In 15 Seconds
- Used when a phone call goes unanswered after ringing.
- Short for 'No one is picking up the phone.'
- Works in both casual and professional phone contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you call someone but they don't pick up the phone. It's the standard way to say 'nobody's answering' or 'the line is ringing but no one is there.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling a friend for dinner
我给他打了三次，没人接。
I called him three times, no one's answering.
Trying to reach a business
餐厅的电话没人接。
No one is answering the restaurant's phone.
Reporting to a boss
王经理的电话没人接，我晚点再打。
Manager Wang isn't answering; I'll call again later.
Cultural Background
In the era of WeChat, traditional phone calls are becoming rarer in China. Saying '没人接' often suggests a sense of urgency or that the person is intentionally 'ghosting' or away from their device. It is a phrase that transitioned perfectly from the landline era to the smartphone age.
Shorten it for speed
In fast conversation, you can just say `没接`. It's punchier and sounds more like a native speaker.
Don't use for doors
If you knock on a door and no one answers, don't say `没人接`. Say `没人开门` (No one's opening the door).
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a phone call goes unanswered after ringing.
- Short for 'No one is picking up the phone.'
- Works in both casual and professional phone contexts.
What It Means
没人接 is a simple, everyday phrase. It literally means 'no one picks up.' You use it when a phone call goes unanswered. It describes that awkward moment of waiting for a voice. It is short, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. If your friend asks if you reached someone, just say 没人接. You can also add 电话 (phone) at the start. For example: 电话没人接. It works for mobile phones and landlines alike. It is a building block for basic communication.
When To Use It
Use it when you are trying to reach a delivery driver. Use it when calling a restaurant for a reservation. It is perfect when you are reporting back to a boss. Even in a movie, a character might whisper it while hiding. It fits any time a call fails to connect.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the phone is busy. For a busy signal, use 正在通话中. Don't use it if the phone is powered off. For that, use 关机了. It only applies when the phone actually rings. Also, don't use it for doors; use 没人开门 instead.
Cultural Background
In China, people are usually very attached to their phones. If 没人接, it often implies the person is very busy. Or perhaps they are avoiding the call! In the past, this referred to office landlines. Now, it almost always refers to a smartphone. It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern Chinese life.
Common Variations
You might hear 没接 which is even shorter. Some people say 打不通 if they can't get through at all. If you want to be more specific, say 他不接我电话. This means 'He isn't answering my call.' This version adds a bit more personal drama to the situation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely versatile and carries no negative baggage. It is safe to use in 99% of phone-related situations where a call is ignored or missed.
Shorten it for speed
In fast conversation, you can just say `没接`. It's punchier and sounds more like a native speaker.
Don't use for doors
If you knock on a door and no one answers, don't say `没人接`. Say `没人开门` (No one's opening the door).
The WeChat Era
If someone says `没人接`, they might follow up with 'I'll send a WeChat message instead.' Calling is often seen as a backup to texting in China.
Examples
6我给他打了三次，没人接。
I called him three times, no one's answering.
A common way to express frustration with a friend.
餐厅的电话没人接。
No one is answering the restaurant's phone.
Used when checking if a place is open.
王经理的电话没人接，我晚点再打。
Manager Wang isn't answering; I'll call again later.
Standard professional update.
他怎么了？电话一直没人接。
What's up with him? No one is answering his phone.
Shows concern or confusion.
我给自己打电话，居然没人接！
I called myself, and surprisingly, no one answered!
A joke about losing one's own phone.
这么晚了，为什么没人接？
It's so late, why is no one answering?
Conveys anxiety through a simple question.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
我给妈妈打电话，但是 ___ 。
`接` is the specific verb used for 'picking up' or 'answering' a phone call.
How would you tell your colleague the client isn't answering?
客户的电话 ___ 。
`没人接` is the standard way to report an unanswered business call.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '没人接'
Talking to friends or family.
喂？没人接。
Standard daily communication.
他的电话没人接。
Professional reporting.
办公室电话暂时没人接。
When to say '没人接'
Ordering Food
The pizza place isn't answering.
Lost Phone
Calling your lost phone to find it.
Office Work
The client is away from their desk.
Emergency
Trying to reach someone urgently.
Practice Bank
2 exercises我给妈妈打电话，但是 ___ 。
`接` is the specific verb used for 'picking up' or 'answering' a phone call.
客户的电话 ___ 。
`没人接` is the standard way to report an unanswered business call.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'No person picks up.' The word 接 (jiē) means to receive or pick up.
No, it's specifically for voice or video calls. For a text, you would say 他不回信息 (He isn't replying to messages).
Yes, it is a neutral phrase. You can say 经理，没人接 to inform your boss that a call didn't go through.
If the line is busy, use 正在通话中 (zhèngzài tōnghuà zhōng) instead of 没人接.
You can say 他不接我电话 (Tā bù jiē wǒ diànhuà). It adds the subject 'He' and the object 'my phone'.
No, that is a common mistake. For doors, use 没人应 (No one responds) or 没人开门 (No one opens the door).
Not exactly slang, but 被挂了 (bèi guà le) means 'I got hung up on,' which is a different situation!
Yes! If you call someone on WeChat Video and they don't answer, 没人接 is perfectly fine.
没接 is just a shorter version. Both are used interchangeably in casual speech.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin and understood everywhere, from Beijing to Singapore.
Related Phrases
打不通
Can't get through (line is dead or busy).
挂了
Hung up.
回电话
Call back.
占线
The line is busy.
