Changing plans honestly and respectfully | Learn Chinese in English

Chinese lesson set in a contemporary Shanghai everyday setting: In daily life, two adults discuss changing shared plans directly because one person overcommitted and needs a simpler option..

EN → ZH / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Changing plans honestly and respectfully to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

我需要改变我们的计划，也想直接告诉你。

Wǒ xūyào gǎibiàn wǒmen de jìhuà, yě xiǎng zhíjiē gàosu nǐ. I need to change our plans, and I wanted to tell you directly.
B

谢谢你直接告诉我，而不是发一条含糊的消息。

Xièxie nǐ zhíjiē gàosu wǒ, ér bú shì fā yì tiáo hánhú de xiāoxi. I appreciate you telling me directly instead of sending a vague message.
A

我答应的事情太多了，不想到了以后还疲惫不堪。

Wǒ dāying de shìqing tài duō le, bù xiǎng dào le yǐhòu hái píbèi bùkān. I overcommitted, and I don't want to show up exhausted.
B

我确实有些失望，但硬要照原计划进行，可能会让这一天更难熬。

Wǒ quèshí yǒu xiē shīwàng, dàn yìng yào zhào yuán jìhuà jìnxíng, kěnéng huì ràng zhè yì tiān gèng nán'áo. I'm disappointed, but forcing it would probably make the day harder.
A

我本来应该在答应之前先确认自己有没有足够的精力。

Wǒ běnlái yīnggāi zài dāying zhīqián xiān quèrèn zìjǐ yǒu méiyǒu zúgòu de jīnglì. I should have checked my capacity before agreeing.
B

这种事会发生，尤其是当所有事情都让人觉得很紧急的时候。

Zhè zhǒng shì huì fāshēng, yóuqí shì dāng suǒyǒu shìqing dōu ràng rén juéde hěn jǐnjí de shíhou. It happens, especially when everything feels urgent.
A

那我们见面的时候改做点简单的事情，可以吗？

Nà wǒmen jiànmiàn de shíhou gǎi zuò diǎn jiǎndān de shìqing, kěyǐ ma? Could we do something simpler when we meet instead?
B

那样我们俩都会更容易应付。

Nàyàng wǒmen liǎ dōu huì gèng róngyì yìngfu. That would be easier for both of us to manage.

Word by Word

我 “我” refers to the speaker in this dialogue: I or me. It is used before the action or feeling being described, as in “我需要改变我们的计划”. New example: “我明白了” means “I understand.”
需要 “需要” expresses a need for an action, here the need to change the plans. It commonly comes before a verb or noun, as in “需要帮助”. New example: “我需要休息” means “I need to rest.”
改变 “改变” means to change something, here the shared plans in “改变我们的计划”. It commonly takes the thing being changed directly after it. New example: “改变安排” means “change the arrangement.”
我们 “我们” refers to the speaker and the other person together, here in “我们的计划”. It can function as “we” before an action or as “our” before a noun. New example: “我们一起走” means “We’ll go together.”
的 In “我们的计划”, “的” links “我们” to “计划” and shows that the plans are associated with both speakers. This pattern is commonly used as person or group + “的” + noun. New example: “朋友的车” means “a friend’s car.”
计划 “计划” means the plan being changed in this conversation. It can refer to an arrangement or intended course of action and commonly follows a possessive phrase such as “我们的”. New example: “制定计划” means “make a plan.”
也 “也” adds another action or intention, here adding “想直接告诉你” to the need already expressed. It normally appears before the verb or verb phrase it adds. New example: “我也想去” means “I want to go too.”
想 “想” expresses the speaker’s intention or wish to tell the other person directly in “想直接告诉你”. It commonly comes before the action the speaker wants to do. New example: “我想确认一下” means “I want to confirm something.”
直接 “直接” means directly or without an indirect message, describing how the speaker wants to tell the other person. It commonly appears before a verb, as in “直接告诉你”. New example: “直接回答问题” means “answer the question directly.”
告诉 “告诉” means tell or inform someone, here in “告诉你”. It commonly takes the person being told after it and the information may follow or be understood from context. New example: “告诉我结果” means “tell me the result.”
你 “你” refers to the person being addressed, here as the person who receives the information in “告诉你”. It is used for the addressee in direct conversation. New example: “我理解你” means “I understand you.”
谢谢 “谢谢” thanks the other person, here for telling the speaker directly. It is a common polite expression used when acknowledging someone’s help, action, or consideration. New example: “谢谢你的帮助” means “Thank you for your help.”
而 In “而不是发一条含糊的消息”, “而” links the preferred action with the alternative that is rejected. The pattern “而不是” is useful for saying “rather than” or “instead of”. New example: “面对面说，而不是发消息” means “say it face to face rather than send a message.”
不是 In “而不是发一条含糊的消息”, “不是” marks the alternative that did not happen or is not preferred. Together with “而”, it contrasts one action with another. New example: “不是今天” means “not today.”
发 “发” means send here, specifically send a vague message in “发一条含糊的消息”. It commonly appears before the item being sent, such as a message. New example: “发消息” means “send a message.”
一 “一” indicates one item and appears before the measure word in “一条含糊的消息”. With a classifier, this structure can also correspond to “a” in English. New example: “一张照片” means “one photograph” or “a photograph.”
条 “条” is the measure word used for the message in “一条含糊的消息”. It follows the number “一” and comes before the noun phrase it measures. New example: “两条信息” means “two messages.”
含糊 “含糊” describes the message as vague or unclear, so the recipient cannot easily understand the intended plan. It commonly appears before a noun, as in “含糊的消息”. New example: “含糊的回答” means “a vague answer.”
消息 “消息” means a message or piece of information, here the vague message that the speaker did not send. It commonly follows a describing phrase such as “一条含糊的”. New example: “收到消息” means “receive a message.”
答应 “答应” means agree to something or promise to do it, here in “答应的事情”. The phrase refers to commitments the speaker accepted earlier. New example: “答应帮忙” means “agree to help.”
事情 “事情” refers to the matters or commitments the speaker agreed to in “答应的事情太多了”. It is a broad everyday word for an affair, task, or situation. New example: “处理事情” means “deal with matters.”
太 “太” marks an excessive degree in “太多了”, meaning more than was manageable. It commonly comes before an adjective or quantity expression. New example: “太晚了” means “it is too late.”
多 “多” means many or too much here, referring to the number of things the speaker agreed to. In “太多了”, it combines with “太” to express an excessive amount. New example: “事情很多” means “there are many things to do.”
了 In “太多了”, “了” presents the situation as having reached or now being recognized at that degree. It helps show the changed or current state rather than simply naming “many”. New example: “够了” means “that is enough.”
不 “不” makes the speaker’s intended action negative in “不想到了以后还疲惫不堪”. It normally appears before the verb or expression being negated. New example: “不想等待” means “do not want to wait.”
到 In “到了以后”, “到” expresses reaching or arriving at the meeting situation. It is followed by “以后” to refer to the time after that arrival. New example: “到家以后” means “after arriving home.”
以后 “以后” means after or afterward, here referring to the time after arriving in “到了以后”. It commonly follows an action or time point to mark what comes later. New example: “吃饭以后” means “after eating.”
还 “还” means still or even then in “还疲惫不堪”, emphasizing that the speaker would remain extremely tired upon arrival. It commonly appears before the state or action that continues. New example: “他还在工作” means “He is still working.”
疲惫不堪 “疲惫不堪” describes being exhausted to the point of being unable to bear the tiredness in “还疲惫不堪”. “疲惫” supplies the idea of exhaustion, while “不堪” intensifies it to an extreme degree. It is useful when describing a person after demanding work or activity.
确实 “确实” confirms that the speaker is genuinely disappointed in “确实有些失望”. It commonly comes before an evaluation or statement that the speaker wants to acknowledge as real. New example: “这确实很难” means “This really is difficult.”
有些 “有些” means somewhat or a little in “有些失望”, expressing a limited degree of disappointment. It commonly comes before an adjective or feeling word. New example: “有些担心” means “a little worried.”
失望 “失望” describes the feeling caused by the change in plans, here in “有些失望”. It can follow a degree expression such as “有些” to soften the statement. New example: “感到失望” means “feel disappointed.”
但 “但” introduces a contrasting point: the speaker is disappointed, but forcing the original plan may be worse. It commonly links two statements with different or opposing implications. New example: “我很累，但我会完成” means “I’m tired, but I’ll finish.”
硬要 “硬要” means insisting on doing something despite the circumstances, here insisting on continuing the original plan. It commonly comes before the action that someone forces or insists on. New example: “硬要继续” means “insist on continuing.”
照 In “照原计划进行”, “照” means according to or following the stated plan. It commonly comes before the standard, instruction, or arrangement being followed. New example: “照规定办理” means “handle it according to the rules.”
原 In “原计划”, “原” marks the plan as the original one, before the proposed change. It commonly appears directly before the noun it describes. New example: “原安排” means “the original arrangement.”
进行 “进行” means proceed with or carry out an activity, here continuing according to the original plan in “照原计划进行”. It commonly follows the plan or activity that is being carried out. New example: “进行讨论” means “conduct a discussion.”
可能 “可能” indicates that the result is possible but not certain in “可能会让这一天更难熬”. It commonly comes before a verb phrase describing a possible outcome. New example: “可能下雨” means “it may rain.”
会 In “可能会让这一天更难熬”, “会” helps describe a possible resulting effect after “可能”. The pattern “可能会” is useful when predicting an uncertain consequence. New example: “这样可能会有问题” means “this might cause a problem.”
让 “让” means make or cause here, introducing the result that forcing the plan could make the day harder in “让这一天更难熬”. It commonly follows a cause and comes before the person or thing affected and its resulting state. New example: “这让我放心” means “this makes me feel relieved.”
这 “这” points to the day being discussed in “这一天”. It commonly appears before a noun to identify a particular nearby or current thing. New example: “这件事” means “this matter.”
一天 “一天” refers to one whole day, here the day that could become harder to endure in “这一天更难熬”. With “这”, it identifies the particular day under discussion. New example: “忙了一天” means “be busy for a whole day.”
更 “更” means more or even more, comparing the possible difficulty of the day with its current or expected difficulty in “更难熬”. It commonly comes before an adjective or state. New example: “更方便” means “more convenient.”
难熬 “难熬” describes a period or experience as difficult to endure, here describing the day in “这一天更难熬”. It is useful for situations involving sustained discomfort, stress, or difficulty. New example: “这段时间很难熬” means “this period is hard to get through.”
本来 “本来” refers to what was originally expected or what should have happened, here in “本来应该”. It commonly introduces an earlier expectation that contrasts with what actually happened. New example: “我本来想早点来” means “I originally wanted to come earlier.”
应该 “应该” expresses what the speaker considers the proper action, here checking capacity before agreeing in “应该在答应之前先确认”. With “本来”, it points to an action that should have been done earlier. New example: “你应该休息” means “You should rest.”
在 In “在答应之前”, “在” places the following action before a time point. It commonly introduces a time or location phrase. New example: “在出发之前” means “before setting off.”
之前 “之前” means before, here before the action of agreeing in “答应之前”. It commonly follows an action or time expression and marks an earlier point. New example: “会议之前” means “before the meeting.”
先 “先” means first and places checking before the later action of agreeing in “先确认”. It commonly comes before the first action in a sequence. New example: “先看一下” means “take a look first.”
确认 “确认” means confirm or check that something is true, here checking whether the speaker has enough energy in “确认自己有没有足够的精力”. It commonly introduces the information or question being verified. New example: “确认时间” means “confirm the time.”
自己 “自己” refers back to the speaker in “自己有没有足够的精力”, meaning the speaker’s own capacity. It is useful when the person involved is the same person already understood from the context. New example: “照顾自己” means “take care of oneself.”
有 In “有没有足够的精力”, “有” means have, referring to possessing enough energy. Together with “没有”, it forms a question about whether something is available. New example: “你有时间吗？” means “Do you have time?”
没有 In “有没有足够的精力”, “没有” supplies the negative side of the yes-or-no question about having enough energy. The paired pattern “有没有” asks whether something exists or is available. New example: “有没有问题？” means “Is there a problem?”
足够 “足够” means enough or sufficient, here describing the amount of energy in “足够的精力”. It commonly appears before “的” and the noun that must meet the required amount. New example: “足够的时间” means “enough time.”
精力 “精力” means energy or mental and physical stamina, here the capacity needed to carry out the plan. It commonly follows a quantity expression such as “足够的”. New example: “没有精力工作” means “not have the energy to work.”
这种 “这种” means this kind of and refers back to the kind of situation just described in “这种事”. It commonly comes before a noun to classify something by type. New example: “这种方法” means “this kind of method.”
事 “事” means a matter or situation, here referring generally to overcommitting and changing plans in “这种事”. It is a compact everyday word used after a demonstrative such as “这种”. New example: “有事要说” means “there is something to discuss.”
发生 “发生” means happen or occur, here saying that this kind of situation can happen. It commonly follows the thing or situation that occurs. New example: “问题发生了” means “a problem occurred.”
尤其 “尤其” means especially and highlights the condition that follows in “尤其是当所有事情都让人觉得很紧急的时候”. It commonly introduces a particularly relevant case or circumstance. New example: “我尤其喜欢这首歌” means “I especially like this song.”
是 In “尤其是当所有事情都让人觉得很紧急的时候”, “是” helps focus the especially relevant circumstance that follows. The pattern “尤其是……” is used to single out one case for emphasis. New example: “尤其是晚上” means “especially in the evening.”
当 “当” introduces the time or circumstance in “当所有事情都让人觉得很紧急的时候”, meaning when everything feels urgent. It commonly starts a clause that is completed by a following time expression such as “时候”. New example: “当我有时间的时候” means “when I have time.”
所有 “所有” means all and refers to every matter in “所有事情”. It commonly comes before a plural or collective noun. New example: “所有人” means “everyone.”
都 “都” marks that the whole group named before it is included, here saying all the matters make people feel urgent in “所有事情都让人觉得很紧急”. It commonly follows the subject or quantity phrase. New example: “我们都明白” means “we all understand.”
人 In “让人觉得很紧急”, “人” refers generally to people or a person experiencing the feeling. It is used here as the person affected by the situation rather than a specific named individual. New example: “让人放心” means “make people feel reassured.”
觉得 “觉得” expresses a person’s perception or feeling, here feeling that everything is urgent in “让人觉得很紧急”. It commonly comes before the description or judgment being experienced. New example: “我觉得可以” means “I think it is okay.”
很 “很” marks a high degree in “很紧急”, describing the matters as very urgent. It commonly comes before an adjective or state description. New example: “很累” means “very tired.”
紧急 “紧急” means urgent, describing matters that feel as if they require immediate attention in “觉得很紧急”. It commonly follows a degree word such as “很”. New example: “紧急情况” means “an emergency situation.”
时候 “时候” means time or when and completes the time expression “当所有事情都让人觉得很紧急的时候”. It commonly follows a clause to identify the time or circumstance in which something happens. New example: “有空的时候” means “when there is free time.”
那 “那” means then or in that case at the start of “那我们见面的时候改做点简单的事情”. It connects the other person’s response to the proposal that follows. New example: “那就这样吧” means “then let’s leave it at that.”
见面 “见面” means meet in person, here referring to the time when the two speakers meet. It commonly appears with a time expression such as “见面的时候”. New example: “我们明天见面” means “we’ll meet tomorrow.”
改 “改” means change or switch to a different activity, here changing what the speakers will do when they meet in “改做点简单的事情”. It commonly comes before the replacement action. New example: “改天再谈” means “talk about it another day.”
做 “做” means do here, referring to the simpler activity the speakers propose in “做点简单的事情”. It commonly comes before the activity or thing being done. New example: “做饭” means “cook” or “make food.”
点 In “做点简单的事情”, “点” means some or a little, making the proposed amount or scope less extensive. It commonly appears after a verb and before the noun phrase involved. New example: “喝点水” means “drink some water.”
简单 “简单” describes the replacement activity as simple or less demanding in “简单的事情”. It commonly appears before “的” and the noun it describes. New example: “简单的方法” means “a simple method.”
可以 “可以” asks whether the proposed change is acceptable or possible in “可以吗”. It is used here to make a polite request for agreement. New example: “现在可以吗？” means “Is now okay?”
吗 “吗” turns the preceding statement into a yes-or-no question in “可以吗”. It is placed at the end of the question. New example: “你累了吗？” means “Are you tired?”
那样 “那样” means that way or like that and refers to the simpler arrangement proposed in the previous line. It commonly points back to an action or situation already mentioned. New example: “那样更方便” means “that way is more convenient.”
俩 “俩” refers to the two people involved, here the two speakers in “我们俩”. It is used after “我们” to emphasize that exactly two people are included. New example: “我们俩一起去” means “the two of us will go together.”
容易 “容易” means easy, here describing how manageable the simpler plan would be for both speakers in “更容易应付”. It commonly follows a degree word such as “更”. New example: “容易理解” means “easy to understand.”
应付 “应付” means manage or deal with something demanding, here managing the simpler plan in “更容易应付”. It commonly takes the task, situation, or demand being handled as its object. New example: “应付工作” means “manage the work.”

Grammar Points

而不是 + 动词或短语

改变计划，而不是照原计划进行。

Gǎibiàn jìhuà, ér bú shì zhào yuán jìhuà jìnxíng.

Change the plan instead of proceeding according to the original plan.

而不是 connects two contrasting actions and means “instead of” or “rather than.”

直接 + 动词

直接告诉

zhíjiē gàosu

tell directly

直接 usually comes before the verb it modifies, unlike the usual English order of “verb + directly.”

Chinese Vocabulary

答应 verb
dāying to agree; to promise
而不是 conj
ér bú shì instead of; rather than
改变 verb
gǎibiàn to change
告诉 verb
gàosu to tell
含糊 adj
hánhú vague; ambiguous
计划 noun
jìhuà plan
疲惫不堪 adj
píbèi bùkān exhausted
确认 verb
quèrèn to check; to confirm
失望 adj
shīwàng disappointed
消息 noun
xiāoxi message
照原计划进行 phrase
zhào yuán jìhuà jìnxíng to proceed according to the original plan
直接 adv
zhíjiē directly

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

exhausted

Show Answer疲惫不堪

to proceed according to the original plan

Show Answer照原计划进行

disappointed

Show Answer失望

message

Show Answer消息