信号不太好
xìnhào bù tài hǎo
The connection isn't good · trad. 訊號不太好
信号不太好 (xìnhào bú tài hǎo) means “the connection isn't good.” It's a common phrase used to explain poor call quality, whether the issue is genuine or a diplomatic way to end a conversation.
What does 信号不太好 (xìnhào bù tài hǎo) mean?
信号不太好 (xìnhào bù tài hǎo) means “the connection isn't good” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “signal not very good.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely understood. It's often used as an apology or an excuse for a brief interruption. If the connection is completely lost, one might say 没信号了 (méi xìnhào le).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “SHEEN-how BOO tie HOW.” The 'bu' (不) changes to a rising tone before a falling tone 'tai'.
Other ways to say it
- 信号不好xìnhào bú hǎosignal not good
- 网络不好wǎngluò bú hǎointernet not good
- 听不清tīngbuqīngcan't hear clearly
Examples
喂，你那边信号不太好，我听不清你在说什么。
wèi, nǐ nàbiān xìnhào bù tài hǎo, wǒ tīngbuqīng nǐ zài shuō shénme.
Hello, your connection isn't good, I can't hear what you're saying.
抱歉，我这里信号不太好，可能要挂了。
bàoqiàn, wǒ zhèlǐ xìnhào bù tài hǎo, kěnéng yào guà le.
Sorry, the signal isn't good here, I might have to hang up.
每次到地下室，手机信号都不好。
měicì dào dìxiàshì, shǒujī xìnhào dōu bú hǎo.
Every time I go to the basement, the phone signal is bad.
Pro tip: Often used as a polite excuse to end a call or avoid a difficult conversation, even if the connection is perfectly fine.
Related phrases
需要留言吗？ · Would you like to leave a message我晚点再打 · I'll call back later听得到吗？ · Can you hear me
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →