Leaving a conversation politely takes a few useful phrases. In this workshop, you will practice saying you have to go, giving a reason such as a morning meeting or being tired, and understanding a short reply. You will use only the recorded lines, so every phrase you speak has a clear model. You can play both roles with the audio, but there is no automatic assessment, so check your own answers with the provided keys.
Saying you have to go
The most direct polite excuse is «不好意思，我得走了。» which means 'Sorry, I have to go.' Here, «不好意思» softens the statement, and «得» shows necessity. You can also say «我得早点回家。» meaning 'I need to go home early.' If you are tired, use «我有点累，想先走了。» meaning 'I'm a bit tired, I want to leave first.' Notice that «有点» means 'a little' and «先走» means 'leave first.' These lines let you leave without sounding abrupt. Practice saying each one aloud, paying attention to the gentle tone of «不好意思» and the clear necessity in «得».
Giving a reason
When you leave, a short reason helps. Use «我明天早上有个会。» meaning 'I have a meeting tomorrow morning.' The measure word «个» is used before «会» (meeting). If you need to sleep early for that meeting, you can combine it: «我明天早上有个会，得早点睡。» meaning 'I have a meeting tomorrow morning, I need to go to bed early.' This shows how to link a reason with a need. Another reason is simply being tired, as in «我有点累，想先走了。» You can choose the reason that fits your situation, but keep it simple and polite.
Responding when someone leaves
When someone says they have to go, a common reply is «为什么这么早？» meaning 'Why so early?' This asks for a reason without being rude. After hearing the reason, you can say «好的，下次再聊。» meaning 'Okay, let's chat again next time.' This closes the conversation warmly. Practice both roles: first as the person leaving, then as the person staying. Notice that the reply «为什么这么早？» is a question, so your voice should rise slightly at the end. The response «好的，下次再聊。» is friendly and accepting.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
不好意思，我得走了。
Sorry, I have to go.
bù hǎo yì si, wǒ děi zǒu le.
我明天早上有个会。
I have a meeting tomorrow morning.
wǒ míng tiān zǎo shang yǒu ge huì.
我得早点回家。
I need to go home early.
wǒ děi zǎo diǎn huí jiā.
我有点累，想先走了。
I'm a bit tired, I want to leave first.
wǒ yǒu diǎn lèi, xiǎng xiān zǒu le.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
不好意思，我得走了。
Sorry, I have to go.为什么这么早？
Why so early?我明天早上有个会，得早点睡。
I have a meeting tomorrow morning, I need to go to bed early.好的，下次再聊。
Okay, let's chat again next time.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: leaving a gathering
Imagine you are at a small gathering and need to leave. You will play the person leaving (A). Use the recorded lines to say you have to go and give a reason.
Your task: Say aloud: «不好意思，我得走了。» Then add a reason: «我明天早上有个会。» Finally, say you need to sleep early: «得早点睡。» Combine the last two if you can: «我明天早上有个会，得早点睡。»
Reply comprehension: choose the right response
You will hear or read a line from the recordings. Choose the best reply from the options. This checks if you understand the meaning.
Your task: For each situation, pick the correct response. 1) Someone says «我有点累，想先走了。» What do you say? Options: a) «为什么这么早？» b) «我明天早上有个会。» 2) Someone says «我明天早上有个会，得早点睡。» What do you say? Options: a) «好的，下次再聊。» b) «不好意思，我得走了。»
Recall with correct roles
Now recall the lines without looking. You will play both roles in a short exchange. Imagine you are leaving because you are tired, and your friend asks why.
Your task: First, as the person leaving, say: «我有点累，想先走了。» Then, as the friend, ask: «为什么这么早？» Then, as the person leaving again, give a reason: «我明天早上有个会，得早点睡。» Finally, as the friend, close: «好的，下次再聊。»
Common questions
Can I use these phrases in any situation where I need to leave?
These phrases are polite and work in many casual or semi-formal situations. «不好意思，我得走了。» is a general excuse. If you have a specific reason like a meeting or being tired, you can add it. The reply «好的，下次再聊。» is friendly and suitable for most partings.
What if I don't have a meeting or I'm not tired?
You can still use «不好意思，我得走了。» without giving a reason. If you want to give a reason, you can use «我得早点回家。» which means 'I need to go home early.' This is a simple and polite excuse that doesn't require a specific meeting or tiredness.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: making excuses to leaveChecked September 2026
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