有点儿忙。

Place it right after the subject. You can say 我有点儿忙 (I'm a bit busy). It works as a standalone answer or a reason for a delay. Use it when someone asks if you have time for a coffee. Use it when a boss asks for an update. It is short, punchy, and very easy to remember. Just don't forget the 'r' sound at the end if you're in Beijing!

Use this when you need to decline an invitation gently. It works perfectly in the office when colleagues ask for favors. It is great for texting friends when you can't reply immediately. Use it at home when you're cooking and can't talk. It's the ultimate 'polite excuse' in Chinese social life. It keeps the conversation friendly while setting a clear boundary.

Avoid this if you are actually completely free. Don't use it if you are in a life-or-death emergency; it sounds too casual. If your house is on fire, don't say you are 'a bit busy'! Also, avoid using it with very high-ranking officials if you want to sound extremely formal. In those cases, more specific professional language is better. It might sound dismissive if used during a deep, emotional heart-to-heart.

Chinese culture often values 'mianzi' or face. Saying a flat 'no' can feel harsh or aggressive. 有点儿忙 provides a soft exit strategy. It allows the other person to understand you're occupied without feeling rejected. In modern China, being 'busy' is often seen as a sign of being successful or hardworking. By saying you're a bit busy, you're subtly signaling that you are a person of importance with things to do.

If you are truly swamped, you might say 太忙了 (too busy). If you want to be more casual, just say 最近比较忙 (recently quite busy). In the south of China, people often drop the 'r' and say 有点忙. If you want to sound extra polite, add a 不好意思 (sorry/excuse me) at the beginning. These small tweaks help you fit into any regional vibe or social circle.