Polite Expressions

1. 劳驾

It is used when you ask someone to give way or to some simple help. For example, “劳驾，请让一让，谢谢啦！”;(Excuse me, let me pass, thank you.), “劳驾，您拿那双鞋给我试试。”(Please give me that pair of shoes, I’ll try them on , thank you.), “劳驾，请把这本书递给小王。” (Please pass that book to Xiao Wang,). Some elements can be inserted between 劳驾, for example, “劳您驾” or “劳您大驾”, which carry the same meaning as “excuse me”.

2. 那儿呀， 哪儿的话

A modest response to praises in a negative tone. For example, when someone praise your voice “as good as a professional”, you may say “哪儿呀， 让大家见笑了。”(Please don’t laugh at me.).

3. 瞧您说的，看您说的

A reply to praises, with feelings of happiness and shyness.

4. 彼此彼此

Used when you want to say that the other side had done the same. It’s a polite response to praises. For example, “王先生， 您辛苦啦！” “彼此彼此。”(Mr. Wang, you must have gone through a lot of trouble for it.—So must you.)

Affirmative Expressions

1. 那还用说；当然

Both used in conversation to show an agreement with the other side. You may use them when you confirm what is said. For example, “我能用一下您的自行车么？” “那还用说，给，这是车钥匙。” (May I borrow your bicycle for a while ?-Certainly, here is the key to the bike.)

2. 没说的；没的说；没问题

Used to express consent to the other side’s request. They are in a very confirmative tone. For example, “老王，我的电视机出毛病了，晚上您能抽空来看看么？” “没问题，我吃了饭就去你家。” (Lao Wang, there is something wrong with my television. Could you take some time to check it after dinner ?- No problem, I’ll go to your home after dinner.).

3. 有的是； 多的是

Used as a positive reply in conversation, meaning the quantity is large. For example, “小王，我的信封用完了，你能接我一个么？” “你拿去用吧， 我有的是。”(Xiao Wang, I have run out of envelopes. May I borrow one from you ? – Here you are. I have plenty.)

4. 还别说

Used to express the speaker’s agreement with certain opinion or argument. “您” or “你” can be prefixed to “还别说”. For example, when we were discussing the party at the weekend, Xiao Zhang put forward a different opinion. After thinking about his opinion for a while, Xiao Wang said, “还别说， 小张的想法还有点道理。” (To be frank, there is something true in Xiao Zhang’s opinion.)