How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Chinese: 15 Useful Phrases with Pronunciation

Whether you’re learning Mandarin for travel, school, or casual conversation, knowing how to say “I don’t know” in Chinese can save you in many real-life situations. From expressing uncertainty to politely saying you’re not sure, there are many ways to communicate “I don’t know” beyond just one phrase.

In this guide, we’ll cover 15 commonly used expressions for “I don’t know” in Chinese, complete with pinyin, English translation, and pronunciation tips that help you sound more natural. For more common Chinese phrases, you can check this article.

1. 我不知道 (wǒ bù zhī dào) – I don’t know

Chinese: 我不知道
English: I don’t know
Pinyin: wǒ bù zhī dào
Sound like: woh boo jr dao

✅ Most common and versatile phrase to express “I don’t know” in Mandarin.

2. 我不清楚 (wǒ bù qīng chǔ) – I’m not clear about it

Chinese: 我不清楚
English: I’m not clear about it
Pinyin: wǒ bù qīng chǔ
Sound like: woh boo ching choo

🎯 Use this when you don’t fully understand or lack the full details.

3. 我不了解 (wǒ bù liǎo jiě) – I don’t understand/know about it

Chinese: 我不了解
English: I don’t understand it / I’m not familiar with it
Pinyin: wǒ bù liǎo jiě
Sound like: woh boo lyao jyeh

🤓 Slightly more formal, used in written or polite conversation.

4. 我不晓得 (wǒ bù xiǎo de) – I don’t know (spoken / dialectal)

Chinese: 我不晓得
English: I don’t know
Pinyin: wǒ bù xiǎo de
Sound like: woh boo shyaow duh

🗣 Common in southern China or informal speech.

5. 我不懂 (wǒ bù dǒng) – I don’t understand

Chinese: 我不懂
English: I don’t understand
Pinyin: wǒ bù dǒng
Sound like: woh boo dong

🧠 Use this for things you don’t intellectually or culturally understand.

6. 我不确定 (wǒ bù què dìng) – I’m not sure

Chinese: 我不确定
English: I’m not sure
Pinyin: wǒ bù què dìng
Sound like: woh boo chweh ding

🙋 Good for situations where you have some knowledge but aren’t confident.

7. 我没听说过 (wǒ méi tīng shuō guò) – I haven’t heard of it

Chinese: 我没听说过
English: I haven’t heard of it
Pinyin: wǒ méi tīng shuō guò
Sound like: woh may ting shwoh gwor

👂 Perfect for responding to unfamiliar topics or names.

8. 这我不太懂 (zhè wǒ bù tài dǒng) – I don’t really understand this

Chinese: 这我不太懂
English: I don’t really understand this
Pinyin: zhè wǒ bù tài dǒng
Sound like: juh woh boo tie dong

😕 Softer and more polite way to express confusion or lack of knowledge.

9. 我不太清楚 (wǒ bù tài qīng chǔ) – I’m not quite clear about it

Chinese: 我不太清楚
English: I’m not quite clear about it
Pinyin: wǒ bù tài qīng chǔ
Sound like: woh boo tie ching choo

🎤 Another gentle and indirect version of saying “I don’t know.”

10. 我毫无头绪 (wǒ háo wú tóu xù) – I have no clue

Chinese: 我毫无头绪
English: I have no clue
Pinyin: wǒ háo wú tóu xù
Sound like: woh how woo toe shoo

🔍 More literary and often used to express total confusion.

11. 我一无所知 (wǒ yī wú suǒ zhī) – I know nothing about it

Chinese: 我一无所知
English: I know nothing about it
Pinyin: wǒ yī wú suǒ zhī
Sound like: woh ee woo swaw jr

📚 Often seen in formal writing or academic expressions.

12. 谁知道呢？(shéi zhī dào ne?) – Who knows?

Chinese: 谁知道呢？
English: Who knows?
Pinyin: shéi zhī dào ne
Sound like: shay jr dao nuh

😏 A casual or even rhetorical way to express doubt or uncertainty.

13. 天晓得 (tiān xiǎo de) – Heaven knows

Chinese: 天晓得
English: Heaven knows
Pinyin: tiān xiǎo de
Sound like: tyan shyaow duh

🌤️ Common in informal speech, carries a tone of helplessness.

14. 这我可说不好 (zhè wǒ kě shuō bù hǎo) – I can’t say for sure

Chinese: 这我可说不好
English: I can’t say for sure
Pinyin: zhè wǒ kě shuō bù hǎo
Sound like: juh woh kuh shwor boo how

🤷‍♀️ Useful when you’re hesitant or don’t want to give a definitive answer.

15. 我不太了解情况 (wǒ bù tài liǎo jiě qíng kuàng) – I’m not very familiar with the situation

Chinese: 我不太了解情况
English: I’m not very familiar with the situation
Pinyin: wǒ bù tài liǎo jiě qíng kuàng
Sound like: woh boo tie lyao jyeh ching kwang

📘 For situations when more context or background is needed before you can respond.

Summary Table: Ways to Say “I Don’t Know” in Chinese

Conclusion

Learning how to say “I don’t know” in Chinese goes far beyond just one sentence. These 15 phrases cover a wide range of tones—from formal and polite to casual and even humorous. Try to pick one or two that fit your personality and practice them in daily conversation.

For structured and engaging Chinese lessons for kids and beginners, check out WuKong, Chinese where expert teachers make language learning fun, interactive, and culturally rich.

Roxy | WuKong Chinese Teacher

I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.