What Does 算了 (suàn le) Mean in Chinese?
Enhanced context lessonVery common
Forget it / Never mind / Let it go
Quick answer: 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.
What Chinese people actually mean
算了 can sound calm, disappointed, annoyed, or resigned. The words are simple; the tone carries a lot of the meaning.
Tone and formality
Can sound calm, disappointed or annoyed depending on the situation.
Mostly conversational; use a more explicit explanation in formal writing.
Literal meaning
Literally, count it as finished; the everyday phrase is idiomatic.
When not to use it
Avoid 算了 as your only reassurance after an apology if you mean “there is no problem.”
Common mistakes
- It drops a plan, request or discussion, with tone shaped by context.
Chinese characters
Open each character to see its own meanings and vocabulary links.
Real conversations
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 Mandarin.
suàn4th tone ↘
leneutral tone
When to use it
✓Use 算了 to stop pursuing a plan, request, or discussion. It can express a calm decision, disappointment, or annoyance.
✓When dropping a plan, add the next step: 算了，我们换一家吧 (suàn le, wǒmen huàn yì jiā ba), “Let’s leave it and try another place.”
✓If someone wants to end a minor discussion, 好，那先这样 (hǎo, nà xiān zhèyàng), “Okay, let’s leave it there for now,” acknowledges that. A serious unresolved issue may still need a later conversation.
✓算了吧 includes 吧 but can still sound dismissive. A softer particle does not guarantee a gentle tone.
✓After an apology, 算了 can suggest that you are dropping the matter despite some frustration. 没关系 is often clearer if your intention is simply to reassure.
Sources and editorial note
Base dictionary data: CC-CEDICT · CC BY-SA 4.0.Context lesson: Original Real Chinese launch content.