Traditional Chinese - Soft Disagreements

Lesson 82 of 152

A friendly office discussion in Taiwan, with coworkers using Traditional Chinese and Taiwan Mandarin to soften disagreement. Sticky notes and coffee cups create a warm, collaborative mood for the lesson topic.

Goal: Disagree gently without making the room go quiet.

Free traditional Chinese lessons with Taiwan Mandarin audio and speaking practice.

Welcome back! Today’s phrases are the conversational bubble wrap you use when you disagree but still want everyone to feel respected.

In Taiwan Mandarin, a small softener can make a big difference. Let’s keep the vibe friendly and the yakking smooth.

Level B1: In this lesson, you’ll practice polite disagreement phrases like 我部分同意 (Wǒ bùfen tóngyì), 我懂,但我覺得 ___ (Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde ___), and 我不是說你錯,只是 ___ (Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì ___). These chunks help you partly agree, add another view, or express doubt without sounding too blunt. Think of them as social glue for meetings, group plans, and friendly debates.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Use B1-level softeners to disagree politely in Taiwan Mandarin.
  • Partly agree before giving a different opinion with phrases like 我部分同意 (Wǒ bùfen tóngyì) and 沒錯,不過 ___ (Méi cuò, búguò ___).
  • Express doubt gently with 我不太確定這樣對不對 (Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì) and 我還不太確定 ___ (Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng ___).
  • Ask to add a point politely using 我可以補充一下嗎? (Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma?)
Two learners reviewing polite disagreement phrases in Traditional Chinese for Taiwan Mandarin. The scene shows a relaxed study table with highlighted phrases like 我部分同意 (Wǒ bùfen tóngyì).

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.

我部分同意

Wǒ bùfen tóngyì.

I agree up to a point.

Meaning: 我部分同意 (Wǒ bùfen tóngyì) means “I agree up to a point.” It shows you accept part of the other person’s idea before adding your own different view.

When to use: Use it when someone’s point is partly reasonable, but you want to continue with a limitation or different opinion.

Tip: Don’t use 我同意 (Wǒ tóngyì) if you are about to disagree strongly. 我部分同意 (Wǒ bùfen tóngyì) prepares the listener better.

我部分同意,不過我們還是要看預算。

Wǒ bùfen tóngyì, búguò wǒmen háishì yào kàn yùsuàn.

I agree up to a point, but we still need to look at the budget.
我部分同意,只是時間可能不夠。

Wǒ bùfen tóngyì, zhǐshì shíjiān kěnéng bù gòu.

I agree up to a point; it’s just that there may not be enough time.

也許吧,但我覺得 ___。

Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde ___.

Maybe, but I think ___.

Meaning: 也許吧,但我覺得 ___ (Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde ___) means “Maybe, but I think ___.” It sounds thoughtful rather than confrontational.

When to use: Use it when you want to offer a polite alternative opinion.

也許吧,但我覺得我們可以再問一次客戶。

Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde wǒmen kěyǐ zài wèn yí cì kèhù.

Maybe, but I think we can ask the client one more time.
也許吧,但我覺得這個方法有點冒險。

Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde zhège fāngfǎ yǒu diǎn màoxiǎn.

Maybe, but I think this method is a little risky.

我懂,但我覺得 ___。

Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde ___.

I understand, but I feel ___.

Meaning: 我懂,但我覺得 ___ (Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde ___) means “I understand, but I feel ___.” It shows you heard the other person first.

When to use: Use it when you understand someone’s reasoning but still want to give a different view.

我懂,但我覺得我們不應該今天決定。

Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde wǒmen bù yīnggāi jīntiān juédìng.

I understand, but I feel we shouldn’t decide today.
我懂,但我覺得價格還是太高。

Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde jiàgé háishì tài gāo.

I understand, but I feel the price is still too high.

我不太確定這樣對不對。

Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì.

I'm not sure that's right.

Meaning: 我不太確定這樣對不對 (Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì) means “I’m not sure that’s right.” It gently questions an idea without saying “you’re wrong.”

When to use: Use it when you think something may be incorrect, but you want to keep the tone soft.

Tip: Avoid saying 你錯了 (Nǐ cuò le) in casual discussion unless you really need to be direct. This phrase is much softer.

我不太確定這樣對不對,我們要不要再查一下?

Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì, wǒmen yào bú yào zài chá yíxià?

I’m not sure that’s right. Should we check again?
我不太確定這樣對不對,資料好像不是這樣寫的。

Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì, zīliào hǎoxiàng bú shì zhèyàng xiě de.

I’m not sure that’s right; the information doesn’t seem to say that.

我可能錯了,但 ___。

Wǒ kěnéng cuò le, dàn ___.

I might be wrong, but ___.

Meaning: 我可能錯了,但 ___ (Wǒ kěnéng cuò le, dàn ___) means “I might be wrong, but ___.” It lets you disagree as a personal perspective.

When to use: Use it when you want to be humble or cautious before offering a different opinion.

我可能錯了,但我覺得這不是最好的選擇。

Wǒ kěnéng cuò le, dàn wǒ juéde zhè bú shì zuì hǎo de xuǎnzé.

I might be wrong, but I think this isn’t the best choice.
我可能錯了,但這個數字看起來怪怪的。

Wǒ kěnéng cuò le, dàn zhège shùzì kàn qǐlái guài guài de.

I might be wrong, but this number looks a little strange.

我的看法有點不一樣。

Wǒ de kànfǎ yǒu diǎn bù yíyàng.

I see it a little differently.

Meaning: 我的看法有點不一樣 (Wǒ de kànfǎ yǒu diǎn bù yíyàng) means “I see it a little differently.” It politely presents another interpretation.

When to use: Use it when you don’t want to say the other person is wrong, but your view is different.

我的看法有點不一樣,我覺得問題在溝通。

Wǒ de kànfǎ yǒu diǎn bù yíyàng, wǒ juéde wèntí zài gōutōng.

I see it a little differently. I think the problem is communication.
我的看法有點不一樣,這個計畫其實還可以調整。

Wǒ de kànfǎ yǒu diǎn bù yíyàng, zhège jìhuà qíshí hái kěyǐ tiáozhěng.

I see it a little differently. This plan can actually still be adjusted.

沒錯,不過 ___。

Méi cuò, búguò ___.

That's true, but ___.

Meaning: 沒錯,不過 ___ (Méi cuò, búguò ___) means “That’s true, but ___.” It agrees first, then adds a friendly contrast.

When to use: Use it when the other person is right about one part, but you need to add another concern.

沒錯,不過我們還沒有足夠的資料。

Méi cuò, búguò wǒmen hái méiyǒu zúgòu de zīliào.

That’s true, but we still don’t have enough information.
沒錯,不過這樣會花很多時間。

Méi cuò, búguò zhèyàng huì huā hěn duō shíjiān.

That’s true, but this would take a lot of time.

我可以補充一下嗎?

Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma?

Can I add something?

Meaning: 我可以補充一下嗎? (Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma?) means “Can I add something?” It politely asks for space to add a point.

When to use: Use it in a discussion or meeting when you want to add information, a concern, or a different view.

我可以補充一下嗎?我覺得還有一個問題。

Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma? Wǒ juéde hái yǒu yí ge wèntí.

Can I add something? I think there’s one more issue.
我可以補充一下嗎?這部分我們昨天討論過。

Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma? Zhè bùfen wǒmen zuótiān tǎolùn guò.

Can I add something? We discussed this part yesterday.

我懂你的意思,但___。

Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn ___.

I hear what you're saying, but ___.

Meaning: 我懂你的意思,但 ___ (Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn ___) means “I hear what you’re saying, but ___.” It clearly shows active listening first.

When to use: Use it when you want the other person to feel understood before you introduce a contrasting opinion.

我懂你的意思,但我覺得現在還太早。

Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn wǒ juéde xiànzài hái tài zǎo.

I hear what you’re saying, but I think it’s still too early.
我懂你的意思,但這樣可能會讓客戶緊張。

Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn zhèyàng kěnéng huì ràng kèhù jǐnzhāng.

I hear what you’re saying, but this might make the client nervous.

也有道理,但___。

Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn ___.

Fair enough, but ___.

Meaning: 也有道理,但 ___ (Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn ___) means “Fair enough, but ___.” It accepts part of the point while keeping your own concern.

When to use: Use it when the other person’s idea makes sense, but you still see a problem or exception.

也有道理,但我們可能需要更多時間。

Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn wǒmen kěnéng xūyào gèng duō shíjiān.

Fair enough, but we may need more time.
也有道理,但我擔心大家會誤會。

Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn wǒ dānxīn dàjiā huì wùhuì.

Fair enough, but I’m worried everyone may misunderstand.

我不是說你錯,只是___。

Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì ___.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but ___.

Meaning: 我不是說你錯,只是 ___ (Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì ___) means “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but ___.” It protects the other person’s face while you disagree.

When to use: Use it when your point could sound like a correction and you want to soften it.

Tip: Keep your tone gentle. If you say this too sharply, it can still sound defensive.

我不是說你錯,只是我覺得我們要再確認。

Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì wǒ juéde wǒmen yào zài quèrèn.

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I think we need to confirm again.
我不是說你錯,只是這個例子不太一樣。

Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì zhège lìzi bú tài yíyàng.

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but this example is a little different.

我不太同意___。

Wǒ bú tài tóngyì ___.

I don't quite agree with ___.

Meaning: 我不太同意 ___ (Wǒ bú tài tóngyì ___) means “I don’t quite agree with ___.” 不太 (bú tài) makes the disagreement softer.

When to use: Use it when you disagree with an idea, conclusion, or suggestion, but you don’t want to sound harsh.

我不太同意這個做法。

Wǒ bú tài tóngyì zhège zuòfǎ.

I don’t quite agree with this approach.
我不太同意馬上公布結果。

Wǒ bú tài tóngyì mǎshàng gōngbù jiéguǒ.

I don’t quite agree with announcing the result right away.

我還不太確定___。

Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng ___.

I'm not convinced that ___.

Meaning: 我還不太確定 ___ (Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng ___) means “I’m not convinced that ___.” It expresses doubt without shutting the other person down.

When to use: Use it when you still have questions about a claim, conclusion, or decision.

我還不太確定這樣會有效。

Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng huì yǒuxiào.

I’m not convinced that this will work.
我還不太確定客戶真的想要這個功能。

Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng kèhù zhēn de xiǎng yào zhège gōngnéng.

I’m not convinced that the client really wants this feature.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Anna and David are discussing whether to launch a project update today.

Anna and David having a respectful conversation in Taiwan Mandarin, using Traditional Chinese softeners to disagree gently. Their expressions show active listening rather than conflict.

Do Anna and David fully agree about launching the update today?

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

我覺得我們今天就可以上線。

Wǒ juéde wǒmen jīntiān jiù kěyǐ shàngxiàn.

I think we can launch today.

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

我部分同意。不過我們還沒有測完。

Wǒ bùfen tóngyì. Búguò wǒmen hái méiyǒu cè wán.

I agree up to a point. But we haven’t finished testing yet.

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

也有道理,但如果再等,客戶可能會不開心。

Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn rúguǒ zài děng, kèhù kěnéng huì bù kāixīn.

Fair enough, but if we wait longer, the client might be unhappy.

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

我懂你的意思,但我還不太確定這樣會有效。

Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng huì yǒuxiào.

I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not convinced this will work.

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

我可以補充一下嗎?我們可以先上線一小部分。

Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma? Wǒmen kěyǐ xiān shàngxiàn yì xiǎo bùfen.

Can I add something? We can launch a small part first.

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

也許吧,但我覺得我們要先跟工程師確認。

Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde wǒmen yào xiān gēn gōngchéngshī quèrèn.

Maybe, but I think we should confirm with the engineer first.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase best means “I agree up to a point”?

You want to ask politely before adding a point in a discussion. What should you say?

Which phrase gently means “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but…”?

Which phrase is best for expressing doubt about a conclusion without sounding too direct?

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I think we need to confirm again.

甲:你說資料沒問題。乙:___,我覺得我們要再確認。

Maybe, but I think this method is a little risky.

____,但我覺得這個方法有點冒險。

Can I add something? I think there’s one more issue.

大家都說完了,___?我覺得還有一個問題。

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:

我部分同意

Wǒ bùfen tóngyì.

I agree up to a point.

Say this phrase out loud:

也許吧,但我覺得 ___。

Yěxǔ ba, dàn wǒ juéde ___.

Maybe, but I think ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我懂,但我覺得 ___。

Wǒ dǒng, dàn wǒ juéde ___.

I understand, but I feel ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我不太確定這樣對不對。

Wǒ bú tài quèdìng zhèyàng duì bú duì.

I'm not sure that's right.

Say this phrase out loud:

我可能錯了,但 ___。

Wǒ kěnéng cuò le, dàn ___.

I might be wrong, but ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我的看法有點不一樣。

Wǒ de kànfǎ yǒu diǎn bù yíyàng.

I see it a little differently.

Say this phrase out loud:

沒錯,不過 ___。

Méi cuò, búguò ___.

That's true, but ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我可以補充一下嗎?

Wǒ kěyǐ bǔchōng yíxià ma?

Can I add something?

Say this phrase out loud:

我懂你的意思,但___。

Wǒ dǒng nǐ de yìsi, dàn ___.

I hear what you're saying, but ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

也有道理,但___。

Yě yǒu dàolǐ, dàn ___.

Fair enough, but ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我不是說你錯,只是___。

Wǒ bú shì shuō nǐ cuò, zhǐshì ___.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我不太同意___。

Wǒ bú tài tóngyì ___.

I don't quite agree with ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我還不太確定___。

Wǒ hái bú tài quèdìng ___.

I'm not convinced that ___.