It's common to feel confused when learning a new language. Effectively and politely communicating "i don't understand in mandarin" is crucial. This guide provides various ways to express your lack of understanding, empowering you to navigate conversations with confidence. Embracing confusion can actually enhance your learning journey.
Key Takeaways
Use I don't understand what I heard (wǒ tīng bù dǒng) when you do not hear or understand spoken words. Use I don't understand (wǒ bù dǒng) when you do not understand a concept or idea.
Always use polite phrases like excuse me (bù hǎoyìsi) or please (qǐng) when you ask for help. This shows respect and helps you learn better.
Ask people to speak slower with Please speak slower (qǐng shuō màn yī diǎn). Ask them to repeat with Please say it again (qǐng zài shuō yī biàn).
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Use gestures to show confusion. This helps you learn and shows you are trying.
Core Phrases: "I Don't Understand" in Mandarin
When you begin learning a new language, you need fundamental phrases. Knowing how to say "I don't understand" is one of the most common phrases you will use. This section introduces two essential ways to express that you do not understand in Mandarin. These phrases are crucial for clear communication.
I don't understand what I heard (wǒ tīng bù dǒng): Not Understanding What Was Heard
This phrase is your go-to when you cannot comprehend something spoken to you. You use I don't understand what I heard (wǒ tīng bù dǒng) when you literally did not grasp the words or sounds. It means "I don't understand what you're saying" because you did not hear it clearly or process the auditory information.
The grammar behind I don't understand what I heard is quite specific. It follows a "Verb + impossible + Complement of Result" structure. In hearimpossibleunderstand (tīng bù dǒng):
hear (tīng) means 'hear'.
impossible (bù) indicates 'impossible' or 'unable'.
understand (dǒng) means 'understand'.
This construction directly translates to "to be unable to understand something you hear." This phrase is a "potential complement phrase." It expresses what you can or cannot do. The "impossible" shows inability. For example, you might say I can't understand this movie even though I watched it. (zhèi bù diànyǐng wǒ kàn bù dǒng), meaning "I can't understand this movie even though I watched it." Here, 看 (kàn) is the verb, and understand (dǒng) is the complement of result.
You will find yourself using I don't understand what I heard in several common situations:
When you genuinely do not understand what someone says.
To politely end a conversation you cannot follow.
To escape a confusing situation where you cannot comprehend the discussion.
Here are some examples:
Example 1:
Mandarin: Sorry, I don't understand what you're saying.
Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, wǒ tīng bù dǒng nǐ shuō shénme.
English: Sorry, I don't understand what you're saying.
Example 2:
Mandarin: He speaks too fast, I don't understand what you're saying.
Pinyin: Tā shuō de tài kuài le, wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
English: He speaks too fast, I don't understand what you're saying.
I don't understand (wǒ bù dǒng): Not Understanding a Concept
When you say I don't understand (wǒ bù dǒng), you are expressing a lack of understanding about a concept, an idea, or a general topic. This phrase is more general than I don't understand what I heard. It means "I don't understand" in a broader sense, not specifically related to hearing. You might understand the words, but the meaning or the underlying idea remains unclear to you.
Think of it as not grasping the "why" or "how" of something. This is a fundamental way to say "i don't understand in mandarin" when the issue is conceptual.
Here are some examples:
Example 1:
Mandarin: I really don't understand this math problem.
Pinyin: Zhège shùxué wèntí wǒ zhēnde bù dǒng.
English: I really don't understand this math problem.
Example 2:
Mandarin: I don't understand why he would do that.
Pinyin: Wǒ bù dǒng wèishénme tā huì nàyàng zuò.
English: I don't understand why he would do that.
Polite Ways to Express Lack of Understanding
You need to communicate clearly when you learn a new language. Sometimes, you do not understand what someone says. Knowing polite ways to express "i don't understand in mandarin" helps you keep conversations going. These phrases add nuance to your communication. They show respect for the speaker. You can ask for clarification without sounding rude. Mastering these expressions makes your mandarin interactions smoother.
excuse me，I didn't understand what I heard: Excuse Me, I Didn't Understand
This phrase is very useful. You use excuse me (bù hǎoyìsi) to say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry." Then you add I didn't understand what I heard (wǒ méi tīng dǒng). This means "I didn't understand what I heard." It is a polite way to tell someone you did not grasp their words. You might have heard the sounds, but the meaning did not register. This phrase is perfect when you need someone to repeat something. It shows you are trying to follow the conversation.
Usage Tip: Use this when you genuinely missed a part of the conversation. It is softer than a direct "I don't understand." It implies you want to understand.
Example 1:
Mandarin: Excuse me, I didn't understand, can you say it again?
Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ méi tīng dǒng, nǐ néng zài shuō yī biàn ma?
English: Excuse me, I didn't understand, can you say it again?
Example 2:
Mandarin: He spoke too fast, excuse me, I don't understand what you're saying.
Pinyin: Tā shuō de tài kuài le, bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ méi tīng dǒng.
English: He spoke too fast, excuse me, i don't understand what you're saying.
Please say it again: Please Say It Again
You can directly ask someone to repeat themselves. Use Please say it again (qǐng zài shuō yī biàn). The word please (qǐng) makes your request polite. It means "please." This phrase is helpful when you missed a word or a sentence. Perhaps the speaker spoke too softly. Or maybe you were distracted for a moment. You ask for a full repetition of what they said.
Usage Tip: This phrase is direct but polite. It works well when you know you missed something specific.
Example 1:
Mandarin: I didn't hear clearly, please say it again.
Pinyin: Wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ, qǐng zài shuō yī biàn.
English: I didn't hear clearly, please say it again.
Example 2:
Mandarin: I didn't remember that name, please say it again.
Pinyin: Nàgè míngzi wǒ méi jìzhù, qǐng zài shuō yī biàn.
English: I didn't remember that name, please say it again.
Please speak slower: Please Speak Slower
Sometimes, people speak too quickly. This makes it hard for you to follow. Use Please speak slower (qǐng shuō màn yī diǎn) in these situations. This phrase means "please speak slower." It is a polite request for the speaker to reduce their pace. This gives your brain more time to process the words. It helps you catch up with the conversation.
Usage Tip: This is essential for beginners. It helps you understand spoken chinese better. Do not hesitate to use it.
Example 1:
Mandarin: My Chinese is not very good, please speak slower.
Pinyin: Wǒ de Zhōngwén bù tài hǎo, qǐng shuō màn yī diǎn.
English: My Chinese is not very good, please speak slower.
Example 2:
Mandarin: Can you please speak slower? I am a little bit unable to keep up.
Pinyin: Nǐ néng qǐng shuō màn yī diǎn ma? Wǒ yǒudiǎn gēn bù shàng.
English: Can you please speak slower? I am a little bit unable to keep up.
What does this mean?: What Does This Mean?
You might understand all the words in a sentence. But the overall meaning still confuses you. Or perhaps you hear a new word. In these cases, ask What does this mean? (zhè shì shénme yìsi?). This means "What does this mean?" You ask for clarification of a concept or a specific term. You can point to a word in a book. Or you can refer to a phrase someone just used.
Usage Tip: This phrase is great for clarifying vocabulary or complex ideas. It shows you are engaged and want to learn.
Example 1:
Mandarin: I don't quite understand this word, what does this mean?
Pinyin: Zhège cí wǒ bù tài dǒng, zhè shì shénme yìsi?
English: I don't quite understand this word, what does this mean?
Example 2:
Mandarin: You said "involution," what does this mean?
Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de "nèi juǎn", zhè shì shénme yìsi?
English: You said "involution," what does this mean?
Advanced Expressions for Specific Situations
You will encounter moments where your understanding is not completely absent, but rather partial or nuanced. These advanced expressions help you convey specific degrees of confusion. They allow you to pinpoint exactly what you do not grasp.
I'm a little unclear: I'm a Little Unclear
Use I'm a little unclear (wǒ yǒudiǎnr bù míngbái) when you have some understanding, but a part of the information remains fuzzy. You are not completely lost. You just need a bit more clarity. This phrase shows you are engaged. It also indicates you are trying to piece things together. It is a polite way to ask for further explanation.
Context: You understand the general idea. Specific details or implications confuse you.
Example 1:
Mandarin: I'm a little unclear about how to implement the plan you mentioned.
Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de jìhuà, wǒ yǒudiǎnr bù míngbái jùtǐ zěnme shíshī.
English: I'm a little unclear about how to implement the plan you mentioned.
Example 2:
Mandarin: This problem is a bit complex; I'm a little unclear.
Pinyin: Zhège wèntí yǒudiǎnr fùzá, wǒ yǒudiǎnr bù míngbái.
English: This problem is a bit complex; I'm a little unclear.
I can't keep up: I Can't Keep Up
When a conversation moves too quickly, or a speaker explains a complex topic too fast, you use I can't keep up (wǒ gēn bù shàng). This phrase means "I can't keep up" or "I'm falling behind." It signals that the pace of information is overwhelming you. You need the speaker to slow down or recap.
Context: The speed of speech or the complexity of the topic exceeds your processing ability.
Example 1:
Mandarin: You are speaking too fast; I can't keep up.
Pinyin: Nǐmen shuō de tài kuài le, wǒ gēn bù shàng.
English: You are speaking too fast; I can't keep up.
Example 2:
Mandarin: This concept is a bit difficult; I can't keep up with your train of thought.
Pinyin: Zhège gàiniàn yǒudiǎnr nán, wǒ gēn bù shàng nǐ de sīlù.
English: This concept is a bit difficult; I can't keep up with your train of thought.
I didn't understand your meaning: I Didn't Understand Your Meaning
This phrase, I didn't understand your meaning (wǒ méi míngbái nǐ de yìsi), is perfect when you hear the words, but you do not grasp the speaker's intention or the underlying message. It is more specific than simply saying "i don't understand what you're saying." You understand the individual words. You just miss the point or the implication. This is a crucial phrase for effective communication in Chinese.
Context: You need clarification on the speaker's intent, purpose, or the deeper meaning of their words.
Example 1:
Mandarin: I didn't understand your meaning in that last sentence.
Pinyin: Nǐ gāngcái nà jù huà, wǒ méi míngbái nǐ de yìsi.
English: I didn't understand your meaning in that last sentence.
Example 2:
Mandarin: Are you suggesting I do this? I didn't understand your meaning.
Pinyin: Nǐ shì jiànyì wǒ zhèyàng zuò ma? Wǒ méi míngbái nǐ de yìsi.
English: Are you suggesting I do this? I didn't understand your meaning.
Talk Well When You Don't Get It
You will get confused sometimes. These tips help you. They make things clear.
Use Your Body and Hints
Show confusion with your body. A puzzled look helps. Point to what you don't get. Hand signs also help. These show your trouble. They help when words fail. Look at what is happening. Hints often help you. They help you understand.
Ask Questions. Don't Be Scared
Don't be shy. Asking helps you learn. It shows you want to learn. People like your effort. Asking is okay in China. It helps you get better. Remember, you are learning. This is part of it. You like learning, so ask.
Listen Well and Find Key Words
Listen closely. Find important words. You don't need every word. Get the main ideas. This helps you learn more. It builds your understanding. Notice how people speak. Look for common phrases. They often mean a lot.
Learn Mandarin with Coachers.org
Coachers.org is a good place. You can use these phrases there. Experts teach you. They give one-on-one lessons. You can join groups too. Learn online anywhere. It makes you brave to speak Chinese. This helps your language journey.
You now have many phrases. They help you say "I don't understand" in Mandarin. Good talking means you can fix gaps. Use these phrases often. Practice helps you speak well. It builds your confidence. Coachers.org is great for learning. You get special lessons there. You can learn alone or in groups. Good teachers will help you. They have strong skills. Plans fit your needs. Learn talking or business Chinese. Study from home easily. Tools make learning fun. You will learn faster.
Explore plans and begin your journey!
FAQ
How do you choose between I don't understand what I heard and I don't understand?
Use I don't understand what I heard (wǒ tīng bù dǒng) when you did not hear or process the spoken words. Use I don't understand (wǒ bù dǒng) when you understand the words but not the concept or meaning. This helps you clarify your specific confusion.
Is it rude to say "I don't understand" in Mandarin?
It is not rude if you use polite phrases. People appreciate your effort to learn. Use phrases like excuse me (bù hǎoyìsi) to show respect. Asking for clarification helps you learn and shows your engagement.
What if you only understand a few words?
You can point to the words you know. Then ask What does this mean? (zhè shì shénme yìsi?). This shows you are trying. It helps the speaker know what part confuses you. Focus on keywords to grasp the main idea.
Can you use gestures to show you don't understand?
Yes, you can. A puzzled look or a shrug helps. Pointing to an object or a word also works. Body language helps when words fail you. It makes communication easier for both sides.
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