Fāngbiàn de shíhou huí wǒ yíxià.
Reply when it is convenient for you.
Safe with anyone
The work safe nudge. It says you are waiting while pretending you are not in a hurry, which is exactly the tone you want with a client or a boss.
REAL SPOKEN CHINESE
How do you chase someone up in Chinese without sounding pushy?
You nudge, you never demand. The standard moves are asking whether they saw your message, asking how the matter is going, or attaching a soft deadline, and the softer the wording the more senior the person you can use it on. With friends you can add a joke or a straight demand on top.
Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ zài wèn yíxià.
Sorry, let me ask again.
Safe with anyone
Apologising before you chase makes the chase itself acceptable. The zai quietly tells them this is not the first time.
Zhè shì zhōuwǔ qián néng dìng ma?
Can we settle this before Friday?
Safe with anyone
A deadline wrapped in a question. You are not pushing, you are asking, but the date lands all the same.
Kàndào wǒ xiāoxi le ma?
Did you see my message?
Friends and coworkers
The everyday opener for chasing a coworker or friend. It puts the blame on the message, not on the person, which is why it stings less.
Nàge shì yǒu jìnzhǎn le ma?
Any progress on that thing?
Friends and coworkers
Nage keeps it vague on purpose. Both of you know exactly which thing, and naming it would only make it heavier.
Bù jí, nǐ kànzhe bàn.
No rush, do it your way.
Friends and coworkers
Often means the exact opposite. Said when you do in fact need it soon, and the listener who knows you will hurry up.
Gē, nà qián shénme shíhou huán?
Bro, when are you paying me back?
Close friends only
Chasing a debt between friends. The ge at the front keeps it warm enough that you can both pretend it is a joke. It is not.
Nǐ dǎsuàn tuō dào shénme shíhou?
How long are you planning to drag this out?
Close friends only
Real impatience with a face of banter. Only say this to someone who can take it, anyone else will hear it as an attack.
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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