Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how substantial refusals in Chinese serve their pragmatic functions.

2. Learn different strategies of substantially refusing in Chinese.

2. Learn useful expressions for making substantial refusals.

STEP 1: How To Tactfully Say “No”?

Watch the animated video to learn different tactics and strategies used to substantially refuse to requests in different situations.

STEP 2: Real Life Examples

Watch the following conversations between native speakers.

Pay attention to how they say “no” to requests. 

1. Teacher & student:

2. Between friends:

3. Boss & employee:

4. In a company’s office:

STEP 3: Practice Speaking

Click the button to practice speaking with the native speaker!

Exercise 1: 

Topic: Substantial Refusal to Requests

STEP 4: Test Yourself 

Complete the conversation quiz below. 

Substantially Refusing to Requests

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