👉💪➡️

How to Say ‘Then I'll go get busy first.’ in Simplified Chinese

那我先去忙了。

nà wǒ xiān qù máng le

[nà wo shyen qù máng le]

💬 Usage Tip: 先 (xiān) here doesn't really mean 'first' — it softens leaving, like 'I'll just go ahead and...'. Reuse it for any polite exit: 我先走了 "I'll head off now".

🇨🇳 In China: This is the standard polite way to end a chat with a new colleague and get back to your desk. Saying you're going to be busy signals you're leaving for work, not because of them, so nobody feels brushed off.

Phrase Breakdown

那我先

nà wǒ xiān

well then, I'll first

那 here means 'well then' and is used to wrap up a conversation. It is followed by 我先, 'I'll first'.

Example

那我先走了。

Well then, I'll head off.

Words in this phrase

那

nà

[nà]

then; so

Introduces a follow-up question.

Example

那你呢？

Then what about you?

我

wǒ

[wo]

The speaker referring to themselves.

Example

我明天有空。

I am free tomorrow.

先

xiān

[shyen]

first; beforehand

Shows that one action happens before another.

Example

你可以先看看公司的介绍。

You can first take a look at the company's introduction.

去忙了。

qù máng le

go get busy

This is a polite way to end a chat and get back to work. Read 了 lightly as 'le'.

Example

大家都去忙了。

Everyone went back to work.

Words in this phrase

去

qù

[qù]

to go

Move toward a place.

Example

我去医院。

I'm going to the hospital.

忙

máng

[máng]

to be busy; to get on with work

Busy; as a verb, to attend to one's tasks.

Example

你去忙吧。

Go ahead and get on with your work.

了

[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.

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 Lesson

What 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