How to Say ‘I need to discuss it with the boss.’ in Simplified Chinese
我要跟老板商量一下
wǒ yào gēn lǎo bǎn shāng liáng yī xià
[wo yào gēn lǎobǎn shāngliang ee-shyah]
🇨🇳 In China: Saying the decision has to go higher up is a very common response. It can be genuine, or it can be a polite way to delay without saying no directly.
Phrase Breakdown
我要跟老板
wǒ yào gēn lǎo bǎn
I need to, with the boss
要 means 'need to'. 跟老板 means 'with the boss'. 老板 (lǎobǎn) has two third tones, so 老 is said with a rising tone.
我要跟老板请假。
I need to ask the boss for leave.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[wo]
I
The speaker referring to themselves.
我明天有空。
I am free tomorrow.
要
yào
[yào]
will; need to
Expresses necessity or likelihood.
进去要买票。
You need to buy a ticket to enter.
跟
gēn
[gēn]
to; with
Marks the person you talk to or do something with.
我跟同事开会。
I have a meeting with my colleagues.
老板
lǎo bǎn
[lǎobǎn]
boss; shopkeeper
Owner of a business; customers commonly use it to address shop owners.
老板，这个怎么卖？
Boss, how much is this?
商量一下
shāng liáng yī xià
discuss it a bit
商量 (shāngliang) means 'discuss' or 'consult'. Its second syllable is light. 一下 after a verb means 'briefly', and 一 is said as yí.
我们商量一下吧。
Let's talk it over.
Words in this phrase
商量
shāng liáng
[shāngliang]
to discuss; to consult
To talk something over with someone to reach a decision.
有问题可以跟我商量。
If there's a problem, you can talk it over with me.
一下
yī xià
[ee-shyah]
a little; briefly
Softens the tone, making a request sound lighter and more polite.
方便让我了解一下贵公司的文化吗？
Would it be convenient to let me learn a little about your company culture?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager