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How to Say ‘I'm busy on Saturday.’ in Simplified Chinese

星期六我有事。

xīng qī liù wǒ yǒu shì

[xīngqīliù wo yǒu shì]

💬 Usage Tip: Time words usually go at the start of the sentence or right after the subject, never at the end as in English. 我星期六有事 is just as correct.

Phrase Breakdown

星期六

xīng qī liù

[xīngqīliù]

Saturday

The sixth day of the week; literally 'week six'.

Example

这个星期六你忙吗?

Are you busy this Saturday?

我有事。

wǒ yǒu shì

I have something on / I'm busy.

我 (wǒ) means 'I', 有 (yǒu) means 'have', and 事 (shì) means 'matter' or 'thing to do'. This is a polite way to say you're not free. When two third tones meet, wǒ yǒu is said as 'wó yǒu'.

Example

对不起,今天我有事。

Sorry, I have something on today.

Words in this phrase

我

wǒ

[wo]

I

The speaker referring to themselves.

Example

我明天有空。

I am free tomorrow.

有事

yǒu shì

[yǒu shì]

to have something to do; to need help

Means having a matter, problem, or business to deal with.

Example

你有事吗?

Do you need something?

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