以后再说。
Talk about it later.
Literalmente: After/Later (以后) again (再) speak/talk (说).
Use it to politely delay a conversation or avoid giving an immediate 'no' in social situations.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to delay a decision or conversation.
- Often serves as a soft 'no' to save face.
- Perfect for escaping awkward or unwanted requests gracefully.
Significado
This is the ultimate polite way to say 'not right now.' It’s used to push a decision or a conversation into the future without saying a flat 'no.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6A pushy street vendor tries to sell you a souvenir.
谢谢，以后再说吧。
Thanks, maybe another time.
A friend asks if you want to go on a trip next year.
现在还没定，以后再说。
Nothing is set yet, let's talk later.
In a business meeting, a colleague brings up a minor detail.
这个不急，以后再说。
This isn't urgent, let's discuss it later.
Contexto cultural
In Chinese social dynamics, 'giving face' is crucial. This phrase is a classic example of 'high-context' communication where the literal meaning matters less than the social function of avoiding conflict. It became a staple of modern Mandarin as a polite way to navigate the pressures of busy urban life.
The 'Ba' Factor
Add `吧` (ba) at the end to make it sound like a suggestion rather than a command. It sounds much friendlier!
The Hidden 'No'
Be careful: if someone tells you this repeatedly, they are likely saying 'no' without wanting to hurt your feelings. Don't keep pushing!
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to delay a decision or conversation.
- Often serves as a soft 'no' to save face.
- Perfect for escaping awkward or unwanted requests gracefully.
What It Means
以后再说 is your go-to phrase for hitting the snooze button on a conversation. It literally means "talk about it later." In reality, it often functions as a soft rejection or a way to avoid making a commitment right this second. It’s the linguistic equivalent of "we'll see."
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence or at the end of a thought. If someone asks you a question you aren't ready to answer, just drop this phrase. It’s short, efficient, and keeps the peace. You don’t need complex grammar to make it work. Just say it with a small smile or a shrug.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely busy and can't talk. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter asks about dessert but you're still stuffed from the main course. It’s perfect for pushy salespeople or friends asking for favors you aren't sure about. It works great in text messages when you want to end a chat. It’s also handy in business meetings to table a topic for the next session.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if a situation is an emergency. If your house is on fire, don't tell the firefighter 以后再说! Avoid using it with your boss if they are giving you a direct, urgent command. It can sound dismissive if used with a cold tone. Don't use it if you actually want to solve a problem immediately. Using it too much with a romantic partner might make you seem like you're avoiding the relationship.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often prioritizes "saving face" and maintaining harmony. Saying a direct "no" can feel too harsh or aggressive. 以后再说 provides a comfortable buffer for both people. It allows the requester to stop asking without feeling rejected. It’s a social lubricant that keeps interactions smooth. Sometimes, both people know "later" actually means "never," and that's okay.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more casual, you can say 回头再说 (huítóu zàishuō). This literally means "talk when I turn my head back around." For a slightly more formal delay, you might hear 我们再议 (wǒmen zàiyì). If you want to emphasize that now is definitely not the time, you can add 等 (děng) at the start: 等以后再说吧.
Notas de uso
The phrase is generally neutral. However, its meaning heavily relies on the relationship between speakers. Between friends, it's a casual delay; between a buyer and seller, it's a polite 'no thank you.'
The 'Ba' Factor
Add `吧` (ba) at the end to make it sound like a suggestion rather than a command. It sounds much friendlier!
The Hidden 'No'
Be careful: if someone tells you this repeatedly, they are likely saying 'no' without wanting to hurt your feelings. Don't keep pushing!
Face Saving
In China, being direct can be seen as rude. Using this phrase shows you have high 'EQ' because you're protecting the other person's feelings.
Ejemplos
6谢谢，以后再说吧。
Thanks, maybe another time.
Adding 'ba' at the end makes it sound softer and more polite.
现在还没定，以后再说。
Nothing is set yet, let's talk later.
Used here to genuinely delay a plan that isn't urgent.
这个不急，以后再说。
This isn't urgent, let's discuss it later.
Professional way to keep the meeting on track.
哎呀，以后再说，先吃饭！
Oh, let's talk about that later, let's eat first!
A classic move to dodge uncomfortable family questions.
我现在有点忙，以后再说。
I'm a bit busy now, talk later.
A polite way to end a text conversation without being rude.
我很累，这件事以后再说好吗？
I'm very tired, can we talk about this later?
Expresses a need for space while acknowledging the topic.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best response to dodge a salesman politely.
Salesman: 'Would you like to buy this insurance?' You: '谢谢，___。'
While the other options are honest, '以后再说' is the most polite way to end the interaction in Chinese culture.
Complete the sentence to delay a plan with a friend.
我们去哪儿旅游？___吧。
Adding 'ba' to '以后再说' makes it a suggestion to talk later, which fits the friendly context.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Level of '以后再说'
Used with friends/family to dodge questions.
以后再说吧！
Standard use in shops or with acquaintances.
以后再说。
Used in meetings to table topics.
这个问题我们以后再说。
When to use '以后再说'
Shopping
Rejecting a product
Family
Avoiding nagging
Office
Delaying a task
Dating
Soft rejection
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot always, but it often does. It depends on the context; if someone is genuinely busy, they mean 'later,' but if they are avoiding a topic, it's a soft 'no.'
It can be risky. If you use it, add a reason like 我现在手头有事，以后再说可以吗？ to show you aren't just being lazy.
等一下 (děng yīxià) means 'wait a moment' for something happening very soon. 以后再说 refers to an indefinite time in the future.
Yes, but use it sparingly. Constantly saying 以后再说 to a partner's concerns can lead to feelings of being ignored.
You can say 我们稍后再谈 (wǒmen shāohòu zài tán), which is common in professional emails or business calls.
A common casual alternative is 回头再说 (huítóu zàishuō), which feels a bit more relaxed and 'cool.'
The best move is to drop the subject for now. If you really need an answer, try bringing it up again in a few days.
Absolutely! It is the perfect way to tell a shopkeeper you aren't interested without starting an argument.
Only if your tone is very short or angry. Usually, it's seen as a neutral or even helpful way to manage time.
Yes, it is a universal Mandarin expression used across all regions and age groups.
Frases relacionadas
回头再说
Talk later (more casual/colloquial).
再说吧
Let's see / We'll talk about it (very common short version).
改天吧
Maybe another day.
下次再说
Talk about it next time.
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