这次不行
zhè cì bù xíng
In Chinese, "not this time" is expressed as 这次不行 (zhè cì bù xíng).
这次不行 is used to decline a request, a suggestion or to state that something is not possible on this particular occasion. It often implies that while the answer is no for now, the possibility might exist in the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 这次不行 is composed of 这次 (this time), 不 (not) and 行 (okay/can/work).
Which one should you use?
While 这次不行 is a general way to say "not this time," the phrase 这次不可以 is used specifically when someone is being forbidden from doing something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern China, you might hear 今次唔得 instead of 这次不行.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the scope of the phrase by replacing 这 (this) with 那 (that). For example, 那次不行 means "that time won't work,"
How do you pronounce it?
zhè cì bù xíng
Did you know?
- In professional settings, native speakers often avoid 这次不行 entirely, instead using the phrase 有点困难 which literally means 'a bit difficult'. This is a coded way of saying 'not this time' while saving the other person's 'face'.
- In Chinese culture, saying 这次不行 in response to a favor is often followed by a detailed explanation of why it is impossible. To simply say 'not this time' without a reason can be perceived as lacking sincerity or being intentionally cold.
- Depending on the tone, the phrase 不行 can be used as an exclamation of disbelief or shock, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'I can't believe it!' in English.
Examples in context
- 抱歉，这次我不能参加。Sorry, I cannot participate this time.
- 这次不行，我太累了。Zhè cì bù xíng, wǒ tài lèi le.Not this time, I am too tired.
- 这次不行，我也没钱。Zhè cì bù xíng, wǒ yě méi qián.Not this time, I don't have any money either.
- 对不起，这次不行。Duì bù qǐ, zhè cì bù xíng.I am sorry, not this time.
Example conversation
A man asks a woman to go to a concert with him.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen浩然，你想和我去看演唱会吗？Hào rán, nǐ xiǎng hé wǒ qù kàn yǎn chàng huì ma?Haoran, do you want to go to a concert with me?
- 浩然 Haoran这次不行，我明天要加班。Zhè cì bù xíng, wǒ míng tiān yào jiā bān.Not this time, I have to work overtime tomorrow.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那好吧，下次再说。Nà hǎo ba, xià cì zài shuō.Alright then, maybe next time.
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢你的理解，晓雯。Xiè xiè nǐ de lǐ jiě, Xiǎo wén.Thank you for understanding, Xiaowen.
