How to say “no way” in Chinese
From polite no to not a chance
The mildest way to say “no way” in Chinese is 不行 (bù xíng), “no, that won't work”. The strongest is 没门 (méi mén), “not a chance (lit. no door)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.
不行
no, that won't work
The everyday no. Safe anywhere
Heard in real Chinese videos
不行，你必须报名的。
No, you have to sign up.
我是ling_玲 on YouTube, at 1:24不行，妈，你受不了，
No, Mom, you can't handle it. I definitely can.
王蓝莓同学 on YouTube, at 0:06
不可能
impossible
Firm, but nobody is offended
Heard in real Chinese videos
螺珠不可能在里面啊。
The pearl can't possibly be in there.
OK哥环球探海记 okge ocean exploration on YouTube, at 7:50
想得美
you wish (lit. thinking pretty)
A smug, teasing no
做梦
in your dreams
做梦吧! = keep dreaming
Heard in real Chinese videos
你做梦。
Dream on.
Scott Jiang on YouTube, at 2:13
没门
not a chance (lit. no door)
The door is closed. Forever (beijing: 没门儿)
Quick answers
- How do you say “no way” in Chinese?
- The mildest way to say “no way” in Chinese is 不行 (bù xíng), “no, that won't work”. The strongest is 没门 (méi mén), “not a chance (lit. no door)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.
- What is the mildest way to say “no way” in Chinese?
- 不行 (bù xíng): no, that won't work. The everyday no. Safe anywhere.
- What is the strongest way to say “no way” in Chinese?
- 没门 (méi mén): not a chance (lit. no door). The door is closed. Forever (beijing: 没门儿).
More ways to say it in Chinese
- How to say “I'm drunk”微醺
- How to say “I'm hungry”饿了
- How to say “I'm sorry”不好意思
- How to say “it's delicious”还行
- How to say “lazy”懒
- How to say “whatever”无所谓
All 47 phrases: feelings, everyday, love and dating, compliments, money, slang, insults, swear words.