😄❓🗣️👴👵

How to Say ‘Haha, so what should I say to elders?’ in Traditional Chinese

哈哈，那跟長輩要說什麼？

hā hā nà gēn zhǎng bèi yào shuō shén me

[hāhā nà gen jahng-bay yao shwaw shénme]

💬 Usage Tip: 跟 (gēn) + person goes before the verb to mean 'to/with someone': 跟老師說 "say to the teacher". English puts 'to elders' after the verb, but Chinese puts it before.

Phrase Breakdown

哈哈，那跟長輩

hā hā nà gēn zhǎng bèi

haha, then to elders

哈哈 is laughter. 那 means 'then' or 'so'. 跟長輩 means 'to/with elders'.

Example

我們要尊重長輩。

We should respect our elders.

Words in this phrase

哈哈

hā hā

[hāhā]

haha

Sound of laughter.

Example

哈哈，你真好笑。

Haha, you're so funny.

那

nà

[nà]

then

Used to indicate sequence or conclusion.

Example

那，我們就按這條路走吧。

Then, let's take this route.

跟

gēn

[gen]

with; to

A preposition meaning 'with' someone or 'to' someone in conversation.

Example

你可以跟招募人員聊聊。

You can chat with the recruiter.

長輩

zhǎng bèi

[jahng-bay]

elders; senior family members

Refers respectfully to older people in the family or community.

Example

如果有長輩同行，停車方便會更重要。

If elders are coming along, convenient parking becomes even more important.

要說什麼？

yào shuō shén me

what should (I) say?

要 (should) + 說什麼 (say what).

Example

那我要說什麼？

Then what should I say?

Words in this phrase

要

yào

[yao]

need to; should

Used to express necessity or advice.

Example

身體不舒服就要看醫生。

If you don't feel well, you should see a doctor.

說

shuō

[shwaw]

to say; to speak

Used when you want to say something directly. In flirting, it helps introduce a compliment naturally.

Example

我想說，你的外套很好看。

I want to say, your jacket looks great.

什麼

shén me

[shénme]

what

Used to ask for information specifying something.

Example

你在問什麼問題？

What question are you asking?

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

“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”

Laura H., 28, Photographer

“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

“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