There are many casual phrases native speakers drop into daily conversations without even thinking about them. If you learn them and use them in your daily conversations, you’ll instantly sound more like a native speaker.

Below are 7 short expressions you’ll hear all the time in China but usually won’t find in textbooks or wordlists. Each one includes its meaning, a natural example, and an audio explanation.

1. 得了吧 (dé le ba)

Meaning: “Come on…” / “Yeah, right…” Used to express disbelief or to dismiss something.

A: 我今天要早睡。
B: “得了吧，你每天都说。”
(“Yeah, right... You say this everyday.”)

2. 你别说 (nǐ bié shuō)

Meaning: “You know what…” / “Actually…” Used to introduce a surprising fact or realization.

你别说，这家餐厅的面条真的很好吃。
(“You know what, the noodles here are actually really good.”)

3. 没门儿 (méi ménr)

Meaning: “No way!” / “Not a chance!” Strong, often playful rejection among friends.

A: 你能不能帮我写作业？
B: 没门儿，你自己写！
(A: “Can you help me with my homework?” / B: “No way! Do it yourself!”)

4. 那可不 (nà kě bù)

Meaning: “Of course!” / “Exactly!” Strong agreement when the answer is obvious.

A: “这家饭店的菜真好吃。”
B: “那可不，我都来三次了。”
(“A: The food at this restaurant is really good. / B: Totally, I’ve already been here three times.”)

5. 算了 (suàn le)

Meaning: “Forget it” / “Never mind.” Dropping a topic or calmly accepting something won’t work out.

A: 要不要再试一次？
B: 算了，太麻烦了。
(A: “Want to try again?” / B: “Forget it, it’s too much trouble.”)

6. 拉倒吧 (lā dǎo ba)

Meaning: “Give me a break.” / “Drop it.” Similar to 得了吧, often more blunt.

拉倒吧，你哪有那么多钱？
(“Give me a break, like you have that much money.”)

7. 行了行了 (xíng le xíng le)

Meaning: “Alright, that’s enough.” Used to stop someone from talking or to move on.

A: 你怎么又迟到了？你总是...
B: 行了行了，我知道了。
(A: “Why are you late again? You always...” / B: “Alright, that’s enough, I know.”)