Learning how to say “not today” in Chinese can be a useful phrase to have in your language arsenal. Whether you want to decline an invitation or simply express that you don’t want to do something at the moment, being able to communicate this idea will come in handy. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “not today” in Chinese, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Not Today” in Chinese
In formal contexts, such as business or professional settings, it is important to use polite expressions when saying “not today” in Chinese. Here are a few common phrases you can use:
1. 今天不行 (jīn tiān bù xíng)
This phrase is a straightforward way to convey that you are unable to do something today. You can use it to decline a request or invitation politely. For example, if someone asks if you have time for a meeting, you can respond with “今天不行” (jīn tiān bù xíng).
2. 今天暂时不方便 (jīn tiān zàn shí bù fāng biàn)
This expression implies that, for the time being, you are unavailable or not ready to deal with the particular matter. It can also convey a sense of temporary inconvenience. For instance, if you are asked to help with a task, you could respond with “今天暂时不方便” (jīn tiān zàn shí bù fāng biàn).
Informal Ways to Say “Not Today” in Chinese
In informal settings, such as among friends or family, you can use a more casual or colloquial tone when expressing “not today” in Chinese. Here are a few common informal phrases:
1. 今天不想 (jīn tiān bù xiǎng)
This phrase indicates that you don’t feel like doing something today. It’s a simple and friendly way to decline an offer or express your current lack of interest. For example, if your friend suggests going shopping, you can reply with “今天不想” (jīn tiān bù xiǎng).
2. 今天没空 (jīn tiān méi kòng)
This expression is commonly used among friends to convey that you don’t have any free time today. If someone invites you to hang out or asks for help, you can respond with “今天没空” (jīn tiān méi kòng). It’s a casual way to say “not today” without being too blunt.
Examples of “Not Today” in Context
To provide further insight into the usage of these phrases, let’s explore a few examples of how to say “not today” in Chinese in different situations:
Example 1: Formal Context
Colleague: “你有时间帮我处理这份报告吗？” (nǐ yǒu shí jiān bāng wǒ chǔ lǐ zhè fèn bào gào ma?)
You: “非常抱歉，今天不行。我有其他紧急的工作要处理。” (fēi cháng bào qiàn, jīn tiān bù xíng. wǒ yǒu qí tā jǐn jí de gōng zuò yào chǔ lǐ.)
Example 2: Informal Context
Friend: “一起去看电影吗？” (yī qǐ qù kàn diàn yǐng ma?)
You: “今天不想了，有点累了，下次再约吧。” (jīn tiān bù xiǎng le, yǒu diǎn lèi le, xià cì zài yuē ba.)
