Explaining Your Turn in Chinese: A Board Game Cafe Guide
Learn to say 轮到我了, 我走这一步, and 为什么 to explain your moves in a new board game at a cafe in China.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you sit down to a new board game at a cafe in China, you need to explain what you are doing and ask questions. This lesson teaches you three key phrases: 轮到我了 (it's my turn), 我走这一步 (I move this piece here), and 为什么 (why). You will learn how to announce your turn, describe your move, and ask for reasons. These phrases work in casual, explanatory conversations with friends or staff. Practice them so you can join the game smoothly.
By the end, you can…
- announce that it is my turn using 轮到我了.
- explain which piece I am moving and where using 我走这一步.
- ask why a move is not allowed using 为什么.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
轮到我了。
It's my turn.
lún dào wǒ le.
Use when the previous player finishes and you are about to take your turn. It signals that you are now the active player.
我走这一步。
I move this piece here. / I make this move.
wǒ zǒu zhè yí bù.
Say this while pointing to the piece and the destination. 走 (zǒu) means 'to move' in board games, and 这一步 (zhè yí bù) means 'this move' or 'this step'.
为什么？
Why?
wèi shén me?
Ask this when you do not understand a rule or why a move is not allowed. It is a neutral, direct question.
我可以走这里吗？
Can I move here?
wǒ kě yǐ zǒu zhè lǐ ma?
Use this to check if a move is legal before you do it. 可以 (kě yǐ) means 'can' or 'may', and 吗 (ma) makes it a yes/no question.
该你了。
It's your turn.
gāi nǐ le.
Say this to the next player after you finish your move. It is a friendly way to pass the turn.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 轮到 + [person] + 了 means 'it's [person]'s turn.' For example, 轮到我了 (it's my turn), 轮到你了 (it's your turn), 轮到小王了 (it's Xiaowang's turn). To explain a move, use 我走 + [this piece/step]. For instance, 我走这一步 (I move this piece) or 我走这个棋子 (I move this piece). You can also add the destination: 我走这一步到这里 (I move this piece here). To ask why, simply say 为什么？ or 为什么不能走这里？ (why can't I move here?).
When to use it
Use 轮到我了 when you are about to take your turn, especially if others might not realize it is your turn. Use 我走这一步 while physically moving a piece, so others can follow your action. Use 为什么 when a rule seems unclear or when someone stops your move. For example, if another player says 不能走这里 (you can't move here), you can ask 为什么？ to get an explanation. In a board game cafe, staff are usually happy to explain rules, so 为什么 is a polite and useful question.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
轮到我了。我走这一步。
It's my turn. I move this piece here.lún dào wǒ le. wǒ zǒu zhè yí bù.等一下，你不能走这里。
Wait, you can't move here.děng yí xià, nǐ bù néng zǒu zhè lǐ.为什么？
Why?wèi shén me?因为这个格子是红色的，红色格子不能走。
Because this square is red, and you can't move onto red squares.yīn wèi zhè ge gé zi shì hóng sè de, hóng sè gé zi bù néng zǒu.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese board game cafes, players often explain their moves aloud to keep the game clear, especially with new games. Saying 轮到我了 is a natural way to claim your turn without sounding pushy. When asking 为什么, keep your tone curious rather than challenging; a rising intonation on 为什么 is normal. Staff at cafes are generally helpful, but rules can vary by game, so ask before assuming. It is also common to say 该你了 to pass the turn politely.
One thing to watch for
Using 走 (zǒu) to mean 'to walk' and saying 我走这里 to mean 'I walk here' when you actually mean 'I move a game piece here.'
Try this instead: In board games, 走 means 'to move a piece.' To be clear, say 我走这一步 (I move this piece) or 我走这个棋子 (I move this piece). If you want to say 'I walk here' in real life, use 我走到这里 (wǒ zǒu dào zhè lǐ).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'It's my turn' in Chinese?
Show a sample answer
轮到我了。
This uses the pattern 轮到 + person + 了. You could also say 该我了, which is equally natural in casual play.
2You want to move a piece and explain it. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
我走这一步。
This means 'I move this piece.' You can also say 我走这个棋子 or add the destination: 我走这一步到这里.
3Another player says you cannot move to a certain spot. How do you ask why?
Show a sample answer
为什么？
This is a direct way to ask for a reason. You could also ask 为什么不能走这里？ for more specificity.
Use 轮到我了 to claim your turn, 我走这一步 to explain your move, and 为什么 to ask for reasons. These three phrases will help you play smoothly in a Chinese board game cafe.
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