我马上回来
I’ll be right back.
我去买水，马上回来。
I’ll go buy water and be right back.
请先坐好，我马上回来开会。
Please sit tight; I’ll be right back for the meeting.
Simplified Chinese - Quick Waits
Lesson 146 of 156
Goal: Short phrases to ask someone to wait or say you'll be back
Free Simplified Chinese lessons with guided practice, audio, and speaking support.
Ready for a tiny scheduling toolbox? This short lesson focuses on two very useful lines you’ll hear and use every day in Chinese life. Practice listening, repeating, and using them in short conversations.
Level A1: In Lesson 146 you’ll learn two everyday Chinese phrases for short waits: 我马上回来。(Wǒ mǎshàng huílái.) “I’ll be right back.” and 等我一下。(Děng wǒ yíxià.) “Wait for me a moment.” These are common in China when stepping away briefly—this CEFR-aligned lesson helps you hear them, repeat them, and use them in simple scheduling situations.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
- Recognize and understand 我马上回来。(Wǒ mǎshàng huílái.) and 等我一下。(Děng wǒ yíxià.)
- Use each phrase in short, natural exchanges when you step away or ask someone to wait.
- Speak both phrases aloud with correct rhythm and tones (A1 practice).
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
等我一下
Wait for me a moment.
我去拿钥匙，等我一下。
I’ll go get the keys, wait for me a moment.
你别走，等我一下，我有话说。
Don’t go—wait for me a moment, I have something to say.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Anna and David are in the office before a short meeting.
Who says they will be right back?
Anna
David，我去打印两份文件，等我一下，好吗？
David, I’m going to print two copies of the file—wait for me a moment, okay?
David
好的，我在会议室等你。
Okay, I’ll wait for you in the meeting room.
Anna
我马上回来，不要开始新的议题。
I’ll be right back—don’t start a new topic.
David
明白，等你回来。
Got it, I’ll wait for your return.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
What does 我马上回来。 mean?
Which phrase asks someone not to leave and to wait briefly?
You will step out to buy tea and return quickly. Which do you say before leaving?
At a desk you need someone to wait while you get a charger. What do you say?
I’m going to print the contract now; please don’t start, I’ll be right back.
我马上去打印合同，请大家不要开始，___。
I’m going to the bank to withdraw money and will return to the office—I'll be right back; please wait at your seat.
我要去银行取钱，然后回到办公室，___，请在原位等我。
The doorbell rang and the child is at home; I’ll go open the door—wait for me a moment, I’ll be back soon.
门铃响了，孩子在家，我去开门，___，我很快回来。
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
Say this phrase out loud:
我马上回来
I’ll be right back.
Say this phrase out loud:
等我一下
Wait for me a moment.