7

I would like to know some ways to agree in a non-committal or dismissive way. For instance, in English, we have:

If you say so.

Is that so? (with a flat intonation)

Really? (flat intonation)

Whatever you say.

In Chinese, I'm a bit at a loss. "Is that so?" and "Really?" work fine translated literally (是吗？, 真的吗？, similar intonation). Beyond that, I'm drawing a blank. Furthermore, it seems difficult to look these things up since the tone is important and not the literal meaning.

Improve this question
3
  • A possible translation is "你說了算", but it is more literal than your example.
    – AngelLeliel
    Commented Sep 27, 2012 at 6:17
  • 1
    The one I said most is "随你便".
    – halfelf
    Commented Sep 27, 2012 at 10:48
  • What about this scenario? A: 能不能再加一小时班? 明天绝对不会再让你加班了 (Could you work overtime again for an extra hour? I won't ask you tomorrow, I promise.) B: 既然你已经这么说了,那我还能说什么呢? (If you say so)
    – pimgeek
    Commented Sep 28, 2012 at 7:11

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
8

A few that are used the most in my surroundings:

  • 好吧 (in a helpless tone) = Fine.

  • 随便 = whatever.

  • 都行 = whatever.

  • 无所谓 = I don't care.

  • 你说[X]就[X]吧 = If you say so.

Improve this answer
5

It will be easier to answer this question if a more specific scenario is given.

Let me try to suggest one:

A: 能不能再加一小时班? 明天绝对不会再让你加班了 (Could you work overtime again for an extra hour? I won't ask you tomorrow, I promise.)

B: 好吧... 既然你已经这么说了, 那我还能说什么呢? (O--k--ay--, If you say so... :-| )

If you simply want to say "O--k--ay--" in Chinese, with special tones, you can do it like this:

B: 唉~~~ (extend the final sound "Sigh" to express disappointment ) 好吧, 好吧, 好吧... (repeat saying "Okay" to show decent impatience in your tone .),

For other possible scenarios, please refer to the following links and examples:

  1. 10 ways to express your "dismissive feelings" in English (10 种英文表达说出你的无所谓)
  2. Some ways to express "whatever" (“无所谓”的几种表达)

In detail:

  • 对……无碍,不要紧 ~ be ok (fine) with

Whatever you think is fine with me. 随你怎么想,我无所谓.

  • 不在乎, 不感兴趣 ~ give a damn

永远用于否定形式, He couldn't give a damn whether he passes the exam or not. 他对考试及格与否满不在乎.

  • 随你的便(按自己的意愿行事). ~ suit yourself / as you wish / if you want.

a) You don't want to join the club? Oh well, suit yourself. 你不愿意参加俱乐部是吗? 那好,随你的便吧

b) As for your departments plan, you can change as you wish. 至于你们部门的计划,你愿意怎么改就怎么改吧.

  • 听你的 / 由你决定 / 取决于你. ~ it's up to you.

So if you really want class to make a difference in your life, it's up to you. 所以如果你真的想通过这门课改变生活,一切取决于你.

  • 我不在乎. ~ I don't care.

I don't care what she thinks. 我不管她怎么想.

  • 管他呢 / 爱咋咋地 / 该怎么着就怎么着吧 ~ whatever

I totally have no idea how to file my tax return, whatever. 我完全不知道该怎么报税,唉,该怎么着就怎么着吧/爱咋咋地. (在中文口语里, "咋"可以跟"怎么"互换)

  • 没什么好说的/没啥好说的. ~ Nothing to say.

I have nothing to say about the government's stimulation plan. 对政府的刺激计划, 我没什么/没啥好说的. (在中文口语里, "啥"可以跟"什么"互换)

  • 那又怎样? ~ So what?

  • 没什么了不起. ~ No Big deal.

  • 怎么都行. ~ Anything will do.

Improve this answer
2
  • BTW(whether my answer is relevant or not): When people speak to me with this feelings, i usually feel disappointed, even frustrated. I sometimes response to my friends in this way, and I tell from their words(after my response) that they also don't like it. :)
    – pimgeek
    Commented Sep 27, 2012 at 7:44
  • Very complete answer. A couple things: 1. 随你的便 can also be 随便你 in oral chinese. 2. I'm sort of especially interested in scenarios where people express opinions which I disagree with, they expect me to agree or say something, and I don't really want to have a real argument.
    – Stumpy Joe Pete
    Commented Sep 29, 2012 at 5:22

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.