To say “not this time” in Chinese, the most direct and useful expression is “这次不行” (zhè cì bù xíng), meaning “not this time,” “this time won’t work,” or “I can’t do it this time.” Still, the best Chinese phrase depends on whether you are refusing an invitation, explaining that you are unavailable, postponing a plan, or telling someone to stop asking. Chinese offers several natural alternatives, each with a different level of firmness and politeness.
The Most Common Way to Say “Not This Time” in Chinese
这次不行
这次不行 is the everyday phrase you are most likely to hear in conversation.
- 这次 means “this time” or “this occasion.”
- 不行 means “does
not work,” “won’t do,” or “impossible.”
Together, 这次不行 communicates clearly that whatever is being proposed or requested cannot happen on this particular occasion. It is concise, polite, and widely understood across all levels of formality.
For example:
-
A: 你要一起去吃饭吗？ (Would you like to go eat together?)
B: 这次不行。 (Not this time.) -
A: 你能帮我这个忙吗？ (Can you help me with this?)
B: 这次不行， maybe next time. (I can’t this time, maybe next time.)
This phrase works well in both spoken and written contexts and is suitable for use with friends, colleagues, or even strangers when declining politely.
Other Natural Ways to Express “Not This Time”
Depending on the tone you want to convey—firmness, politeness, or softness—there are several other expressions that capture the idea of “not this time” in Chinese:
1. 这次行不通 (zhè cì xíng bù tōng) – “This time won’t work.”
This is slightly more formal than 这次不行 and implies that the current situation makes it impossible for something to proceed as planned.
Example:
- 这次行不通，我们下周再试试。 (This time won’t work; let’s try again next week.)
2. 这次不太方便 (zhè cì bù tài fāngbié) – “Not very convenient this time.”
Used when you want to decline an invitation or request gently, often due to prior commitments or timing issues Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Example:
- 这次不太方便，谢谢邀请。 (I'm not free this time, thanks for inviting me.)
3. 不好意思，这次忙 (bù hǎoyìsi, zhè cì máng) – “Sorry, I’m busy this time.”
A polite way to decline without giving too many details, especially if you don’t wish to explain your reasons That alone is useful..
Example:
- 不好意思，这次忙，改天吧。 (Sorry, I'm tied up this time. Let’s reschedule.)
4. 以后再说吧 (yǐhòu zài shuō ba) – “Let’s talk about it later.”
Useful when you're not ready to commit but also not outright rejecting the idea.
Example:
- 以后再说吧，现在有点儿忙。 (Let’s talk about it later—I’m a bit busy now.)
5. 这次真的不行 (zhè cì zhēnshí bù xíng) – “Really can’t do it this time.”
Adding 真的 (“really”) emphasizes sincerity and finality. Use this when you need to make it clear that your refusal is genuine and non-negotiable.
Example:
- 对不起，这次真的不行。 (Sorry, really can’t make it this time.)
Choosing the Right Phrase for Your Context
| Situation | Recommended Expression |
|---|---|
| General refusal | 这次不行 |
| Formal context | 这次行不通 |
| Inviting someone out | 这次不太方便 |
| Busy schedule | 不好意思，这次忙 |
| Postponing plans | 以后再说吧 |
| Need to be firm | 这次真的不行 |
Each variation allows you to tailor your message based on how much information you want to share and how direct or indirect you’d like to sound Not complicated — just consistent. Surprisingly effective..
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “not this time” in Chinese helps you manage social situations with confidence and politeness. While 这次不行 remains the go-to phrase for most conversations, understanding alternatives like 这次不太方便, 不好意思，这次忙, or 这次真的不行 gives you flexibility in tone and context. Whether you're declining an invitation, rescheduling plans, or setting boundaries, choosing the right expression ensures clarity while maintaining good relationships. Practice these phrases in different scenarios, and you'll soon feel comfortable expressing yourself naturally in Mandarin.
