改天吧
gǎitiān ba
Let's do it another day
改天吧 (Gǎitiān ba) is a common phrase used to suggest doing something another day. It can be a sincere postponement or a polite, gentle way to decline an invitation or suggestion.
What does 改天吧 (gǎitiān ba) mean?
改天吧 (gǎitiān ba) means “let's do it another day” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “change day, let's.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's often used when you genuinely can't make it, or when you want to gently decline without saying a direct “no.” For a more direct refusal, you might need to give a reason.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “GUY-tyen bah.” The first syllable has a dipping third tone, the second is a high, flat first tone, and “ba” is a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 改天再说gǎitiān zài shuōlet's talk about it another day
- 下次吧xiàcì banext time
- 以后再说yǐhòu zài shuōlet's talk about it later
Examples
今天没空，改天吧。
jīntiān méikòng, gǎitiān ba.
I'm not free today, let's do it another day.
我们改天吧，我今天有点累。
wǒmen gǎitiān ba, wǒ jīntiān yǒudiǎn lèi.
Let's do it another day, I'm a bit tired today.
这个周末不行，改天再约。
zhège zhōumò bùxíng, gǎitiān zài yuē.
This weekend won't work, let's make another plan another day.
Pro tip: 改天吧 can be a genuine offer to reschedule, or a polite way to decline without directly saying “no.” The context and speaker's tone often reveal which it is.
Related phrases
约好了 · It's settled then说定了 · It's a deal就这样吧 · Let's leave it at that
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