How to Say ‘Did we take a detour?’ in Simplified Chinese
是不是绕路了？
shì bù shì rào lù le
[shir bù shir ràolù luh]
💬 Usage Tip: Putting 是不是 in front of a statement turns it into a soft question like "isn't it the case that...?": 是不是走错了？ "did we go the wrong way?"
🇨🇳 In China: Framing the complaint as a question is gentler than saying outright "you took a detour". It lets the driver explain without losing face, which usually gets you a better outcome.
Phrase Breakdown
是
shì
[shir]
to be; is; are
A linking verb meaning 'to be.' It connects a subject with identity or description.
她是医生。
She is a doctor.
不
bù
[bù]
not
Negates the meaning of the word it precedes.
我不明白。
I do not understand.
是
shì
[shir]
to be; is; are
A linking verb meaning 'to be.' It connects a subject with identity or description.
她是医生。
She is a doctor.
绕路
rào lù
[ràolù]
to take a detour
To go a longer, roundabout way instead of the direct route.
我们不要绕路。
Let's not take a detour.
了
le
[luh]
completed action marker
Shows that an action has happened or a new situation has occurred.
我想了很久，还是决定联系你。
I thought about it for a long time and still decided to contact you.
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