How to Say ‘Not This Time’ in Chinese: Polite Phrases, Examples, and Cultural Tips

If you want to decline an invitation politely in Mandarin, you’ll need more than just the words; you’ll need the right cultural touch. In English, “Not this time” can be straightforward, but in Chinese, direct refusal can sometimes feel too blunt. That’s why phrases like “这次不行 (zhè cì bù xíng)” are often softened with extra words for politeness.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to say not this time in Chinese through useful phrases, pinyin, cultural notes, and example conversations. These expressions will help you say no without hurting feelings, which is an important skill in both personal and professional settings.

At WuKong Education, our interactive Mandarin courses teach learners not only vocabulary but also how to navigate real-life situations. Master these polite phrases and you’ll sound both fluent and considerate.

What Does ‘Not This Time’ Mean in Chinese?

The English phrase “Not this time” often means politely declining an offer or invitation without closing the door to future opportunities. In Chinese, the idea is similar, but how you refuse matters a lot.

In many Chinese-speaking cultures, maintaining face (面子 miànzi) is important. A direct “No” can feel too abrupt, so speakers often use softer expressions that still convey the refusal but leave room for future agreement.

For example:

• English: “Not this time, but maybe next time.”

• Chinese: “这次不行，下次吧。(zhè cì bù xíng, xià cì ba.)”

• Literally: “This time no, next time okay.”

Cultural Tip: Compared to “say no in Chinese,” saying “not this time” is less final and more relationship-friendly. It’s common to pair it with an alternative suggestion (“Let’s do it next week”) or a polite phrase like 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) — “Sorry” or “I feel bad.”

Common Ways to Say ‘Not This Time’ in Chinese

Below is a table of 10 common Chinese expressions for “Not this time,” each with pinyin, English meaning, and example sentences.

How to Politely Decline an Invitation in Chinese (After 这次不行）

Sentences after ‘Not this time’

When refusing, you can say the following sentences after ‘Not this time’.

1. Start with thanks or apology:
   • 谢谢你邀请我。(Xièxiè nǐ yāoqǐng wǒ.) — Thank you for inviting me.
   • 不好意思，这次不行。(Bù hǎo yìsi, zhè cì bù xíng.) — Sorry, not this time.
2. Give a brief reason (optional):
   • 这次我有事。(Zhè cì wǒ yǒu shì.) — I have something this time.
   • 时间不合适。(Shíjiān bù héshì.) — The timing isn’t right.
3. Offer a future alternative:
   • 下次一定参加。(Xià cì yídìng cānjiā.) — I’ll definitely join next time.
   • 改天约。(Gǎi tiān yuē.) — Let’s do it another day.

Example Dialogues

1. Friend Gathering
A: 这个周末我们去爬山，你来吗？
Zhège zhōumò wǒmen qù páshān, nǐ lái ma?
We’re going hiking this weekend, will you come?

B: 不好意思，这次不行，下次一定去。
Bù hǎo yìsi, zhè cì bù xíng, xià cì yídìng qù.
Sorry, not this time, but I’ll definitely go next time.

2.Business Meeting
A: 下周二有个客户晚宴，您能参加吗？
Xià zhōu èr yǒu gè kèhù wǎnyàn, nín néng cānjiā ma?
We have a client dinner next Tuesday, can you attend?

B: 恐怕这次不太合适，非常感谢您的邀请。
Kǒngpà zhè cì bù tài héshì, fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de yāoqǐng.
I’m afraid it’s not suitable this time, thank you very much for the invitation.

Fun Learning Activities: Multiple-Choice Quiz

Answer: B A A C A

Conclusion

Learning how to say not this time in Chinese will help you decline politely, maintain good relationships, and sound culturally aware. Whether with friends, family, or colleagues, these phrases keep the door open for future invitations. Looking for a fun way to learn Chinese? Try WuKong Chinese classes, made just for kids, taught by real native teachers.

Xyan

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.