How to say “I don't know” in Chinese
“I don't know” in Chinese is 我不知道。, written in pinyin as Wǒ bù zhīdào..
我不知道。
Wǒ bù zhīdào.
I don't know.
Word by word
What each part of 我不知道。 actually means.
- 我wǒI / me
- 不bùnot
- 知道zhīdàoto know
When you use it
Different from 我不懂 ("I don't understand"). This one means "I have no idea" — say it and people will usually point you to someone else.
Use 我不知道。 in everyday situations. Greetings, thanks and the small words you use all day.
Common questions
- How do you say "I don't know" in Chinese?
- "I don't know" in Chinese is 我不知道。 — written in pinyin as Wǒ bù zhīdào.. It is a everyday phrase you would use in China.
- What does 我不知道。 mean in Chinese?
- 我不知道。 (Wǒ bù zhīdào.) means "I don't know". Broken down word by word: 我 (wǒ) means "I / me"; 不 (bù) means "not"; 知道 (zhīdào) means "to know".
- When would you use "I don't know" in Chinese?
- Different from 我不懂 ("I don't understand"). This one means "I have no idea" — say it and people will usually point you to someone else. You would say 我不知道。 (Wǒ bù zhīdào.) in everyday conversation.
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