In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I don't agree' in Chinese.
- Direct and clear, but can be softened with 'because'.
- Best for opinions, plans, and professional discussions.
Meaning
This is a direct way to say you don't agree with someone's idea or opinion. It is the most standard way to express a difference of opinion in Chinese.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
我不同意这个计划。
I don't agree with this plan.
Deciding on a restaurant with a friend
我不同意,那里的菜不好吃。
I don't agree, the food there isn't good.
Texting a group about a meeting time
我不同意周一开会。
I don't agree to meeting on Monday.
Cultural Background
Direct disagreement is often softened with '不好意思' (excuse me).
Softening
Add '不太' to be polite.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I don't agree' in Chinese.
- Direct and clear, but can be softened with 'because'.
- Best for opinions, plans, and professional discussions.
What It Means
我不同意 is your go-to phrase for saying "no" to an idea. It is clear, honest, and very direct. It literally translates to "I don't agree." You use it when someone suggests a plan you dislike. You use it when an opinion feels wrong to you. It is simple enough for beginners but used by everyone.
How To Use It
Place it at the start of your sentence to be firm. You can also add a reason after it to be polite. For example, 我不同意,因为太贵了 (I don't agree because it's too expensive). If you want to sound softer, add 觉得 (feel). Saying 我觉得我不同意 makes it sound like a personal feeling. It is like adding a "soft filter" to your rejection.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings to voice a different strategy. Use it with friends when picking a movie you hate. It works well in text messages when someone suggests a bad time to meet. It is perfect for debates or serious discussions. If a waiter suggests a dish you know you dislike, this works too. Just remember to keep your tone steady and calm.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this with your boss or elders without a soft opening. In Chinese culture, being this direct can sometimes feel like a challenge. Don't use it for small social invitations like "Want some tea?" Instead, use 不用了 (No need). Using 我不同意 for a cup of tea sounds like you are starting a legal battle! Also, avoid it in very heated arguments unless you want to escalate things.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values "saving face" and harmony. Because of this, many people avoid saying 我不同意 directly. They might say "Maybe next time" or "I'll think about it." However, modern China is becoming much more direct, especially in cities. Using this phrase shows you are confident and clear. It marks you as someone who knows their own mind.
Common Variations
If you want to be super polite, say 我不这么认为 (I don't think so). For a very casual vibe with best friends, try 我不赞成 (I don't approve). If you are feeling extra spicy and totally disagree, use 我完全不同意 (I completely disagree). To sound more professional, try 我有不同的看法 (I have a different view). Each variation changes the "temperature" of the conversation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral in formality. It is acceptable in both professional and casual settings, though it can feel blunt if used without a polite prefix or a following explanation.
Softening
Add '不太' to be polite.
Examples
6我不同意这个计划。
I don't agree with this plan.
Professional and direct for a work setting.
我不同意,那里的菜不好吃。
I don't agree, the food there isn't good.
Followed by a reason to justify the disagreement.
我不同意周一开会。
I don't agree to meeting on Monday.
Clear communication for scheduling.
我完全不同意!这部电影很棒!
I completely disagree! This movie is great!
Adding 'completely' for emphasis in a fun debate.
对不起,我不同意你的看法。
Sorry, I don't agree with your view.
Adding 'sorry' makes the disagreement much softer.
我不赞成这个价格。
I don't approve of this price.
A variation of disagreement used in negotiations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to express disagreement.
对于这个计划,我______。
不同意 means 'do not agree'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises对于这个计划,我______。
不同意 means 'do not agree'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt depends on the context.
Related Phrases
我反对
contrastI object