我不喝酒
wǒ bù hējiǔ
I don't drink
我不喝酒 (wǒ bù hējiǔ) means “I don't drink alcohol” or simply “I don't drink.” It's a clear and polite way to decline alcoholic beverages, often used at social gatherings or banquets.
What does 我不喝酒 (wǒ bù hējiǔ) mean?
我不喝酒 (wǒ bù hējiǔ) means “I don't drink” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “I not drink alcohol.”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It's a common and accepted phrase to set a boundary at meals or social events. For a stronger refusal, you could add “真的” (zhēnde, “really”) before “不喝酒.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “waw boo HUH-jyoh.” The “bù” (not) is a falling tone here because the following syllable “hē” is a first tone.
Other ways to say it
- 我不喝wǒ bù hēI don't drink (it)
- 我不能喝酒wǒ bùnéng hējiǔI cannot drink alcohol
- 我滴酒不沾wǒ dījiǔ bù zhānI don't touch a drop of alcohol
Examples
谢谢，我不喝酒。
xièxie, wǒ bù hējiǔ.
Thank you, I don't drink.
对不起，我不喝酒，请给我一杯水。
duìbuqǐ, wǒ bù hējiǔ, qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ.
Sorry, I don't drink, please give me a glass of water.
他今晚不喝酒，因为他要开车。
tā jīnwǎn bù hējiǔ, yīnwèi tā yào kāichē.
He's not drinking tonight because he has to drive.
Pro tip: At banquets, repeating “我不喝酒” with a smile is a clear and accepted way to decline alcohol, even if others are encouraging you to drink.
Related phrases
尝尝这个 · Try this味道怎么样？ · How does it taste我减肥呢 · I'm on a diet
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