这次不行
zhè cì bù xíng
Not this time · trad. 這次不行
这次不行 (zhè cì bù xíng) is a common way to say "not this time" in Mandarin Chinese. It's often used to decline an offer, indicate something isn't possible now, or postpone an action.
When to use it
Neutral. It can sound a bit direct depending on context. To be more polite, you might add a reason or suggest "下次吧" (xià cì ba, "next time"). If someone asks "这次可以吗?" (Is this time okay?), you can simply reply "不行" (bù xíng, "no, not okay").
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "jer-TSUH boo-SHING." Note that the character 不 (bù) changes to a rising tone (bú) when followed by a falling tone, so 不行 is pronounced "bú xíng."
Other ways to say it
- 不是这次bú shì zhè cìit's not this time (more factual)
- 下次吧xià cì banext time, perhaps (polite way to decline for now)
- 这次免了zhè cì miǎn leskip this time (casual, often for declining an invitation)
Examples
这次不行，我太忙了。
zhè cì bù xíng ， wǒ tài máng le 。
This time won't work, I'm too busy.
我们这次不行，下次再来吧。
wǒ men zhè cì bù xíng ， xià cì zài lái ba 。
We can't this time, let's come again next time.
不是这次，我们还有时间。
bú shì zhè cì ， wǒ men hái yǒu shí jiān 。
It's not this time, we still have time.
Pro tip: 不行 (bù xíng) literally means "not okay" or "won't do." When combined with 这次 (zhè cì, "this time"), it clearly conveys "not possible/suitable this time." Remember the tone change for 不 (bù) when it precedes a falling tone.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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