How to Say ‘I should get going now.’ in Traditional Chinese
我先走了。
wǒ xiān zǒu le
[waw shyen dzoh luh]
💬 Usage Tip: A very common polite exit line. [先] softens it: "I'll head out first."
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: In Taiwan, this is smoother and more natural than a direct "goodbye" in many situations.
Phrase Breakdown
我先
wǒ xiān
I’ll go first / I’ll head off first
A polite conversational way to say you will leave before the other person.
我先去洗手間。
I’ll go to the restroom first.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[waw]
I; me
The first-person pronoun used to refer to oneself.
我先回家了。
I am going home first.
先
xiān
[shyen]
first; beforehand
Means first, earlier, or before others in order or action.
我先去買東西。
I will go buy something first.
走了
zǒu le
leave / go now
Indicates departure; 了 shows the action is happening or has changed state.
我得走了。
I have to go now.
Words in this phrase
走
zǒu
[dzoh]
to leave; to go
In conversation, 走 often means to leave or head off, not just to walk.
我現在要走，你呢？
I am leaving now; what about you?
了
le
[luh]
completed action particle; change of state
A common particle showing a new situation, completion, or softening the tone.
我吃飽了。
I am full now / I have eaten enough.
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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real scenarios helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s scenario-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker