Chinese That Accidentally Sounds Like a Threat

You’re Being Polite. Chinese Hears Danger.

你等着（Nǐ děng zhe）
You think:“Wait a moment.”

What it sounds like to Chinese people:
You will regret this.
Something bad is about to happen.

Safe version:
Nǐ shāo děng yī xià.
你稍等一下。
Please wait a moment.

Why this is explosive:
Same words.Totally different emotional signal.
One sounds normal.
The other sounds like a warning
Want to learn more?

Try your first free 1-on-1 trial class with a live native Chinese teacher today—get personalized speaking practice that actually sticks!