我赶时间。

You can use this phrase as a standalone sentence. It works perfectly when someone tries to start a long conversation. Just say 不好意思，我赶时间 (Sorry, I'm in a hurry). You can also add it to the beginning of a request. For example, ask a taxi driver to go faster. It is a very flexible building block for your daily Chinese.

Use it when you are about to miss your bus. Use it when a salesperson stops you on the street. It is great for ending a phone call that is dragging on. If you are at a restaurant and need the bill fast, this is your phrase. It signals to others that they need to be brief. It is the ultimate 'polite escape' card.

Avoid using this with your boss during a deep performance review. It might sound like you don't care about their feedback. Don't use it during a first date unless you actually want to leave. In very formal ceremonies, like a wedding toast, it can seem quite rude. If someone is sharing a sad story, saying this makes you look cold. Use it for logistics, not for avoiding emotional connections.

Chinese culture values efficiency, especially in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing. People are always on the move. Being 'busy' is often seen as a sign of being successful or important. However, politeness still matters. Adding a small 'sorry' before this phrase softens the blow. It shows you aren't ignoring them; you're just a victim of a tight schedule.

You might hear people say 我挺赶的 (wǒ tǐng gǎn de). This means 'I'm quite rushed.' If you are extremely late, you can say 我急着走 (wǒ jí zhe zǒu). That means 'I'm anxious to leave.' If you want to be extra polite, say 我时间有点紧 (wǒ shíjiān yǒudiǎn jǐn). This translates to 'My time is a bit tight.' All of these help you navigate the busy streets of life.