算了
Core phraseVery common
Forget it / Never mind / Let it go
What does 算了 mean?
算了 — A compact phrase for dropping a topic, giving up on a plan, or deciding something is not worth pursuing.
✓Forget it.
✓Never mind.
✓Let it go.
✓We’ll leave it.
算了 can sound calm, disappointed, annoyed, or resigned. The words are simple; the tone carries a lot of the meaning.
Character breakdown
Open each character to see its own meanings and vocabulary links.
Real-world examples
1 · Dropping a plan
A: 这家店排队太久了。
zhè jiā diàn páiduì tài jiǔ le.
A: The line for this restaurant is too long.
B: 算了，我们换一家吧。
suàn le, wǒmen huàn yì jiā ba.
B: Forget it. Let’s go somewhere else.
2 · Ending an argument
A: 你还要继续说吗？
nǐ hái yào jìxù shuō ma?
A: Are you going to keep talking about it?
B: 算了，不说了。
suàn le, bù shuō le.
B: Never mind. Let’s drop it.
How to pronounce 算了
算了
Tap to hear Standard Mandarin.
suàn4th tone ↘
leneutral tone
Usage notes
✓Very common in spoken Mandarin.
✓Often marks a decision to stop pursuing something.
✓A sharp tone can sound annoyed; a soft tone can sound resigned.
✓算了吧 adds a softening particle but can still be dismissive in context.
Base dictionary data: CC-CEDICT · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Context lesson: Original Real Chinese launch content.
Context lesson: Original Real Chinese launch content.