How to Say 'Either Way' in Chinese: Expressing a Neutral Stance
Learn to express neutrality in Mandarin Chinese with phrases like 都可以 and 无所谓. This lesson teaches you to avoid taking sides and answer questions without commitment.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
Sometimes you genuinely don't have a preference. In Mandarin Chinese, expressing a neutral stance is a valuable skill that lets you avoid committing to one option. This lesson focuses on three common patterns: 都可以 (dōu kěyǐ), 无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi), and 都行 (dōu xíng). You'll learn how to use them naturally in everyday conversations, ask questions to clarify options, and respond politely when you have no strong feelings. We'll also cover register differences so you sound appropriate in both casual and formal situations.
By the end, you can…
- express that I have no preference between two or more options.
- ask someone to choose for me when I am neutral.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
都可以。
Either is fine. / Both are okay.
dōu kěyǐ
Use when both options are acceptable. It implies you have no preference.
无所谓。
I don't mind. / It doesn't matter to me.
wúsuǒwèi
Slightly more indifferent; can sound dismissive if used with a cold tone. Use with a friendly tone.
都行。
Either way works. / Anything is fine.
dōu xíng
Casual and common in spoken Chinese. Often used among friends.
你决定吧。
You decide.
nǐ juédìng ba
Use when you want the other person to make the choice. Polite and cooperative.
我没什么特别的想法。
I don't have any particular preference.
wǒ méi shénme tèbié de xiǎngfǎ
More formal and explicit. Good for professional settings.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The most common pattern for neutrality is 都 + verb/adjective. For example, 都可以 (dōu kěyǐ) means 'both are okay', 都行 (dōu xíng) means 'both work', and 都好 (dōu hǎo) means 'both are good'. You can also use 无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi) as a standalone phrase. To ask for options, use 哪个? (nǎge?) meaning 'which one?' or 什么? (shénme?) meaning 'what?'. For example, 我们吃什么? 都可以。 (Wǒmen chī shénme? Dōu kěyǐ.) – 'What shall we eat? Either is fine.'
When to use it
Use these phrases when you truly have no preference. 都可以 and 都行 are neutral and safe in most situations. 无所谓 can sound indifferent or even rude if you use a flat tone; soften it with a smile or add 我 (wǒ) to make it '我无所谓' (wǒ wúsuǒwèi). In formal contexts, 我没什么特别的想法 is more appropriate. Avoid using these when you actually do have a preference, as it may frustrate others. Also, note that 随便 (suíbiàn) means 'whatever' but can imply carelessness; use it with caution.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
我们周末去看电影还是去公园？
Shall we go to the movies or the park this weekend?Wǒmen zhōumò qù kàn diànyǐng háishì qù gōngyuán?都可以。你决定吧。
Either is fine. You decide.Dōu kěyǐ. Nǐ juédìng ba.那我们去公园吧，天气很好。
Then let's go to the park; the weather is nice.Nà wǒmen qù gōngyuán ba, tiānqì hěn hǎo.好啊，我没问题。
Sure, I'm fine with that.Hǎo a, wǒ méi wèntí.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese communication, expressing neutrality can be a way to show flexibility and avoid conflict. However, if you always say 无所谓, people might think you are disengaged. It's often better to offer a neutral response and then let the other person decide, as in the dialogue. Also, 随便 is very casual and can seem offhand; use it only with close friends.
One thing to watch for
Using 随便 (suíbiàn) to mean 'either way' in all situations.
Try this instead: 随便 often implies 'whatever' with a tone of indifference or even annoyance. For neutral preference, use 都可以 or 都行. For example, when a friend asks 'Tea or coffee?' say 都可以, not 随便, unless you want to sound like you don't care at all.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'Either is fine' in Chinese?
Show a sample answer
都可以。
都可以 (dōu kěyǐ) is the most common neutral phrase. 都行 (dōu xíng) is also correct and equally natural.
2Your colleague asks if you prefer meeting at 2 PM or 3 PM. You have no preference. What can you say?
Show a sample answer
我没什么特别的想法。你决定吧。
This is polite and formal. In a casual setting, 都可以 or 都行 would also work.
3What is a potential problem with using 无所谓?
Show a sample answer
It can sound indifferent or dismissive if used with a cold tone.
To avoid this, use a friendly tone or add 我 (wǒ) to soften it. In formal contexts, choose a more explicit phrase.
Use 都可以 or 都行 for a neutral 'either way'. Save 无所谓 for when you truly don't mind, and use it with a warm tone. In formal settings, say 我没什么特别的想法.
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