A1 Expression Neutral 3 min read

靠边停。

Kaobian ting.

Pull over.

Literally: Lean against the side and stop.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to tell a driver to pull over and stop.
  • Combines 'lean to side' and 'stop' for clear direction.
  • Best used in taxis, Didis, or with friends driving.

Meaning

This is exactly what you say to a driver when you need them to pull the car over to the side of the road so you can get out.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Arriving at the mall in a taxi

师傅,麻烦在商场门口靠边停。

Driver, please pull over at the mall entrance.

2

A friend is giving you a lift home

就在这儿靠边停吧,我走过去。

Just pull over here, I'll walk over.

3

In a formal business car service

王经理,我们在前面的酒店靠边停可以吗?

Manager Wang, could we pull over at the hotel ahead?

🌍

Cultural Background

Taxi drivers are almost always called '师傅' (Master). Traffic is heavy, so being quick with your request is appreciated.

💡

Add '一下'

Adding '一下' (yīxià) makes you sound much more polite and less like you are giving an order.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to tell a driver to pull over and stop.
  • Combines 'lean to side' and 'stop' for clear direction.
  • Best used in taxis, Didis, or with friends driving.

What It Means

靠边停 is your go-to command for stopping a vehicle. Think of it as the universal 'drop me off right here' button. It literally breaks down into 'lean to the side' and 'stop.' It is simple, direct, and impossible to misunderstand. Even if your tones are a bit shaky, a taxi driver will know exactly what you want. It is one of the most practical phrases you will ever use in China.

How To Use It

You usually say this when you are a few meters away from your destination. You can say it as a standalone phrase, but adding a 师傅 (shīfu - master/driver) at the beginning makes it much smoother. If you are in a rush, you might say it twice for emphasis. Just make sure you are actually near a spot where a car can legally stop. Don't expect a driver to pull over in the middle of a six-lane highway!

When To Use It

Use it in any hired ride, like a Didi or a traditional taxi. It is perfect when you see your favorite coffee shop or realize you've reached your apartment gate. You can also use it when riding with a friend or colleague. It is the standard way to signal the end of the trip. If you are navigating for someone, this is your 'mission accomplished' signal.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in a very formal setting without adding some polite padding. If your boss is driving you, just barking 靠边停 sounds a bit like you are firing them. In that case, add a 麻烦您 (máfan nín - sorry to bother you) at the start. Also, do not use this on a public bus. The bus driver has a fixed route and will probably just ignore you or give you a very confused look.

Cultural Background

In China, the relationship with drivers is unique. The term 师傅 is a respectful way to address someone with a technical skill, including driving. Using 靠边停 is part of the fast-paced urban life in cities like Beijing or Shanghai. It reflects the efficiency of Chinese street life. Interestingly, because traffic can be chaotic, this phrase is often followed by a quick check of the side mirror to avoid 'door-ing' a passing e-bike.

Common Variations

If you want to be extra polite, say 麻烦靠边停一下. The 一下 softens the command. If you see a specific landmark, you can say 在前边靠边停 (stop up ahead). If you are in a real hurry, you might just say 就这儿停 (stop right here). But 靠边停 remains the gold standard for clarity and safety.

Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and safe for daily use. To avoid sounding bossy, always pair it with 'shīfu' or 'máfan'.

💡

Add '一下'

Adding '一下' (yīxià) makes you sound much more polite and less like you are giving an order.

Examples

6
#1 Arriving at the mall in a taxi

师傅,麻烦在商场门口靠边停。

Driver, please pull over at the mall entrance.

Adding the location before the phrase makes it very clear.

#2 A friend is giving you a lift home

就在这儿靠边停吧,我走过去。

Just pull over here, I'll walk over.

Using 'ba' at the end makes it a suggestion rather than a command.

#3 In a formal business car service

王经理,我们在前面的酒店靠边停可以吗?

Manager Wang, could we pull over at the hotel ahead?

Phrasing it as a question is much more professional.

#4 Texting a friend who is picking you up

你在路口靠边停,我马上到。

Pull over at the intersection, I'll be there in a second.

Commonly used in texts to coordinate pickups.

#5 Realizing you left your phone at the restaurant

快靠边停!我手机掉餐厅了!

Pull over quick! I left my phone at the restaurant!

Adding 'kuài' (fast) shows urgency.

#6 Joking with a friend who is driving too fast

你开太快了,我要下车,靠边停!

You're driving too fast, I want to get out, pull over!

Used playfully to tease a friend's driving skills.

Test Yourself

Which is the correct way to ask a driver to stop?

How do you say 'pull over'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 靠边停

The correct order is 'side-edge' then 'stop'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Which is the correct way to ask a driver to stop? Choose A1

How do you say 'pull over'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 靠边停

The correct order is 'side-edge' then 'stop'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, buses have designated stops. Use this for taxis or private cars.

Related Phrases

🔗

停车

similar

Park the car

🔗

下车

builds on

Get out of the car

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