How to Say ‘Oh, not really.’ in Simplified Chinese
哪里哪里。
nǎ lǐ nǎ lǐ
[nǎlǐ nǎlǐ]
💬 Usage Tip: 哪里 (nǎ lǐ) literally means "where", but said twice like this it's a modest way to wave off praise.
🇨🇳 In China: Brushing off a compliment this way is the traditional modest reply, though many younger people now just say 谢谢 "thanks".
Phrase Breakdown
哪里
nǎ lǐ
[nǎlǐ]
not at all (modest reply)
When said twice, it is a polite, modest way to answer a compliment.
哪里哪里，你过奖了。
Not at all, you flatter me.
哪里
nǎ lǐ
[nǎlǐ]
not at all (modest reply)
The repeated part of a polite, modest answer to praise.
哪里哪里，我说得不好。
Not at all, my speaking isn't good.
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