In everyday Chinese, how you respond to a request matters. A warm acceptance, a gentle refusal, or a quick question can keep a conversation friendly. In this workshop, you will listen to short recorded lines and practice choosing the right response. You will also try both roles: the person asking for help and the person answering. The recordings give you natural phrases to imitate. By the end, you should feel more confident saying yes, saying no politely, or asking what the person needs.
Accepting a request warmly
When someone asks for help, a friendly yes can be short and clear. The recorded line «当然可以。» means 'Of course.' It is warm and enthusiastic, and you can use it when you are happy to help. Another common acceptance is «没问题。», which means 'No problem.' It sounds casual and friendly, good for friends or colleagues. In a longer exchange, one speaker asks «你能帮我一下吗？», meaning 'Can you help me?' The other replies with «当然可以。什么事？», which means 'Of course. What is it?' This shows that after accepting, you can ask what the person needs. Then the first speaker says «请你帮我拿一下书。», meaning 'Please help me get the book.' The helper answers «没问题。», 'No problem.' Notice how the acceptance comes first, then the specific request, then a final confirmation. Practice saying each line with a natural tone. A smile in your voice helps.
Refusing politely
Sometimes you cannot help. In Chinese, a direct but polite refusal is «对不起，我不能。», meaning 'Sorry, I can't.' It is clear and respectful. A softer option is «不好意思，我有事。», which means 'Sorry, I have something to do.' This implies you are busy and is common in casual situations. Both refusals start with an apology, so they sound gentle. When you use them, keep your tone soft and add a small pause. You can also nod slightly. Remember that refusing a request is not rude if you use these phrases. They protect the other person's feelings while being honest about your situation. Practice saying «对不起，我不能。» and «不好意思，我有事。» slowly, then at a normal speed. Try to match the recorded pronunciation.
Asking what the person needs
After you accept a request, you may want to know exactly what the person needs. In the recorded exchange, the helper says «当然可以。什么事？», which includes 'What is it?' This is a natural way to get more details after saying yes. You can use the same question when someone asks you for help but you are not sure what they need. For example, if someone says «你能帮我一下吗？», you can reply with «当然可以。什么事？» to show you are willing to help and want details. Then the person can explain, like «请你帮我拿一下书。». This keeps the conversation moving. Practice the rhythm: accept first, then ask. This makes you sound helpful and interested, not confused.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
当然可以。
Of course.
dāngrán kěyǐ.
没问题。
No problem.
méi wèntí.
对不起，我不能。
Sorry, I can't.
duìbuqǐ, wǒ bù néng.
不好意思，我有事。
Sorry, I have something to do.
bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ yǒu shì.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
你能帮我一下吗？
Can you help me?当然可以。什么事？
Of course. What is it?请你帮我拿一下书。
Please help me get the book.没问题。
No problem.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: Accept and ask
Imagine a friend says to you: «你能帮我一下吗？». You want to accept and find out what they need.
Your task: Listen to «你能帮我一下吗？». Then say your acceptance using «当然可以。什么事？». After that, imagine your friend says «请你帮我拿一下书。». Respond with «没问题。».
Reply comprehension: Choose the right response
You will hear a request. Decide if you should accept or refuse politely. Use only the recorded phrases.
Your task: Imagine someone says «你能帮我一下吗？». You are free and happy to help. Which recorded line fits? Say it aloud. Then imagine someone says «你能帮我一下吗？» but you are busy. Which recorded line fits? Say it aloud.
Recall and role-play: Both sides
You will practice a full short exchange from memory, using the recorded lines. You play both roles, alternating between the requester (A) and the helper (B).
Your task: First, play the requester (A). Say «你能帮我一下吗？». Then switch to the helper (B) and reply with «当然可以。什么事？». Switch back to the requester (A) and say «请你帮我拿一下书。». Finally, switch to the helper (B) and reply with «没问题。».
Common questions
What is the difference between «当然可以。» and «没问题。»?
«当然可以。» means 'Of course.' It sounds warm and enthusiastic. «没问题。» means 'No problem.' It is more casual and friendly. Both accept a request, but «当然可以。» may feel a little more eager, while «没问题。» is relaxed. You can use either with friends or colleagues.
How do I refuse without sounding rude?
Use «对不起，我不能。» or «不好意思，我有事。». Both start with an apology, so they sound polite. «对不起，我不能。» means 'Sorry, I can't.' «不好意思，我有事。» means 'Sorry, I have something to do.' Keep your voice soft and add a small pause. This shows you are not angry, just unable to help.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: responding to polite requestsChecked September 2026
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