logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
16m 57s

Elementary | Politely Declining an Invit...

ChinesePod LLC
About this episode

Naturally you're going to accept every invitation to hang out with your Chinese friends and co-workers, but what do you say when you really just can't make it? In this lesson, find out how to politely decline an invitation, thereby increasing your chances of getting invited again (rather than getting blacklisted from their homes and shunned for life). Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1483


Up next
Yesterday
Elementary | Push and Pull
So you think that "push" and "pull" are the only options for opening a door? Think again! With this Chinese lesson, you can learn about advanced door opening, even as an absolute beginner. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1654 
14m 18s
Mar 30
Newbie | Give Me All of Them
In today's lesson, we are going bag shopping, and you're going to learn some useful phrases that will come in handy when you are in the store next time! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/4507 
12m 15s
Mar 27
Elementary | Getting Picked up by a Driver
If you've really made it in China, you may have a driver to get you where you need to go. But a driver that also speaks fluent English would just be no fun, so this lesson focuses on basic communications with the driver in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1651 
15m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2021
Why You Should Say No More Often
<p>For the time that is ours to share, I want to talk about why it’s important to say “no” more often and how to do it, in a nice way. On many occasions, not knowing how to say no can be one of the greatest enemies of your time. This happens to all of us and as we continually put ... Show More
15m 26s
Oct 2024
How to Say No to Social Events (Without Being Rude)
tail spinning
8m 6s
Jul 2025
Learn Conversational English: 20 Phrases to Use When Making Plans (with Subtitles)
<p>In this English listening‑practice lesson we’re focusing on how to invite someone, make plans, and set dates; from a quick coffee to a full night out.</p><p>You’ll master natural phrases for casual and formal invitations, learn how to suggest activities without sounding pushy, ... Show More
11m 21s
Apr 2025
274. How to Say NO to 23 Common Work Requests
Do you want to feel confident saying no to some of the most common requests by colleagues? Practice out loud on this interactive episode and feel more secure with quick, short sentences to say no in a polite and professional way. A lot of my clients find this hard which is why I ... Show More
13m 6s
Aug 2011
Speak Lesson 13 | How to Host or Be Hosted (especially when it involves chai)
<p>in this lesson, we are going to cover the concept of being hosted, either at someone's house or at an establishment. Iranians love to host people. For instance, when you visit someone of Persian decent at their home, they will most likely immediately offer you tea. So in this ... Show More
14m 33s
Jun 2023
The do's and don'ts of being a plus-one
It's wedding season. If you've been invited as a plus-one, here's the etiquette you need to be the best guest.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage y ... Show More
21m 14s
Oct 2022
105. Mastering Professional Manners - The Essential Etiquette You Need to Succeed
There are rules of conduct for how you go about your workday, be it in-person or virtual, and that is business etiquette. These rules are the accepted or required norms in your specific profession and/or workplace, and they may be very different and not come into play in an alter ... Show More
28m 15s
Apr 2025
279. Never Feel Awkward Again: The Only Phrases You Need to Invite Colleagues for Coffee and Lunch
Have you ever wanted to ask a colleague to go for a coffee or lunch before a meeting, but felt awkward (uncomfortable) because you didn’t know the right phrases? Let me share three key phrases in English to invite your colleagues for coffee or lunch in different situations—so you ... Show More
9m 58s