Deciding Whether to Keep Waiting | Learn Chinese in English

About This Lesson

Use Deciding Whether to Keep Waiting to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

不好意思，这里的队伍一直移动得很慢。

bù hǎo yìsi, zhèlǐ de duìwu yìzhí yídòng de hěn màn. Excuse me, this line has been moving slowly.

你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗？

nǐ shì zài kǎolǜ yào bú yào jìxù liú xià lái ma? Are you trying to decide whether it is worth staying?

是的。你知道服务台是不是进度落后了吗？

shì de. nǐ zhīdào fúwùtái shì bú shì jìndù luòhòu le ma? I am. Do you know if the service desk is running behind?

好几项请求需要特别处理，所以队伍走得很慢。

hǎo jǐ xiàng qǐngqiú xūyào tèbié chǔlǐ, suǒyǐ duìwu zǒu de hěn màn. Several requests need extra attention, so the line is moving slowly.

我不能在这里再待太久了。

wǒ bú néng zài zhèlǐ zài dāi tài jiǔ le. I cannot stay here much longer.

你可以继续等，也可以把请求留在服务台。

nǐ kěyǐ jìxù děng, yě kěyǐ bǎ qǐngqiú liú zài fúwùtái. You can keep waiting, or leave your request at the desk.

如果有人之后能审核，留下请求会有帮助。

rúguǒ yǒu rén zhīhòu néng shěnhé, liú xià qǐngqiú huì yǒu bāngzhù. Leaving the request would help if someone can review it later.

服务台有新消息时可以联系你。

fúwùtái yǒu xīn xiāoxi shí kěyǐ liánxì nǐ. The desk can contact you when they have an update.

这样我就能清楚地做出选择了。

zhèyàng wǒ jiù néng qīngchu de zuòchū xuǎnzé le. That gives me a clear choice.

那么，如果你接下来的安排不能等，留下请求可能更好。

nàme, rúguǒ nǐ jiēxiàlái de ānpái bú néng děng, liú xià qǐngqiú kěnéng gèng hǎo. Then leaving it may be better if your next commitment cannot wait.

Word by Word

不好意思 “不好意思” is a polite “excuse me” used here to get someone’s attention before commenting. The components “不”, “好”, and “意思” remain in this conventional expression, but their combined use gives the polite function rather than a literal word-by-word meaning. Use it when interrupting someone or starting a polite request.

这里 “这里” means “here,” referring to the place where the speaker is standing. In “这里的队伍,” it identifies the line at this location. Use it before 的 to specify a nearby place or thing.

的 In “这里的队伍,” “的” links the place description “这里” to the noun “队伍,” meaning “the line here.” This pattern is place + 的 + noun. Use it when identifying something by where it is.

队伍 “队伍” means the line or queue that people are waiting in. In “这里的队伍一直移动得很慢,” it is the group of people or the queue that is progressing slowly. Use it for an organized line of people waiting for a service.

一直 “一直” means continuously or all along in “队伍一直移动得很慢.” It shows that the slow movement has continued over a period of time. Use it before a verb to describe an action or situation that keeps continuing.

移动 “移动” means to move; here it describes the queue progressing forward. In “队伍一直移动得很慢,” the subject is the line, not one individual person. Use it for movement from one position to another or for gradual progress.

得 In “移动得很慢,” “得” links the action “移动” to the description of how it happens. The following phrase tells the manner or degree of the action. Use the pattern verb + 得 + description when explaining how an action is performed.

很 “很” adds degree to “慢” in “移动得很慢,” making the movement very slow. It appears before the adjective that describes the action. Use 很 + adjective to describe a noticeable degree of a quality.

慢 “慢” means slow, describing the speed of the queue in “移动得很慢.” With 得, it describes how the movement takes place. Use it for slow service, movement, or progress.

你 “你” means “you,” referring to the person being addressed. In “你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗,” it is the subject of the question. Use it when speaking directly to one person.

是 In “你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗,” “是” is part of the pattern “是在……吗,” which asks whether someone is engaged in an action. It helps frame the question rather than simply identifying a person or thing. Use 是在 + action + 吗 when checking what someone is doing.

在 In “是在考虑,” “在” shows that the action of considering is ongoing. It appears before the verb “考虑” to describe an action currently in progress. Use 在 + verb when focusing on an action that is happening now.

考虑 “考虑” means to consider or think carefully about an option. Here, the person is considering whether to continue staying in the line. Use it before a decision, question, or option that someone is thinking about.

要不要 “要不要” asks whether to do or choose something or not. The “要” presents the option and “不” plus the repeated “要” presents its negative counterpart; together they form one choice question in “要不要继续留下来.” Use 要不要 + verb when asking someone to choose between doing something and not doing it.

继续 “继续” means to continue an action that has already started. In “继续留下来,” it describes remaining in the line instead of ending the waiting. Use 继续 + verb when an activity carries on.

留下来 “留下来” means to stay or remain at the current place. Here, it refers to staying at the service line. Use it when someone chooses to remain somewhere rather than leave.

吗 “吗” marks the sentence “你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗” as a yes-or-no question. It comes at the end of the question. Use it after a statement when asking whether it is true.

知道 “知道” means to know information. In “你知道服务台是不是进度落后了吗,” the speaker asks whether the other person has information about the desk’s progress. Use it before a question or fact that someone may know.

服务台 “服务台” means the service desk handling the requests in this scene. It is the place or staff being asked about in “服务台是不是进度落后了吗.” Use it for a desk that provides assistance or processes service requests.

是不是 “是不是” asks whether something is true or not. The component “是” presents the statement, while “不” plus the repeated “是” presents the negative alternative in “是不是进度落后了.” Use 是不是 + statement when checking a fact.

进度 “进度” means progress or the current stage of work. Here, it refers to how far the service desk has progressed with its work. Use it with work, processing, or a task whose advancement can be checked.

落后 “落后” means to fall behind or be behind schedule. In “进度落后了,” it describes the desk’s progress as delayed compared with what is expected. Use it after a subject such as 进度 when work is not keeping up.

了 In “进度落后了吗,” “了” presents being behind as a current or changed situation that the speaker is asking about. It makes the question concern whether this situation has now occurred. Use it when a state or situation has become relevant.

好几 “好几” means several, referring to more than a small number of items in “好几项请求.” It comes before the classifier 项 and the noun. Use 好几 + classifier + noun when referring to several items without giving an exact number.

项 “项” is the classifier used here for separate requests or tasks. In “好几项请求,” it separates the requests as individual items. Use it before a request, task, or other item that is treated as a distinct matter.

请求 “请求” means a request or matter submitted for service. In “好几项请求需要特别处理,” it refers to the individual requests that require extra handling. Use it for something formally or directly asked of a person or service.

需要 “需要” means to need or require something. Here, the requests require extra handling in “请求需要特别处理.” Use 需要 + noun or verb phrase to state what is necessary.

特别 “特别” means especially or in an extra way in “特别处理.” It indicates that the requests need handling beyond the ordinary process. Use it before a verb or description when something receives unusual attention.

处理 “处理” means to handle or process a matter. Here, the service desk must process the requests with extra attention. Use it with requests, problems, documents, or other matters that need action.

所以 “所以” means “so” or “therefore,” introducing the result of the previous reason. In “需要特别处理，所以队伍走得很慢,” the extra handling explains the slow line. Use it between a reason and its result.

走 In “队伍走得很慢,” “走” means move or progress rather than simply walk. The queue is described as advancing slowly. Use it with a queue or process when referring to how it is progressing.

我 “我” means “I” or “me,” referring to the speaker. In “我不能在这里再待太久了,” it is the person who cannot remain much longer. Use it when speaking about yourself.

不能 “不能” means cannot or must not be able to do something. Here, it says the speaker cannot stay for much more time. Use 不能 + verb when an ability, opportunity, or situation prevents an action.

再 In “再待太久,” “再” means any further or for more additional time. It shows that the speaker has already been staying and cannot extend that time much more. Use it before a verb when referring to continuing an action further.

待 “待” means to stay or remain in a place. In “在这里再待太久,” it refers to remaining at the current location for more time. Use it with a place or duration when describing staying somewhere.

太 “太” means too or excessively in “太久.” It shows that the length of staying would exceed what the speaker can accept. Use 太 + adjective or duration expression when something goes beyond a suitable limit.

久 “久” means a long time or a long duration. In “待太久,” it describes the length of time spent staying. Use it after a verb or duration expression when discussing how long something lasts.

可以 “可以” means can or be permitted to do something. In “你可以继续等,” it presents continuing to wait as an available option. Use 可以 + verb when giving permission or stating that an action is possible.

等 “等” means to wait. Here, “继续等” means to keep waiting in the line. Use it with a person, place, or event that someone is waiting for.

也 “也” means also or as well. In “也可以把请求留在服务台,” it adds another available option alongside continuing to wait. Use it before the verb or phrase that shares the same situation.

把 In “把请求留在服务台,” “把” marks “请求” as the object being deliberately handled and left at the desk. The full pattern is 把 + object + action + place or result. Use it when foregrounding what someone does to a specific object.

留 “留” means to leave or keep something at a place. In “把请求留在服务台,” it means to leave the request with the service desk instead of taking it away. Use 留 + object + place when leaving something somewhere.

如果 “如果” means “if” and introduces a condition. In “如果有人之后能审核,” it sets the condition that someone can review the request later. Use 如果 + condition before the result or consequence.

有人 “有人” means someone or there is someone. Here, it refers to an unspecified person who may review the request. Use it when the identity of the person is unknown or not important.

之后 “之后” means afterward or later than the current point. In “有人之后能审核,” it places the review at a later time. Use it before an action or time reference to indicate what happens afterward.

能 “能” means can or be able to, focusing on the possibility of carrying out an action. Here, someone may be able to review the request later. Use 能 + verb when discussing ability or circumstances that make an action possible.

审核 “审核” means to review or examine something for approval. In this dialogue, someone may review the request after it is left at the desk. Use it with requests, documents, or applications that need official checking.

留下 “留下” means to leave something behind so it remains at a place. In “留下请求,” it refers to leaving the request for later review. Use it when something remains with a person, desk, or place after the speaker leaves.

会 In “有新消息时可以联系你,” “会” is understood through the desk’s expected future action of contacting the person when there is an update. It presents what is likely or intended to happen under that condition. Use 会 + verb for an expected or likely action.

有 In “有新消息时,” “有” means there is or becomes available, referring to an update from the service desk. It introduces the thing that exists in the stated time condition. Use 有 + noun when saying that something is available or present.

帮助 “帮助” means help or be helpful. In “留下请求会有帮助,” leaving the request would be useful because it can be reviewed later. Use 有帮助 when describing an action or resource as useful.

新 “新” means new, describing information that was not available before. In “新消息,” it specifies that the message is an update. Use it before a noun when referring to something newly available or recently changed.

消息 “消息” means a message or update. In “有新消息时,” it refers to new information from the service desk. Use it for information or news that someone receives.

时 In “有新消息时,” “时” means “when” and marks the time condition for the following action. The phrase means when there is a new update. Use a clause + 时 before the action that happens at that time.

联系 “联系” means to contact or get in touch with someone. Here, the service desk can contact the person when it has an update. Use 联系 + person when stating who will be contacted.

这样 “这样” means this way or like this, referring to the two options just described. In “这样我就能清楚地做出选择了,” it introduces the result of having those options. Use it to refer back to a method, arrangement, or situation already mentioned.

就 In “这样我就能清楚地做出选择了,” “就” marks the resulting action that follows from the situation described by “这样.” It connects the available options with the speaker’s ability to choose. Use a preceding condition or situation + 就 + result.

清楚 “清楚” means clear or clearly understood. In “清楚地做出选择,” it describes making a choice with the options understood. Use it with information, understanding, or decisions that are not confusing.

地 In “清楚地做出选择,” “地” turns the description “清楚” into a manner phrase modifying the action. It shows how the choice is made. Use adjective + 地 + verb when describing the manner of an action.

做出 “做出” means to make or reach something as a deliberate result. In “做出选择,” it means to make a choice. Use it with decisions, choices, or other outcomes that someone deliberately produces.

选择 In “做出选择,” “选择” means a choice or decision between available options. The phrase describes reaching that decision. Use it with 做出 when talking about making a choice.

那么 “那么” means then or in that case, introducing a conclusion based on what was just said. In “那么，如果你接下来的安排不能等,” it prepares the advice that follows. Use it when responding to information and drawing a practical conclusion.

接下来 “接下来” means next or coming afterward. In “接下来的安排,” it identifies the plans that will happen after the current situation. Use it before a noun or action when organizing events in time.

安排 “安排” means a plan, arrangement, or scheduled commitment. Here, “接下来的安排” refers to what the person has planned next. Use it for plans, appointments, or other organized future activities.

可能 “可能” means may or possibly, making the suggestion less certain. In “可能更好,” it presents leaving the request as a possible better option. Use 可能 + verb or description when discussing a possibility.

更 “更” means more or even more and marks a comparison. In “可能更好,” it says that leaving the request may be better than continuing to wait. Use 更 + adjective when comparing options or situations.

好 In “可能更好,” “好” means good or suitable, with 更 making it “better.” It evaluates leaving the request as a preferable option under the stated condition. Use it after 更 when describing which choice is more suitable.

Grammar Points

一直 + 动词

队伍一直移动。

duìwu yìzhí yídòng

The line keeps moving.

一直 comes before the verb to show that an action continues without stopping.

要不要 + 动词

要不要继续留下来？

yào bú yào jìxù liú xià lái

Do you want to continue staying?

要不要 asks whether someone wants to do something; it literally means “want or not want.”

Chinese Vocabulary

不好意思 phrase

bù hǎo yìsi excuse me; sorry

不好意思,这里的队伍一直移动得很慢。

队伍 noun

duìwu line; queue

这里的队伍一直移动得很慢。

服务台 noun

fúwùtái service desk

你知道服务台是不是进度落后了吗?

好几项 det

hǎo jǐ xiàng several items

好几项请求需要特别处理。

继续 verb

jìxù to continue

继续留下来

进度落后 phrase

jìndù luòhòu to be behind schedule; to fall behind

服务台是不是进度落后了吗?

考虑 verb

kǎolǜ to consider

你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗?

留下来 verb

liú xià lái to stay; to remain

你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗?

请求 noun

qǐngqiú request

好几项请求需要特别处理。

要不要 phrase

yào bú yào whether or not to

你是在考虑要不要继续留下来吗?

一直 adv

yìzhí continuously;一直

队伍一直移动得很慢。

移动 verb

yídòng to move

队伍一直移动得很慢。

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

excuse me; sorry

Show Answer

不好意思

to be behind schedule; to fall behind

Show Answer

进度落后

several items

Show Answer

好几项

continuously;一直

Show Answer

一直