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How to Say ‘Don't spend money next time.’ in Simplified Chinese

下次别破费了。

xià cì bié pò fèi le

[xià tsuh byeh pòfèi le]

🇨🇳 In China: Older relatives say this when you bring a gift, and they don't really mean it. Smile and say 应该的 "it's only right". Then keep bringing gifts next time.

Phrase Breakdown

下次

xià cì

next time

下次 (xià cì) means next time. Both syllables are in the fourth (falling) tone.

Example

下次见。

See you next time.

Words in this phrase

下

xià

[xià]

next time

Used to refer to a future occasion or event.

Example

下次我们一起去旅行吧。

Next time, let's go on a trip together.

次

cì

[tsuh]

time; occurrence

A measure word for occurrences or times something happens.

Example

这次是我第一次来这个公司活动。

This is my first time coming to this company event.

别破费了。

bié pò fèi le

don't spend money (on me)

This is a polite phrase to say after receiving a gift. 别 means "don't".

Example

谢谢,别破费了。

Thanks, you shouldn't have spent money.

Words in this phrase

别

bié

[byeh]

don't; do not

Used to tell someone not to do something in a direct but common way.

Example

别担心,你一定能找到机会。

Don't worry, you will definitely find an opportunity.

破费

pò fèi

[pòfèi]

to spend money (on someone)

Polite term for someone spending money on you, e.g. buying gifts.

Example

让你破费了,真不好意思。

You spent so much on me, I feel bad.

了

le

[le]

change-of-state particle

Used with 快…了 to show something is about to happen.

Example

火车快来了。

The train is about to arrive.

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