Ever find yourself in tricky social situations where picking sides isn't ideal? Well, guess what? The Chinese language has your back! Just like in English, there are various ways in Chinese to convey neutrality in situations where you might not want to express a strong opinion.
In this post, we'll delve into 8 essential Chinese phrases that'll make it easy for you to "sit on the fence" and give you clear examples of how to use these phrases in everyday conversations.
Summary Of Asking "What to Say When You Have No Opinion in Mandarin Chinese" From The Video Above
1. 没意见 (Méi yìjiàn) - I have no opinion.
场景：两位同事在讨论午餐吃什么。
chǎngjǐng: Liǎng wèi tóngshì zài tǎolùn wǔcān chī shénme.
Scene: Two colleagues discussing what to have for lunch.
A：中午吃什么啊？ (Zhōngwǔ chī shénme a? ) - What should we have for lunch?
B：没意见，你决定吧。(Méi yìjiàn, nǐ juédìng ba. ) - I have no opinion, you decide.
2. 没评论 (Méi pínglùn) - No comment.
场景：两位同事在讨论老板最近的决定。
chǎngjǐng: Liǎng wèi tóngshì zài tǎolùn lǎobǎn zuìjìn de juédìng.
Scene: Two colleagues discussing the boss's recent decision.
A：你对新政策怎么看？ (Nǐ duì xīn zhèngcè zěnme kàn? ) - What do you think of the new policy?
B：没评论。(Méi pínglùn. ) - No comment.
3. 没感觉 (Méi gǎnjué) - I have no feeling.
场景：情侣间挑选约会餐厅
chǎngjǐng: Qínglǚ jiān tiāoxuǎn yuēhuì cānguǎn.
Scene: Couple choosing a restaurant for a date.
A：今天想吃什么？法餐？日料？还是泰国菜？ (Jīntiān xiǎng chī shénme? Fǎcān? Rìliào? Háishì Tàiguó cài?) - What do you want to eat today? French cuisine? Japanese food? Or Thai cuisine? )
B：没感觉，都一样吧。(Méi gǎnjué, dōu yīyàng ba. ) - I have no feeling, it's all the same.
4. 没想过 (Méi xiǎngguò) - I haven't thought about it.
场景：朋友们在讨论未来规划
chǎngjǐng: Péngyǒumen zài tǎolùn wèilái guīhuà.
Scene: Friends discussing future plans.
A：你未来想做什么工作啊？ (Nǐ wèilái xiǎng zuò shénme gōngzuò a?) - What kind of job do you want to do in the future?
B: 没想过，顺其自然吧。(Méi xiǎngguò, shùnqí zìrán ba.) - I haven't thought about it, let things take their course.
5. 没想法 (Méi xiǎngfǎ) - I have no idea.
场景：朋友们在商量周末出行计划。
Chǎngjǐng: Péngyǒumen zài shāngliáng zhōumò chūxíng jìhuà.
Scene: Friends discussing weekend travel plans.
A：周末想去哪儿玩？ (Zhōumò xiǎng qù nǎr wán?) - Where do you want to go for the weekend?
B：没想法，你们定吧。(Méi xiǎngfǎ, nǐmen dìng ba.) - I have no idea, you decide.
6. 这个跟我无关 (Zhè gēn wǒ wúguān) - This has nothing to do with me.
场景：路人议论社会新闻
Chǎngjǐng: Lùrén yìlùn shèhuì xīnwén
Scene: Passersby discussing social news.
A: 你看了今天的新闻吗？那个明星出轨了！ (Nǐ kànle jīntiān de xīnwén ma? Nàgè míngxīng chūguǐle!) - Have you seen today's news? That celebrity had an affair!
B： 这跟我无关，我只关心我自己生活。(Zhè gēn wǒ wúguān, wǒ zhǐ guānxīn wǒ zìjǐ shēnghuó.) - This has nothing to do with me, I only care about my own life.
7. 随便 (Suíbiàn) - Whatever
场景：情侣间选择电影
Chǎngjǐng: Qínglǚ jiān xuǎnzé diànyǐng
Scene: Couple deciding on a movie to watch.
A：想看个电影，看什么好呢？ (Xiǎng kàn gè diànyǐng, kàn shénme hǎo ne?) - I want to watch a movie, what should we watch?
B：随便，你选吧。(Suíbiàn, nǐ xuǎn ba.) - Whatever, you choose.
8. 无所谓 (Wúsuǒwèi) - It doesn't matter to me.
场景：朋友们在商量周末出行计划。
Chǎngjǐng: Péngyǒumen zài shāngliáng zhōumò chūxíng jìhuà.
Scene: Friends discussing weekend travel plans.
A：要不我们周末爬山吧？ (Yào bù wǒmen zhōumò páshān ba?) - How about we go hiking this weekend?
B：无所谓，你们开心就好。(Wúsuǒwèi, nǐmen kāixīn jiù hǎo.) - It doesn't matter to me, as long as you all are happy.
Congratulations! You've now explored 8 essential Chinese phrases to navigate neutrality like a pro. Remember, using these expressions effectively goes beyond just memorizing the words. Understanding the cultural context and nuances behind each phrase is key to using them appropriately and respectfully.
Here are some final takeaways to keep in mind:
- Choose the right phrase: Consider the situation, your relationship with the people involved, and the level of formality to select the most suitable expression.
- Be mindful of tone: Even neutral phrases can convey unintended meaning depending on your tone. Express yourself calmly and objectively.
- Don't overuse neutrality: While these phrases are valuable tools, remember that clear communication and expressing your own opinions are important as well.
Remember, mastering neutrality is not about being passive or indecisive. It's about navigating complex situations with grace, respecting diverse viewpoints, and communicating effectively. So, put these phrases into practice and continue exploring the nuances of Chinese communication.
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