Examples in context
- 现在不行，我很忙。Xiànzài bù xíng, wǒ hěn máng.Not right now, I am very busy.
- 现在不行，我没时间。Xiànzài bù xíng, wǒ méi shíjiān.Not right now, I don't have time.
- 对不起，现在不行。Duìbùqǐ, xiànzài bù xíng.Sorry, not right now.
Example conversation
Haoran is busy working and Zihan wants to talk to him.
- 浩然 Haoran浩然，你有时间帮我吗？Hàorán, nǐ yǒu shíjiān bāng wǒ ma?Haoran, do you have time to help me?
- 梓涵 Zihan现在不行，我太忙了。Xiànzài bùxíng, wǒ tài máng le.Not right now, I'm too busy.
- 浩然 Haoran那什么时候可以呢？Nà shénme shíhou kěyǐ ne?Then when would be a good time?
- 梓涵 Zihan半小时以后吧。Bàn xiǎoshí yǐhòu ba.In half an hour.
