以后再说。
yǐhòu zài shuō.
Talk about it later.
Literally: After/Later (以后) again (再) speak/talk (说).
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to delay a decision or conversation.
- Often serves as a soft 'no' to save face.
- Perfect for escaping awkward or unwanted requests gracefully.
Meaning
This is the ultimate polite way to say 'not right now.' It’s used to push a decision or a conversation into the future without saying a flat 'no.'
Key Examples
3 of 6A pushy street vendor tries to sell you a souvenir.
谢谢，以后再说吧。
Thanks, maybe another time.
A friend asks if you want to go on a trip next year.
现在还没定，以后再说。
Nothing is set yet, let's talk later.
In a business meeting, a colleague brings up a minor detail.
这个不急，以后再说。
This isn't urgent, let's discuss it later.
Cultural Background
In business, {以后再说|yǐhòu zàishuō} from a superior often means the project is being shelved indefinitely. It's a way to avoid saying 'no' to a subordinate's face. Usage is very similar, but often accompanied by a softer 'ba' or 'la' particle, making it sound even less like a refusal and more like a gentle suggestion. While the phrase is used in Mandarin, the Cantonese equivalent '迟啲先讲' (ci4 di1 sin1 gong2) carries the exact same cultural weight of face-saving. The phrase remains a staple for maintaining community harmony, especially when dealing with requests for help or community involvement.
The 'Ba' Factor
Always add '{吧|ba}' at the end to sound more like a native speaker. It softens the 'no' and makes you sound more considerate.
Don't Wait!
If a Chinese person says this to you after you've made a request, don't sit by the phone. It's usually a signal to move on or try a different approach later.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to delay a decision or conversation.
- Often serves as a soft 'no' to save face.
- Perfect for escaping awkward or unwanted requests gracefully.
What It Means
以后再说 is your go-to phrase for hitting the snooze button on a conversation. It literally means "talk about it later." In reality, it often functions as a soft rejection or a way to avoid making a commitment right this second. It’s the linguistic equivalent of "we'll see."
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence or at the end of a thought. If someone asks you a question you aren't ready to answer, just drop this phrase. It’s short, efficient, and keeps the peace. You don’t need complex grammar to make it work. Just say it with a small smile or a shrug.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely busy and can't talk. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter asks about dessert but you're still stuffed from the main course. It’s perfect for pushy salespeople or friends asking for favors you aren't sure about. It works great in text messages when you want to end a chat. It’s also handy in business meetings to table a topic for the next session.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if a situation is an emergency. If your house is on fire, don't tell the firefighter 以后再说! Avoid using it with your boss if they are giving you a direct, urgent command. It can sound dismissive if used with a cold tone. Don't use it if you actually want to solve a problem immediately. Using it too much with a romantic partner might make you seem like you're avoiding the relationship.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often prioritizes "saving face" and maintaining harmony. Saying a direct "no" can feel too harsh or aggressive. 以后再说 provides a comfortable buffer for both people. It allows the requester to stop asking without feeling rejected. It’s a social lubricant that keeps interactions smooth. Sometimes, both people know "later" actually means "never," and that's okay.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more casual, you can say 回头再说 (huítóu zàishuō). This literally means "talk when I turn my head back around." For a slightly more formal delay, you might hear 我们再议 (wǒmen zàiyì). If you want to emphasize that now is definitely not the time, you can add 等 (děng) at the start: 等以后再说吧.
Usage Notes
The phrase is generally neutral. However, its meaning heavily relies on the relationship between speakers. Between friends, it's a casual delay; between a buyer and seller, it's a polite 'no thank you.'
The 'Ba' Factor
Always add '{吧|ba}' at the end to sound more like a native speaker. It softens the 'no' and makes you sound more considerate.
Don't Wait!
If a Chinese person says this to you after you've made a request, don't sit by the phone. It's usually a signal to move on or try a different approach later.
Examples
6谢谢，以后再说吧。
Thanks, maybe another time.
Adding 'ba' at the end makes it sound softer and more polite.
现在还没定，以后再说。
Nothing is set yet, let's talk later.
Used here to genuinely delay a plan that isn't urgent.
这个不急，以后再说。
This isn't urgent, let's discuss it later.
Professional way to keep the meeting on track.
哎呀，以后再说，先吃饭！
Oh, let's talk about that later, let's eat first!
A classic move to dodge uncomfortable family questions.
我现在有点忙，以后再说。
I'm a bit busy now, talk later.
A polite way to end a text conversation without being rude.
我很累，这件事以后再说好吗？
I'm very tired, can we talk about this later?
Expresses a need for space while acknowledging the topic.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to tell a pushy salesperson you aren't interested?
Salesperson: '{这|zhè}{个|ge}{手机|shǒujī}{很|hěn}{便宜|piányi}，{买|mǎi}{吧|ba}！'
{以后再说吧|yǐhòu zàishuō ba} allows you to leave without being confrontational.
Complete the sentence to say 'I am busy now, let's talk later.'
{我|wǒ}{现在|xiànzài}{很|hěn}{忙|máng}，____。
The correct order is 'Time (以后) + Verb (再说)'.
Choose the best response for a friend asking for a favor you can't do right now.
Friend: '{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{帮|bāng}{我|wǒ}{搬家|bānjiā}{吗|ma}？' You: '____'
{以后再说|yǐhòu zàishuō} is the softest way to delay or decline.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSalesperson: '{这|zhè}{个|ge}{手机|shǒujī}{很|hěn}{便宜|piányi}，{买|mǎi}{吧|ba}！'
{以后再说吧|yǐhòu zàishuō ba} allows you to leave without being confrontational.
{我|wǒ}{现在|xiànzài}{很|hěn}{忙|máng}，____。
The correct order is 'Time (以后) + Verb (再说)'.
Friend: '{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{帮|bāng}{我|wǒ}{搬家|bānjiā}{吗|ma}？' You: '____'
{以后再说|yǐhòu zàishuō} is the softest way to delay or decline.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's actually the opposite. It's a way to avoid being rude by not saying 'no' directly.
Yes, if you are genuinely busy, but be careful. It's better to say '{我|wǒ}{先|xiān}{处理|chǔlǐ}{手头|shǒutóu}{的|de}{工作|gōngzuò}。' (I'll handle my current work first.)
In this phrase, 'later' is undefined. It could be ten minutes, or it could be never.
Related Phrases
{回头再说|huítóu zàishuō}
synonymTalk later (literally: talk when I turn my head).
{再说吧|zàishuō ba}
similarLet's see/Talk later.
{下次再说|xiàcì zàishuō}
similarTalk next time.
{改天再说|gǎitiān zàishuō}
similarTalk another day.
