有时间聚聚。
yǒu shíjiān jù jù.
Let's get together when we have time.
Literally: Have time gather gather.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to suggest meeting up in the future.
- Often used as a polite way to end a conversation.
- Low pressure; no specific date or time is required.
- Shows you value the relationship without being demanding.
Meaning
This is a friendly way to suggest hanging out without committing to a specific date. It is the Chinese equivalent of saying 'We should catch up sometime' or 'Let's grab coffee soon.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Bumping into an old friend at the supermarket
好久不见！有时间聚聚。
Long time no see! Let's get together when we have time.
Finishing a coffee chat with a coworker
今天聊得很开心，咱们有时间再聚聚。
I enjoyed our chat today, let's gather again when we have time.
Ending a WeChat message to a group of friends
大家最近都忙吗？有时间聚聚吧！
Is everyone busy lately? Let's get together sometime!
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'Ke-qi' (politeness). It is often used to maintain social harmony even if a meeting isn't immediately planned. In Cantonese, the equivalent is 'Dak haan jam ca' (Drink tea when free). It carries the same non-committal but friendly weight. Usage is very similar to the mainland, but the tone might be slightly softer. You might hear '{有空|yǒu kòng}{再|zài}{聚聚|jùju}' more frequently. This phrase serves as a powerful 'identity marker,' signaling a shared cultural value of community and 'Renqing' (human connection).
The 'Softener' Rule
Always repeat the verb ({聚聚|jùju}) to sound friendly. A single {聚|jù} sounds like a command.
Don't take it too literally
If someone says this while leaving, they are being polite. Don't immediately pull out your calendar unless they do first.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to suggest meeting up in the future.
- Often used as a polite way to end a conversation.
- Low pressure; no specific date or time is required.
- Shows you value the relationship without being demanding.
What It Means
有时间聚聚 (yǒu shíjiān jùju) is a warm, flexible invitation. It combines 'have time' with the doubled verb 'gather.' Doubling the verb 聚 (jù) makes it sound casual and relaxed. It is not a firm appointment. It is a social bridge. It expresses a desire to maintain a relationship.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase at the end of a conversation. It works well in person or over WeChat. You do not need to check your calendar immediately. Just say it to show you enjoy someone's company. It is often preceded by 改天 (gǎitiān), meaning 'another day.' Think of it as a social 'to be continued.'
When To Use It
Use it when bumping into an old classmate on the street. Use it when finishing a pleasant lunch with a colleague. It is perfect for ending a phone call with a cousin. It signals that the door is open for future fun. It keeps the vibe light and friendly. You are being polite and approachable.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for urgent business meetings. Avoid it if you are actually trying to set a deadline. If you use it with a romantic crush, you might seem too casual. They might think you are just being polite. Do not use it if you genuinely never want to see the person again. That is just confusing!
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, maintaining 'Guanxi' (relationships) is vital. This phrase is a low-pressure way to nurture those bonds. It is often a 'polite formula' rather than a literal plan. Sometimes, both people know a meeting might not happen soon. That is okay! The intention to meet is what matters most. It shows you still value the connection.
Common Variations
You might hear 有空聚聚 (yǒu kòng jùju), which is identical. For more food-focused friends, try 有时间一起吃饭 (yǒu shíjiān yīqǐ chīfàn). If you want to sound more proactive, add 咱们 (zánmen) at the start. 咱们找时间聚聚 sounds like you are really ready to hang out. It adds a bit more 'oomph' to the suggestion.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safely neutral-to-informal. It is the 'safe bet' for almost any social exit. Just be aware that in many cases, it is a social pleasantry rather than a firm commitment to a future event.
The 'Softener' Rule
Always repeat the verb ({聚聚|jùju}) to sound friendly. A single {聚|jù} sounds like a command.
Don't take it too literally
If someone says this while leaving, they are being polite. Don't immediately pull out your calendar unless they do first.
Examples
6好久不见！有时间聚聚。
Long time no see! Let's get together when we have time.
A classic way to reconnect without pressure.
今天聊得很开心，咱们有时间再聚聚。
I enjoyed our chat today, let's gather again when we have time.
Adds 'again' (再) to show it was a repeat success.
大家最近都忙吗？有时间聚聚吧！
Is everyone busy lately? Let's get together sometime!
The 'ba' at the end makes it a warm suggestion.
我们要走了，以后有时间聚聚。
We are leaving now, let's get together when there's time in the future.
Shows family affection and future intent.
大忙人，等你有时间聚聚，我都老了！
Mr. Busy Man, by the time you have time to gather, I'll be old!
Playfully teasing a friend about their schedule.
很高兴认识你，有时间聚聚。
Nice to meet you, let's catch up when we have time.
A polite way to transition out of a conversation.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is the most natural way to suggest a casual hang-out to a friend?
A: {好久不见|hǎoju bújiàn}！ B: {是|shì}啊，______。
Reduplication ({聚聚|jùju}) is the standard way to make this suggestion sound casual and friendly.
Complete the WeChat conversation.
User A: {我|wǒ}{下周|xiàzhōu}{回|huí}{北京|běijīng}。 User B: {太好了|tàihǎole}！{我们|wǒmen}______。
When a friend returns to your city, suggesting a gathering is the most polite response.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are leaving a party and want to be polite to the host.
This phrase is a standard polite closing for social gatherings.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA: {好久不见|hǎoju bújiàn}！ B: {是|shì}啊，______。
Reduplication ({聚聚|jùju}) is the standard way to make this suggestion sound casual and friendly.
User A: {我|wǒ}{下周|xiàzhōu}{回|huí}{北京|běijīng}。 User B: {太好了|tàihǎole}！{我们|wǒmen}______。
When a friend returns to your city, suggesting a gathering is the most polite response.
Situation: You are leaving a party and want to be polite to the host.
This phrase is a standard polite closing for social gatherings.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is informal to neutral. It's perfect for friends and colleagues you like.
Say '{我们|wǒmen}{明天|míngtiān}{聚聚|jùju}{吧|ba}！' instead.
Yes, in a casual email to a friend or a friendly colleague.
Related Phrases
{有空聚聚|yǒu kòng jùju}
synonymHang out when free.
{改天聚聚|gǎitiān jùju}
similarGather another day.
{聚餐|jùcān}
specialized formGather for a meal.
{常联系|cháng liánxì}
similarKeep in touch.
