How to say things, the way people actually say them

A translator gives you one sentence. A real conversation needs the version for your mate, the version for your colleague, and the version that will not embarrass you in front of someone's parents. Each page below gives you all of them, labelled.

How do you say no in Chinese without sounding rude?9 ways to say itHow do you chase someone up in Chinese without sounding pushy?8 ways to say itHow do you compliment someone in Chinese without sounding fake?9 ways to say itHow do you haggle in Chinese?9 ways to say itHow do you apologise in Chinese when you have really messed up?9 ways to say itHow do you interrupt someone politely in Chinese?8 ways to say itHow do you ask for a favour in Chinese?9 ways to say itHow do you make small talk in Chinese with someone you just met?9 ways to say itHow do you disagree in Chinese without starting a fight?9 ways to say itHow do you end a conversation in Chinese without being abrupt?9 ways to say itHow do you say thank you in Chinese beyond xiexie?10 ways to say itHow do you complain in Chinese without blowing up the relationship?10 ways to say it

What the labels mean

Safe with anyone
Fine at work, fine with your partner's parents.
Friends and coworkers
Normal among people your own age. Skip it with elders, clients and officials.
Close friends only
Carries a swear or an insult. Only with people who would swear back.
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