下次再说。
xià cì zài shuō.
Talk about it next time.
Literally: Next (下) time (次) again (再) speak (说).
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'not now' or 'maybe later'.
- Used to avoid direct confrontation or a harsh 'no'.
- Common in social, casual, and low-stakes business settings.
- Can mean 'never', depending on the speaker's tone.
Meaning
This is a polite way to postpone a discussion or decline an invitation without saying a flat 'no'. It literally means 'let's talk about it next time,' but often acts as a soft social buffer.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a second drink at a bar
太晚了，下次再说吧。
It's too late, let's talk about it next time.
A pushy salesperson in a mall
我现在有点忙，下次再说。
I'm a bit busy now, talk next time.
Texting a friend about a vague plan
去旅游的事，我们下次再说吧。
About the trip, let's chat about it next time.
Cultural Background
In business, 'Next time' often means 'I need to consult my boss' or 'I'm not convinced yet.' Don't push for an immediate answer. The phrase is often used with a very soft 'ba' and a rising intonation to sound even more helpful and less dismissive. While the Mandarin phrase is understood, the Cantonese equivalent 'haa ci sin gong' is used with similar face-saving intent in the bustling city life. In Western countries, younger generations might use this phrase more literally, but the older generation still uses it as a polite buffer.
The 'Ba' Factor
Always add 'ba' at the end when talking to friends to avoid sounding like you're barking an order.
Don't Wait
If someone says this to you without a date, don't wait by the phone. It's often a polite 'no.'
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'not now' or 'maybe later'.
- Used to avoid direct confrontation or a harsh 'no'.
- Common in social, casual, and low-stakes business settings.
- Can mean 'never', depending on the speaker's tone.
What It Means
下次再说 is your ultimate social escape hatch. It sounds like you are planning for the future. In reality, you are often just ending the current conversation. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'rain check'. Sometimes you really do mean next time. Other times, you are just being polite. It is a soft way to say 'not right now'.
How To Use It
Place it at the end of a sentence. Use it when someone asks for a favor. Use it when a salesperson is too pushy. You do not need a long excuse. Just say the phrase and smile. It works as a standalone sentence too. It is short, punchy, and very effective. It keeps the atmosphere light and friendly.
When To Use It
You are at a dinner and someone suggests a second round. You are tired and want to go home. Say 下次再说. Or perhaps a friend suggests a trip you cannot afford. It is perfect for stalling. In a meeting, use it to table a minor topic. It helps keep the focus on the main agenda. Use it when you need time to think.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for urgent deadlines. If your boss asks for a report, do not say this. You might get fired! Avoid it in serious romantic heart-to-hearts. It can sound like you are avoiding your partner. Do not use it if a friend is in a crisis. It will make you seem cold or indifferent. Use it for low-stakes social situations only.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values 'mianzi' or saving face. Saying a direct 'no' can feel harsh or rude. 下次再说 provides a comfortable exit for both people. It is part of the 'high-context' nature of the language. Everyone knows it might mean 'never'. But saying it this way maintains the social harmony. It is a gentle dance of politeness.
Common Variations
If you want to be even softer, try 以后再说 (talk later). For a more casual vibe, use 回头再说 (talk when I turn my head/later). If you are definitely interested, add 一定 (definitely). For example, 我们下次一定再说. This tells the person you actually care. Without 一定, the 'next time' is a mystery date.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and can be used with friends, colleagues, or strangers. The key is the 'ba' particle at the end to soften the delivery. Without it, the phrase can sound slightly abrupt.
The 'Ba' Factor
Always add 'ba' at the end when talking to friends to avoid sounding like you're barking an order.
Don't Wait
If someone says this to you without a date, don't wait by the phone. It's often a polite 'no.'
The Salesman Shield
Use this phrase while continuing to walk to effectively end a sales pitch without being 'the rude foreigner.'
Face Saving
Understand that by using this, you are helping the other person save face by not forcing a direct rejection.
Examples
6太晚了，下次再说吧。
It's too late, let's talk about it next time.
The 'ba' at the end makes it sound more like a suggestion.
我现在有点忙，下次再说。
I'm a bit busy now, talk next time.
Short and firm to end the interaction.
去旅游的事，我们下次再说吧。
About the trip, let's chat about it next time.
Perfect for delaying plans that aren't ready yet.
这个建议不错，下次再说。
This is a good suggestion, let's discuss it next time.
A polite way to stay focused on current tasks.
洗碗的事？下次再说！
Washing dishes? Let's talk about that next time!
Using it to jokingly procrastinate.
今天很开心，下次再说吧。
Today was fun, let's talk next time.
A classic 'soft exit' phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite way to decline a friend's invitation to go shopping when you are tired.
朋友：我们去买衣服吧！ 你：________。
While the other options are grammatically correct, they are too blunt. '下次再说吧' is the standard polite way to decline.
Fill in the missing characters to complete the phrase.
对不起，我现在有事，我们下__再__。
The standard phrase is {下次再说|xiàcì zàishuō}.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A persistent salesperson asks you to buy a gym membership.
It's the most efficient and polite way to end the interaction without giving personal details.
Complete the dialogue in a way that sounds natural for a busy office worker.
同事：你能帮我看看这个报告吗？ 你：我现在要开会，________。
This acknowledges the request but postpones it due to a valid reason (the meeting).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 下次再说
Social
- • Declining dinner
- • Ending a chat
Shopping
- • Street vendors
- • Upselling
Work
- • Non-urgent tasks
- • Busy moments
Practice Bank
4 exercises朋友：我们去买衣服吧！ 你：________。
While the other options are grammatically correct, they are too blunt. '下次再说吧' is the standard polite way to decline.
对不起，我现在有事，我们下__再__。
The standard phrase is {下次再说|xiàcì zàishuō}.
Situation: A persistent salesperson asks you to buy a gym membership.
It's the most efficient and polite way to end the interaction without giving personal details.
同事：你能帮我看看这个报告吗？ 你：我现在要开会，________。
This acknowledges the request but postpones it due to a valid reason (the meeting).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is actually more polite than saying 'no' directly. However, tone of voice matters—keep it light and friendly.
Sort of. It's a 'maybe' that leans towards 'no' unless a specific time is mentioned later.
Yes, if you are busy, but it's better to say 'I'll report to you later' ({稍后向您汇报|shāohòu xiàng nín huìbào}).
Add a specific time: '{我们下周三再说|wǒmen xiàzhōusān zàishuō}' (Let's talk next Wednesday).
'以后' (future) is much further away and sounds more like you're trying to avoid the topic forever.
It is neutral. It's fine for the office and fine for the street.
Just say '{好的|hǎode}' or '{没问题|méi wèntí}' and move on.
Yes, it's common in internal work emails to postpone non-urgent threads.
'Gǎitiān' (change the day) sounds a bit more personal and sincere.
It means 'again' (future repetition).
Related Phrases
{改天再说|gǎitiān zàishuō}
synonymLet's talk another day.
{以后再说|yǐhòu zàishuō}
similarTalk about it in the future.
{回头再说|huítóu zàishuō}
similarTalk later.
{再说吧|zàishuō ba}
specialized formWe'll see / Let's talk later.
{一言为定|yī yán wéi dìng}
contrastIt's a deal.
