How to Say ‘Not right now, I still have something to do.’ in Simplified Chinese
现在不行，我还有事。
xiàn zài bù xíng wǒ hái yǒu shì
[xiànzài bùxíng wo hái yǒu shì]
Phrase Breakdown
现在不行，
xiàn zài bù xíng
not now / now doesn't work
现在 means 'now' and 不行 means 'not OK'. 不 stays in the fourth tone here because 行 is second tone.
现在不行，等一下吧。
Not now, wait a moment.
Words in this phrase
现在
xiàn zài
[xiànzài]
now; currently
Refers to the present moment.
现在可以点菜吗？
Can we order now?
不行
bù xíng
[bùxíng]
not okay; won't do
Expresses refusal or that something isn't acceptable.
今天不去不行。
Not going today won't do.
我还有事。
wǒ hái yǒu shì
I still have something to do.
This gives the reason. Pause briefly after the comma, then say wǒ hái yǒu shì.
今天我还有事。
I have something to do today.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[wo]
I
The speaker referring to themselves.
我明天有空。
I am free tomorrow.
还
hái
[hái]
still
Indicates something remains or is still available.
票还有吗？
Are there still tickets?
有事
yǒu shì
[yǒu shì]
to have something to do; to need help
Means having a matter, problem, or business to deal with.
你有事吗？
Do you need something?
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