How to say “I don't understand” in Chinese

Word by word

What each part of 我不懂。 actually means.

• 我wǒI
• 不bùnot
• 懂dǒngto understand

When you use it

Short and clear. Pair it with 请再说一遍 and most people will slow down for you.

Use 我不懂。 in everyday situations. Greetings, thanks and the small words you use all day.

Common questions

How do you say "I don't understand" in Chinese?

"I don't understand" in Chinese is 我不懂。 — written in pinyin as Wǒ bù dǒng.. It is a everyday phrase you would use in China.

What does 我不懂。 mean in Chinese?

我不懂。 (Wǒ bù dǒng.) means "I don't understand". Broken down word by word: 我 (wǒ) means "I"; 不 (bù) means "not"; 懂 (dǒng) means "to understand".

When would you use "I don't understand" in Chinese?

Short and clear. Pair it with 请再说一遍 and most people will slow down for you. You would say 我不懂。 (Wǒ bù dǒng.) in everyday conversation.

More Everyday phrases

• 请再说一遍。Please say it again.
• 很好。Very good.
• 你好。Hello.
• 谢谢。Thank you.