🗣️ How to Say “Let’s Wait and See” Naturally in Chinese — Not Just “我不知道”

Want to keep your plans open — but still sound polite in Chinese?

In real Chinese conversations, native speakers don’t usually say “我不知道” (wǒ bù zhīdào) when they want to delay a decision.

They say something softer — and more polite.

🚫 Textbook Chinese

我不知道。

(Wǒ bù zhīdào)

→ I don’t know.

It’s not wrong, but it sounds too cold or uncertain for everyday social talk.

When someone asks about future plans, this might feel like a shutdown.

✅ Real Chinese: Try These Instead

Use these easy phrases that feel natural and friendly:

• 到时候再说吧 (dào shíhou zài shuō ba)

  → “Let’s talk about it then” / “We’ll see when the time comes.”

• 再看看吧 (zài kànkan ba)

  → “Let’s see how things go” / “I’ll take another look later.”

• 看情况吧 (kàn qíngkuàng ba)

  → “Depends on the situation” / “Let’s play it by ear.”

These sound polite, flexible, and easy-going — perfect for social Chinese.

💡When to Use Them

Use these when:

• 🤔 You don’t want to decide now.

• 👥 You want to keep things open but polite.

• 📅 You’re not sure about your schedule or energy.

🧱 Example Sentences

1. 

— 你周末有空吗？

(Nǐ zhōumò yǒu kòng ma?)

→ Are you free this weekend?

— 到时候再说吧。

(Dào shíhou zài shuō ba)

→ Let’s talk about it then.

2.

— 你要不要去那个活动？

(Nǐ yào bú yào qù nàge huódòng?)

→ Do you want to go to that event?

— 再看看吧。

(Zài kànkan ba)

→ I’ll see how I feel later.

3.

— 我们什么时候出发？

(Wǒmen shénme shíhou chūfā?)

→ When should we leave?

— 看情况吧。

(Kàn qíngkuàng ba)

→ Let’s see how things are then.

🤓 Why It Sounds Better

• Keeps the conversation soft and open

• Avoids sounding unsure or negative

• Matches how native speakers delay decisions naturally

⚠️ Common Mistake

🚫 Saying “我不知道” in every situation.

It can feel dismissive — especially in social settings.

✅ Try these instead:

• ✅ 到时候再说吧 → Let’s see then

• ✅ 再看看吧 → I’ll take a look later

• ✅ 看情况吧 → Depends on the situation

They sound more relaxed and friendly.

🏆 Quick Practice

A friend asks you:

下周要不要聚一下？

(Nǐ xià zhōu yào bu yào jù yíxià?)

Do you want to meet up next week?

Which reply is more natural?

A. 我不知道。

B. 到时候再说吧。

✅ Correct Answer: B

✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t always have to give a clear yes or no.

In real Chinese, soft answers like “到时候再说吧” or “再看看吧” keep the tone light and friendly.

They’re not vague — they’re polite, cultural, and super natural.

Try one next time someone asks about your plans! 🧋⏳

📘 Want more like this? Check out the full blog series: Real-Life Chinese