Simplified Chinese - Basic Problem Statements

我有个问题

wǒ yǒu ge wèntí.

I have a problem.

Meaning: I have a problem.

When to use: Use this to start a request for help — can mean a technical problem or a question you need answered.

Tip: Sometimes learners think it always means a technical 'problem.' It can also be used to mean 'I have a question.'

有点不对

yǒu diǎn bú duì.

Something is wrong.

Meaning: Something is wrong.

When to use: Say this when something feels off, a result is unexpected, or a number/answer seems incorrect.

用不了了

yòng bù liǎo le.

It doesn't work.

Meaning: It doesn't work.

When to use: Use for devices, cards, machines, or services that have stopped functioning.

Tip: Don’t confuse 用不了了 (it stopped working) with 我不会用 (I don’t know how to use it).

我把___弄丢了。

wǒ bǎ ___ nòng diū le.

I lost ___.

Meaning: I lost ___.

When to use: Say this when you realize you don't have an item anymore (wallet, passport, keys, etc.).

Tip: Remember the structure: 我把 + object + 弄丢了. The object goes between 把 and 弄丢了.

我迷路了

wǒ mí lù le.

I'm lost.

Meaning: I'm lost.

When to use: Use when you don't know your location or how to reach your destination.

我不舒服

wǒ bù shūfu.

I feel sick.

Meaning: I feel sick.

When to use: Use to say you are unwell or need rest, see a doctor, or get help.

没有___

méi yǒu ___.

There is no ___.

Meaning: There is no ___.

When to use: Say this when something is missing or unavailable (e.g., 没有票, 没有零钱).

我打不开___。

Wǒ dǎ bù kāi ___.

I can't open ___.

Meaning: I can't open ___.

When to use: Use for doors, boxes, files, apps, or anything you try to open but can't.

Tip: This is about *opening* something. If the item is broken, 用不了 or 用不了了 is often better.

我不会用___。

Wǒ bú huì yòng ___.

I can't use ___.

Meaning: I can't use ___.

When to use: Use when you don't know how to operate something or can't get it to work because you lack the skill.

Tip: Don't mix with 用不了 (it doesn't work). 我不会用 means you lack the skill; 用不了 means it's unusable.

我听不见___。

Wǒ tīng bú jiàn ___.

I can't hear ___.

Meaning: I can't hear ___.

When to use: Use when you can't hear a person, a sound, or an audio message.

我看不见___。

Wǒ kàn bú jiàn ___.

I can't see ___.

Meaning: I can't see ___.

When to use: Use when you can't see a person, a sign, small print, or information on a screen.

我看不懂___。

Wǒ kàn bù dǒng ___.

I can't read ___.

Meaning: I can't read/understand ___.

When to use: Use when you cannot understand written instructions, menus, or signs.

我___疼

Wǒ ___ téng.

My ___ hurts.

Meaning: My ___ hurts.

When to use: Say this to describe a specific pain by inserting the body part (头、肚子、腿 etc.).

Tip: Put the body part before 疼 (e.g., 我头疼). Some learners say 我的头疼 which is also acceptable but longer.