Managing a wait when you have another obligation | Learn Chinese in English

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Use Managing a wait when you have another obligation to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

看来还要等很久才轮到我。

Kànlái hái yào děng hěn jiǔ cái lún dào wǒ. My turn still seems a long way off.

我很快还得去别的地方。

Wǒ hěn kuài hái děi qù bié de dìfāng. I need to be somewhere else soon.

在你决定要不要留下来之前，我先告诉你队伍现在进展得怎么样。

Zài nǐ juédìng yào bú yào liú xià lái zhīqián, wǒ xiān gàosu nǐ duìwu xiànzài jìnzhǎn de zěnme yàng. Let me explain how the queue is moving before you decide whether to stay.

队伍前进得稳定吗？

Duìwu qiánjìn de wěndìng ma? Is it moving at a steady pace?

今天的速度不太稳定。有些请求处理起来比预想的时间更长。

Jīntiān de sùdù bù tài wěndìng. Yǒuxiē qǐngqiú chǔlǐ qǐlái bǐ yùxiǎng de shíjiān gèng cháng. The pace is uneven today. Some requests are taking longer than expected.

如果我暂时离开一下，回来后还能回到原来的位置吗？

Rúguǒ wǒ zànshí líkāi yíxià, huílái hòu hái néng huí dào yuánlái de wèizhì ma? If I step away for a moment, can I come back to the same place?

只有待在队伍附近，你才能保留自己的位置。

Zhǐyǒu dāi zài duìwu fùjìn, nǐ cái néng bǎoliú zìjǐ de wèizhì. You can only keep your place if you stay close to the line.

那我得决定这件事是不是可以等。

Nà wǒ děi juédìng zhè jiàn shì shì bú shì kěyǐ děng. Then I need to decide whether this can wait.

如果今天这项服务很重要，留在队伍附近会是更保险的选择。

Rúguǒ jīntiān zhè xiàng fúwù hěn zhòngyào, liú zài duìwu fùjìn huì shì gèng bǎoxiǎn de xuǎnzé. If this service is important today, staying close is the safer choice.

我可以给对方发消息，说明延误的情况。

Wǒ kěyǐ gěi duìfāng fā xiāoxi, shuōmíng yánwù de qíngkuàng. I can message the other person and explain the delay.

这样应该能让对方明白你为什么会晚到。

Zhèyàng yīnggāi néng ràng duìfāng míngbai nǐ wèishénme huì wǎn dào. That should help them understand why you are running late.

Word by Word

看来 “看来” means “it seems” or “apparently” in “看来还要等很久才轮到我”. It introduces a conclusion based on the current situation. Use 看来 + a clause when you infer something from what you observe.

还 “还” means “still” in “还要等很久”, showing that the waiting continues. It commonly comes before a verb to describe an action or situation that remains necessary. Use it when something has not ended or a need still exists.

要 “要” means “will need to” in “还要等很久”, while it contributes to the “whether to” question in “要不要留下来”. Before a verb, 还要 + verb describes an action that is still required. In 要不要, the repeated 要 forms an alternative question.

等 “等” means “to wait” in “还要等很久”. It is used before a duration or before the event being awaited. Use 等 + time or 等 + person/event when waiting for something.

很 “很” makes the duration strong in “很久”, meaning “a very long time”. It commonly comes before a descriptive word. Here it emphasizes that the wait will last a long time.

久 “久” describes a long duration in “很久”. Together with 很, it tells the listener that waiting will take a long time. Use 很久 after verbs such as 等 when describing how long something lasts.

才 “才” means “not until then” in “才轮到我”, so the speaker’s turn will come only after the long wait. It places the event later than expected or after a condition is met. Use time or condition + 才 + event to describe a delayed result.

轮到 “轮到” means “it is someone’s turn” in “轮到我”. The person whose turn it is follows 轮到. Use 轮到 + person when turns proceed one by one.

我 “我” means “I” or “me” in “轮到我”. It identifies the speaker as the person whose turn is being discussed. Use 我 when referring to yourself as the subject or object of a sentence.

快 “快” means “soon” in “很快还得去别的地方”, referring to an action that must happen in the near future. With 很快, it commonly comes before the action or destination. Use 很快 + verb when something will happen soon.

得 “得” means “have to” in “还得去别的地方”, expressing necessity. It comes before the action that must be done. Use 得 + verb when explaining an obligation in a particular situation.

去 “去” means “to go” in “去别的地方”. It is followed here by the destination “别的地方”. Use 去 + place when describing movement toward another location.

别的 “别的” means “another” or “other” in “别的地方”. It describes a place different from the current one. Use 别的 + noun when referring to an alternative person, thing, or place.

地方 “地方” means “place” in “别的地方”. It is the destination after 去. Use 地方 after words such as 这个, 那个, or 别的 to identify a location.

在 “在” marks the time or setting in “在你决定要不要留下来之前”, meaning “before you decide whether to stay”. In this sentence it introduces the action that must happen before another action. Use 在 + event + 之前 to locate an action in time.

你 “你” means “you” in “你决定要不要留下来”. It identifies the person who makes the decision. Use 你 when addressing the listener as the subject of an action.

决定 “决定” means “to decide” in “你决定要不要留下来”. It is followed by the choice or action being considered. Use 决定 + action or 决定要不要 + action when talking about a decision.

要不要 “要不要” asks “whether to” or “whether or not” in “要不要留下来”. The first 要 presents the action, 不 negates it, and the second 要 repeats the positive form to create the alternative question. Use 决定要不要 + verb when deciding whether to do something.

留下 “留下” means “stay” or “remain” in “留下来”. It describes not leaving the current place. Use 留下 or 留下来 when asking or saying that someone remains in a place.

来 “来” contributes the direction toward the current place in “留下来”. With 留下, it forms the expression “stay here” or “remain here”. Use 留下来 when the person remains at the place relevant to the conversation.

之前 “之前” means “before” in “留下来之前”. It places one event earlier than another. Use action + 之前 or 在 + action + 之前 when describing what happens before something else.

先 “先” means “first” in “我先告诉你”, showing that telling the listener happens before the later decision. It commonly comes before the first action in a sequence. Use 先 + verb when explaining what will happen first.

告诉 “告诉” means “tell” or “inform” in “告诉你队伍现在进展得怎么样”. The listener follows 告诉, and the information comes after that. Use 告诉 + person + information when giving someone an explanation or update.

队伍 “队伍” means “line” or “queue” in “队伍现在进展得怎么样”. It identifies the group of people waiting. Use 队伍 when describing the movement, length, or position of a queue.

现在 “现在” means “now” or “currently” in “现在进展得怎么样”. It limits the question to the queue’s present condition. Use 现在 before a verb or description when asking about what is happening at this moment.

进展 “进展” describes how something is progressing in “队伍现在进展得怎么样”. It focuses on the development or movement of an ongoing process. Use 进展得 + description when asking or saying how an activity is going.

怎么样 “怎么样” means “how is it going” in “进展得怎么样”. 怎么 asks about how, and 样 contributes the idea of the manner or state; together they form a common question about a situation. Use verb + 得怎么样 when asking about the condition or progress of something.

前进 “前进” means “move forward” in “队伍前进得稳定吗”. It describes the queue advancing. Use a subject such as 队伍 before 前进 when talking about forward movement.

稳定 “稳定” means “steady” in “前进得稳定吗”. It asks whether the queue is moving at a consistent pace. Use 稳定 to describe a process, speed, or situation that does not change greatly.

吗 “吗” turns “队伍前进得稳定” into a yes-or-no question. It is placed at the end of the sentence. Use a complete statement + 吗 when asking whether that statement is true.

今天 “今天” means “today” in “今天的速度”. It identifies the day being discussed. Use 今天 before a noun with 的 or before a verb when locating something in today’s time.

的 “的” links “今天” to “速度” in “今天的速度”, meaning “today’s pace”. It marks the preceding word or phrase as describing the following noun. Use time or place + 的 + noun for an attributive relationship.

速度 “速度” means “speed” or “pace” in “今天的速度不太稳定”. Here it refers to how quickly the queue moves. Use 速度 to describe the rate of movement or progress.

不 “不” negates “稳定” in “不太稳定”, meaning “not very steady”. It comes before the word or phrase being negated. Use 不 + adjective or verb to state that a quality or action does not apply.

太 “太” expresses a high degree in “不太稳定”, which means “not very steady” in this context. Together with 不, it softens the negative description rather than saying the pace is completely unstable. Use 不太 + adjective when saying something is not particularly so.

有些 “有些” means “some” in “有些请求”. It identifies part of the requests rather than all of them. Use 有些 + plural or collective noun when only a portion has the described property.

请求 “请求” means “request” in “有些请求”. It refers to the matters being handled by the service. Use 请求 for something someone asks an organization or person to do.

处理 “处理” means “handle” or “process” in “请求处理起来”. It describes dealing with the requests. Use 处理 + matter, request, or problem when describing work done to resolve or manage it.

起来 “起来” contributes the viewpoint “when it comes to handling” in “请求处理起来比预想的时间更长”. With 处理, it frames how the requests are experienced during the handling process. Use verb + 起来 + description when evaluating how something feels or works once it is undertaken.

比 “比” introduces the comparison in “比预想的时间更长”, meaning “longer than the expected time”. The phrase after 比 is the comparison standard. Use A 比 B + adjective when comparing A with B.

预想 “预想” means “expected” or “anticipated” in “预想的时间”. It describes the time that had been anticipated beforehand. Use 预想的 + noun when referring to something expected in advance.

时间 “时间” means “time” in “预想的时间”. Here it refers to the amount of time needed to process a request. Use 时间 when discussing duration, timing, or the time required for an activity.

更 “更” means “even more” or marks the comparative in “更长”. It shows that the actual processing time exceeds the expected time. Use 更 + adjective when making a comparison or emphasizing a higher degree.

长 “长” means “long” in “时间更长”, describing a duration that takes more time. It is compared with the expected time through 比. Use 时间 + 长 or 时间更长 when saying that something takes a long time.

如果 “如果” means “if” in “如果我暂时离开一下”. It introduces a possible condition. Use 如果 + condition, often followed by the result or question that depends on it.

暂时 “暂时” means “temporarily” in “暂时离开一下”. It limits the departure to a short period rather than a permanent change. Use 暂时 + verb when an action is intended to last only for now.

离开 “离开” means “leave” in “暂时离开一下”. It describes moving away from the current place. Use 离开 + place or situation when saying what someone leaves.

一下 “一下” makes “离开一下” sound brief, meaning “leave for a moment”. It presents the action as limited and temporary. Use verb + 一下 when asking for or describing a short action.

回来 “回来” means “come back” in “回来后”. It describes returning to the current or relevant place. Use 回来 + 后 when describing what happens after someone returns.

后 “后” means “after” in “回来后”. It places the following event after the action of returning. Use action + 后 to describe what happens afterward.

能 “能” means “can” or “be able to” in “还能回到原来的位置吗”. It asks whether returning to the original position is possible. Use 能 + verb when asking about ability or practical possibility.

回到 “回到” means “return to” in “回到原来的位置”. It describes going back to a specified place or position. Use 回到 + destination when describing a return.

原来 “原来” means “original” or “former” in “原来的位置”. It identifies the position held before leaving. Use 原来的 + noun when referring to something that existed or belonged to the earlier situation.

位置 “位置” means “position” or “place” in “原来的位置”. Here it is the person’s place in the queue. Use 位置 when talking about where someone or something is situated.

只有 “只有” means “only” in “只有待在队伍附近”. Together with “才”, it forms an “only if” condition: “只有待在队伍附近，你才能保留自己的位置”. Use 只有 + condition + 才 + result when a result depends on one necessary condition.

待 “待” means “stay” or “remain” in “待在队伍附近”. It describes remaining in a place. Use 待在 + location when saying where someone continues to stay.

附近 “附近” means “nearby” or “in the vicinity” in “队伍附近”. It identifies an area close to the queue rather than an exact point. Use place + 附近 to describe the surrounding area.

保留 “保留” means “keep” or “retain” in “保留自己的位置”. It describes keeping the queue position while staying close. Use 保留 + position, place, or right when something is maintained instead of given up.

自己 “自己” means “oneself” or “one’s own” in “自己的位置”. It refers back to the person who is staying near the line. Use 自己的 + noun when emphasizing that something belongs to the person being discussed.

那 “那” means “then” or “in that case” in “那我得决定”. It connects the previous information with the speaker’s next decision. Use 那 + conclusion or action when responding to a situation just described.

这 “这” means “this” in “这件事”. It points to the matter currently being discussed. Use 这 + classifier + noun when referring to something specific and close in the conversation.

件 “件” is the classifier in “这件事”, used for a matter or event. It comes between 这 and 事 to form the complete noun phrase. Use 这件 + matter or event when identifying one particular issue.

事 “事” means “matter” or “thing” in “这件事”. It refers to the current situation that may or may not be able to wait. Use 事 when discussing an issue, task, or event in general terms.

是不是 “是不是” asks whether something is so in “这件事是不是可以等”. The first 是 presents the statement, 不 negates it, and the second 是 restores the positive alternative, forming an affirmative-negative question. Use 是不是 + description or clause when checking whether a situation is true.

可以 “可以” means “can” or “be possible” in “可以等”. It says that waiting may be possible in the current situation. Use 可以 + verb when discussing permission or feasibility.

项 “项” is the classifier in “这项服务”, used for a service, project, or similar defined undertaking. It comes before the noun it counts or identifies. Use 这项 + service or project when referring to one specific service or project.

服务 “服务” means “service” in “这项服务很重要”. It identifies the service the speaker is waiting to receive. Use 服务 when discussing assistance or work provided to a customer or user.

重要 “重要” means “important” in “这项服务很重要”. It describes the value or urgency of the service. Use 重要 when explaining why something deserves attention or should not be missed.

留 “留” means “stay” in “留在队伍附近”. It focuses on remaining in a particular place. Use 留在 + location when advising someone not to leave that place.

会 “会” indicates a likely result in “会是更保险的选择”, meaning that staying close would be the safer choice. It is used here for an assessment or prediction. Use 会是 + noun phrase when saying what something will or would be.

是 “是” links the subject with its description in “会是更保险的选择”. It identifies staying close as a particular choice. Use 是 + noun or description when stating what something is.

保险 “保险” means “safe” or “reliable” in “更保险的选择”. It describes the choice that carries less risk of losing the queue position. Use 保险 to evaluate a plan or option as dependable in a situation.

选择 “选择” means “choice” in “更保险的选择”. It identifies one possible course of action among alternatives. Use 选择 after a descriptive phrase when evaluating an option.

给 “给” introduces the recipient in “给对方发消息”. It shows that the message is sent to the other person. Use 给 + person + verb when directing an action toward someone.

对方 “对方” means “the other person” or “the other party” in “给对方发消息”. It refers to the person affected by the delay. Use 对方 when the relevant person is the counterpart in an interaction.

发 “发” means “send” in “发消息”. It describes sending a message to another person. Use 发 + message or 发给 + person when talking about sending communication.

消息 “消息” means “message” in “发消息”. It is the communication sent to the other person. Use 发消息 when saying that you send someone a message.

说明 “说明” means “explain” or “state” in “说明延误的情况”. It introduces information that clarifies what happened. Use 说明 + situation, reason, or information when making circumstances clear.

延误 “延误” means “delay” in “延误的情况”. It refers to the lateness affecting the speaker’s arrival. Use 延误的 + noun when describing a situation caused by a delay.

情况 “情况” means “situation” or “circumstances” in “延误的情况”. It refers to the details surrounding the delay. Use 的情况 when explaining the circumstances of an event or problem.

这样 “这样” means “this way” or “in this way” in “这样应该能让对方明白”. It refers to the action of sending the message and explaining the delay. Use 这样 + result when describing what an action is expected to achieve.

应该 “应该” means “should” in “应该能让对方明白”. It expresses an expected or likely result rather than a certainty. Use 应该 + verb when making a reasonable expectation or prediction.

让 “让” means “make” or “allow” in “让对方明白”. It introduces the person who comes to understand something as the result of an action. Use 让 + person + verb or adjective when describing an action that causes a result for someone.

明白 “明白” means “understand” in “让对方明白”. It describes the other person understanding the reason for the delay. Use 明白 + information or clause when saying that someone understands something.

为什么 “为什么” means “why” in “为什么会晚到”. It asks for the reason for arriving late. Use 为什么 + clause when asking why an event happens.

晚到 “晚到” means “arrive late” in “为什么会晚到”. It describes arriving after the expected time. Use 晚到 when explaining a delayed arrival to another person.

Grammar Points

看来 + 句子

看来，队伍进展得不太稳定。

Kànlái, duìwu jìnzhǎn de bù tài wěndìng.

It seems that the line is not progressing very steadily.

看来 introduces a conclusion based on what you observe. The following clause describes the apparent situation.

名词 + 不太 + 形容词

速度不太稳定。

Sùdù bù tài wěndìng.

The speed is not very steady.

Chinese adjectives can act as predicates without a form of “be”; 不太 softens the adjective.

Chinese Vocabulary

别的地方 phrase

bié de dìfāng somewhere else

不太稳定 phrase

bù tài wěndìng not very steady

等很久 phrase

děng hěn jiǔ wait for a long time

队伍 noun

duìwu queue; line

进展 verb

jìnzhǎn progress; move forward

决定 verb

juédìng decide

看来 adv

kànlái it seems; apparently

留下来 verb

liú xià lái stay; remain

轮到 verb

lún dào be one's turn

请求 noun

qǐngqiú request

速度 noun

sùdù speed; pace

稳定 adj

wěndìng steady; stable

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

somewhere else

Show Answer

别的地方

not very steady

Show Answer

不太稳定

wait for a long time

Show Answer

等很久

queue; line

Show Answer

队伍