How to Say "I don't know" in Chinese
The most natural way to say "I don't know" in Chinese is 我不知道. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use this phrase when someone asks you a question and you genuinely do not have the answer. It is a straightforward way to express your lack of knowledge. It can be used in both casual and formal situations.
Say it out loud, get corrected
Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't know" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.
Examples in Chinese
| Chinese | English |
|---|---|
| 对不起，我不知道这个问题的答案。 | Sorry, I don't know the answer to this question. |
| 我不知道他在哪里。 | I don't know where he is. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 我不知道, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Chinese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?
Yes, it is appropriate to use in both formal and informal contexts.
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