Simplified Chinese - Work Schedules & Requests

会议___开始。

Huìyì ___ kāishǐ.

The meeting is at ___.

Meaning: The meeting is at ___.

When to use: Use this template to say when a meeting starts; put the time or day in the blank before 开始。

Tip: Don't put 开始 before the time (e.g., '开始在三点' is not natural).

请问我今天可以早点走吗？

Qǐngwèn wǒ jīntiān kěyǐ zǎodiǎn zǒu ma?

Can I leave early today?

Meaning: Can I leave early today?

When to use: Use this polite question (请问...) when asking your manager or a colleague for permission to leave earlier than usual.

我今天不能来上班。

Wǒ jīntiān bù néng lái shàngbān.

I can't come to work today.

Meaning: I can't come to work today.

When to use: Say this clearly when you need to report an absence for illness or emergency; follow with a brief reason if possible.

我还需要一点时间。

Wǒ hái xūyào yìdiǎn shíjiān.

I need more time.

Meaning: I need more time.

When to use: Use this when a task needs extra time; it's natural and neutral for coworkers or supervisors.

Tip: Don't drop 还 if you mean 'a little more' — saying 我需要一点时间 is OK but 还需要 sounds more like 'I need more than I thought.'

我已经发了___。

Wǒ yǐjīng fā le ___.

I sent the ___.

Meaning: I sent the ___.

When to use: Use this to confirm you've sent an email, file, or message; add the object in the blank (e.g., 那封邮件).

Tip: Be careful with 了 placement: 我已经发了 + object is the natural order.

___是谁负责的？

___ shì shéi fùzé de?

Who is responsible for ___?

Meaning: Who is responsible for ___?

When to use: Ask this when you need to know which person handles a task, client, or area.

我___有个工作面试。

Wǒ ___ yǒu ge gōngzuò miànshì.

I have a job interview on ___.

Meaning: I have a job interview on ___.

When to use: Use this to tell coworkers about an interview; put the day or date after 我 (e.g., 我周一有个工作面试).

Tip: Remember: put the date/day right after 我 (not at the very end).

我今天要加班

Wǒ jīntiān yào jiābān.

I'm working late today.

Meaning: I'm working late today.

When to use: Say this when you need to explain you'll be in late or leave late because of overtime.

我负责___

Wǒ fùzé ___.

I'm responsible for ___.

Meaning: I'm responsible for ___.

When to use: Use this to describe your duties; add the area or task in the blank.

Tip: Don't say 我是负责...; use 我负责 + object.