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I would like to know some ways to agree in a non-committal or dismissive way. For instance, in English, we have:

If you say so.

Is that so? (with a flat intonation)

Really? (flat intonation)

Whatever you say.

In Chinese, I'm a bit at a loss. "Is that so?" and "Really?" work fine translated literally (是吗？, 真的吗？, similar intonation). Beyond that, I'm drawing a blank. Furthermore, it seems difficult to look these things up since the tone is important and not the literal meaning.

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Stumpy Joe Pete
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  • A possible translation is "你說了算", but it is more literal than your example. – AngelLeliel Sep 27 '12 at 06:17
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    The one I said most is "随你便". – halfelf Sep 27 '12 at 10:48
  • What about this scenario? A: 能不能再加一小时班? 明天绝对不会再让你加班了 (Could you work overtime again for an extra hour? I won't ask you tomorrow, I promise.) B: 既然你已经这么说了,那我还能说什么呢? (If you say so) – pimgeek Sep 28 '12 at 07:11

2 Answers2

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A few that are used the most in my surroundings:

  • 好吧 (in a helpless tone) = Fine.

  • 随便 = whatever.

  • 都行 = whatever.

  • 无所谓 = I don't care.

  • 你说[X]就[X]吧 = If you say so.

Dodo
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It will be easier to answer this question if a more specific scenario is given.

Let me try to suggest one:

A: 能不能再加一小时班? 明天绝对不会再让你加班了 (Could you work overtime again for an extra hour? I won't ask you tomorrow, I promise.)

B: 好吧... 既然你已经这么说了, 那我还能说什么呢? (O--k--ay--, If you say so... :-| )

If you simply want to say "O--k--ay--" in Chinese, with special tones, you can do it like this:

B: 唉~~~ (extend the final sound "Sigh" to express disappointment ) 好吧, 好吧, 好吧... (repeat saying "Okay" to show decent impatience in your tone .),

For other possible scenarios, please refer to the following links and examples:

  1. 10 ways to express your "dismissive feelings" in English (10 种英文表达说出你的无所谓)
  2. Some ways to express "whatever" (“无所谓”的几种表达)

In detail:

  • 对……无碍,不要紧 ~ be ok (fine) with

Whatever you think is fine with me. 随你怎么想,我无所谓.

  • 不在乎, 不感兴趣 ~ give a damn

永远用于否定形式, He couldn't give a damn whether he passes the exam or not. 他对考试及格与否满不在乎.

  • 随你的便(按自己的意愿行事). ~ suit yourself / as you wish / if you want.

a) You don't want to join the club? Oh well, suit yourself. 你不愿意参加俱乐部是吗? 那好,随你的便吧

b) As for your departments plan, you can change as you wish. 至于你们部门的计划,你愿意怎么改就怎么改吧.

  • 听你的 / 由你决定 / 取决于你. ~ it's up to you.

So if you really want class to make a difference in your life, it's up to you. 所以如果你真的想通过这门课改变生活,一切取决于你.

  • 我不在乎. ~ I don't care.

I don't care what she thinks. 我不管她怎么想.

  • 管他呢 / 爱咋咋地 / 该怎么着就怎么着吧 ~ whatever

I totally have no idea how to file my tax return, whatever. 我完全不知道该怎么报税,唉,该怎么着就怎么着吧/爱咋咋地. (在中文口语里, "咋"可以跟"怎么"互换)

  • 没什么好说的/没啥好说的. ~ Nothing to say.

I have nothing to say about the government's stimulation plan. 对政府的刺激计划, 我没什么/没啥好说的. (在中文口语里, "啥"可以跟"什么"互换)

  • 那又怎样? ~ So what?

  • 没什么了不起. ~ No Big deal.

  • 怎么都行. ~ Anything will do.

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pimgeek
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  • BTW(whether my answer is relevant or not): When people speak to me with this feelings, i usually feel disappointed, even frustrated. I sometimes response to my friends in this way, and I tell from their words(after my response) that they also don't like it. :) – pimgeek Sep 27 '12 at 07:44
  • Very complete answer. A couple things: 1. 随你的便 can also be 随便你 in oral chinese. 2. I'm sort of especially interested in scenarios where people express opinions which I disagree with, they expect me to agree or say something, and I don't really want to have a real argument. – Stumpy Joe Pete Sep 29 '12 at 05:22