Have you ever been puzzled by the phrase “我考虑一下 (Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià), I’ll think about it” during your business conversations with Chinese clients? It may sound like a polite request for some time to think, but often, there’s more beneath the surface. In China’s fast-paced business world, every interaction holds the potential to unlock key opportunities. Misinterpreting a simple response like this could mean losing out on valuable deals. However, by truly understanding the deeper meaning behind it, you can take control of the conversation, build stronger relationships, and gain the trust of your Chinese partners. Today, we’ll explore the 8 subtle meanings hidden behind “我考虑一下 (Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià), I’ll think about it” and show you how to navigate these cultural nuances for smoother, more successful business negotiations in China.
1. Offer Me More Discounts
When a Chinese client says “我考虑一下(Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, I’ll think about it),” it may imply that they are not satisfied with the price and are hoping you can offer more discounts. In this case, you can try asking the client about their specific price expectations or provide some value-added services to make your product or service more attractive.
Cultural Insight: Price negotiations are a common part of business culture in China, and clients often expect some flexibility.
Examples:
Qǐngwèn nín duì jiàgé hái yǒu shé me wèntí ma?
Sales: 请问您对价格还有什么问题吗？
Do you have any questions about the price?
Jià gé yǒu diǎn gāo, wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià.
Customer: 价格有点高，我考虑一下。
The price is a bit high. I’ll think about it.
Yàoshì nín cǎigòu wǔ shí jiàn yǐ shàng, wǒmen kěyǐ dǎ jiǔ zhé, nín kàn kěyǐ ma？
Sales: 要是您采购 50 件以上，我们可以打 9 折，您看可以吗？
If you purchase more than 50 pieces, we can offer a 10% discount. What do you think?
2. I Have Doubts about Product Details
If the client is unsure about certain product aspects, such as quality, functionality, or after-sales service, they might need more time to evaluate. In this case, proactively ask about their concerns and provide detailed explanations or materials to ease their doubts.
Cultural Insight: Chinese clients often appreciate clear, detailed information before making decisions, especially when it comes to product quality and after-sales service.
Examples:
Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià.
1. Client: 我考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Nín shì dānxīn chǎnpǐn zhìliàng ma? Wǒmen yǒu zhìliàng jiǎncè bàogào, nín kěyǐ kànkan.
Sales: 您是担心产品质量吗？我们有质量检测报告，您可以看看。
Are you concerned about the product quality? We have a quality inspection report that you can review.
Wǒ zhù yì dào nín shuō yào kǎo lǜ yī xià, shì bú shì duì chǎn pǐn de mǒu xiē fāng miàn hái yǒu yí wèn ne？
2. Sales: 我注意到您说要考虑一下，是不是对产品的某些方面还有疑问呢？
I noticed that you said you need to think about it. Are you still unsure about any aspects of the product?
Wǒ men yǒu fēi cháng wán shàn de zhì liàng jiǎn cè tǐ xì, bìng qiě tí gōng cháng shí jiān de shòu hòu fú wù, nín kě yǐ fàng xīn.
Sales: 我们有非常完善的质量检测体系，并且提供长时间的售后服务，您可以放心。
We have a comprehensive quality inspection system and offer long-term after-sales service. You can be assured.
3. I Need to Discuss with My Team
Many Chinese clients prefer discussing decisions with their teams. When you hear “我考虑一下(Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, Let me think about it),” it may be because they need to consult with others. In this case, offer them materials (e.g., brochures, case studies) that can help them present the product to their team.
Cultural Insight: Group decision-making is quite common in Chinese business culture, where consensus is often prioritized.
Examples:
Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, hé tuán duì shāng liang shāng liang.
1. Customer: 我考虑一下，和团队商量商量。
Let me think about it and discuss it with my team.
Hǎo de, zhè shì chǎn pǐn jiè shào PPT, fāng biàn nín gěi tuán duì zhǎn shì.
Sales: 好的，这是产品介绍 PPT，方便您给团队展示。
Okay, here is the product introduction PPT, which is convenient for you to present to your team.
Fēi cháng lǐ jiě nín xū yào hé tuán duì shāng liang, zhè shì yī fèn xiáng xì de chǎn pǐn zī liào,yǒu xū yào suí shí lián xì wǒ.
2. Sales: 非常理解您需要和团队商量，这是一份详细的产品资料，有需要随时联系我。
I fully understand that you need to discuss with your team. Here is a detailed product brochure. Feel free to contact me if you need anything.
4. I’m Still Comparing with Other Competitors
If a client says “我考虑一下(Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, Let me think about it),” they may still be evaluating products from other suppliers. At this point, you can highlight the unique advantages of your product or service to help the client make a quicker decision.
Cultural Insight: Chinese buyers tend to compare multiple options before committing, so be prepared to differentiate your offer clearly.
Examples:
Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yī xià.
1. Customer: 我再考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Wǒ men chǎn pǐn de shòu hòu xiǎng yìng shí jiān shì èr shí sì xiǎo shí nèi, bǐ jìng pǐn kuài hěn duō, nín kě yǐ duō liǎo jiě xià.
Sales: 我们产品的售后响应时间是 24 小时内，比竞品快很多，您可以多了解下。
Our product’s after – sales response time is within 24 hours, which is much faster than that of our competitors. Feel free to learn more about it.
Wǒmen de chǎnpǐn zài jìs hù chuàng xīn hé kè hù fú wù fāng miàn dōu yǒuzhe xiǎnz hù de yōu shì.
2. Sales: 我们的产品在技术创新和客户服务方面都有着显著的优势。
Our products have significant advantages in terms of technological innovation and customer service.
5. This Is Not a Good Time to Make a Decision
Sometimes the client may be too busy or not yet ready to make a decision due to budget constraints or other factors. In this case, maintain regular communication, understand their schedule, and follow up at an appropriate time.
Cultural Insight: Timing is often crucial, and clients may put off a decision if they feel it’s not the right time. Being patient is key.
Examples:
Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yī xià.
Sales: 我再考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Nín zuì jìn shì bu shì bǐ jiào máng? Děng nín fāng biàn de shí hou, wǒ men zài xì liáo?
Client: 您最近是不是比较忙？等您方便的时候，我们再细聊？
Are you quite busy recently? Let’s have a detailed talk when it’s convenient for you, okay?
6. I Don’t Trust You Enough
Trust is crucial in business, especially in China, where relationships are the foundation of deals. If a client says “我考虑一下(Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, I’ll think about it),” it may indicate that they don’t fully trust you or your company yet. To overcome this, share successful case studies, customer reviews, and other trust-building information.
Cultural Insight: Trust-building is a long process in Chinese business culture, and clients may take their time to evaluate the reliability of a supplier.
Examples:
Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yī xià.
1. Client: 我再考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Zhè shì wǒ men hé dà gōng sī de hé zuò àn lì, nín kàn kan, jiù zhī dào wǒ men de shí lì le.
Sales: 这是我们和大公司的合作案例，您看看，就知道我们的实力了。
Here is a cooperation case with a large company. Take a look, and you’ll see our strength for yourself.
Zhè shì wǒmen hé zhīmíng qǐyè de hézuò ànlì, kèhù dōu hěn mǎnyì, qīdài yě néng wèi nín fúwù.
2. Sales: 这是我们和知名企业的合作案例，客户都很满意，期待也能为您服务。
Here are our cooperation cases with well-known enterprises. Our clients are very satisfied, and we look forward to serving you as well.
7. Polite Refusal
Sometimes “我考虑一下(Wǒ kǎo lǜ yī xià, Let me think about it)” is just a polite way to refuse. If the client’s tone is neutral or unengaged, and they don’t reach out later, they may not be interested. In this case, gently ask if they have other needs and offer alternative solutions.
Cultural Insight: Direct refusal can be uncomfortable in Chinese culture, so clients may use more indirect language to decline an offer.
Examples:
Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yī xià.
1. Customer: 我再考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Nín kàn kan wǒ men qí tā chǎn pǐn, yǒu méi yǒu gǎn xìng qù de?
Sales: 您看看我们其他产品，有没有感兴趣的？
Take a look at our other products. Is there anything that interests you?
Qǐng wèn nín hái yǒu qí tā xū qiú ma? Wǒ men hái yǒu bié de chǎn pǐn hé fú wù, huò xǔ néng mǎn zú nín.
2. Sales: 请问您还有其他需求吗？我们还有别的产品和服务，或许能满足您。
May I ask if you have any other needs? We also offer other products and services that might meet your requirements.
8. Truly Need Time to Think
Finally, some clients genuinely need time to reflect on the decision and weigh the pros and cons. In this case, give them the space they need, and follow up later without pressuring them.
Cultural Insight: In Chinese culture, decision-making often requires time for reflection, and clients may want to avoid feeling rushed.
Examples:
Wǒ zài kǎo lǜ yī xià.
Sales: 我再考虑一下。
Let me think about it.
Hǎo de, nín màn màn kǎo lǜ, yǒu wèn tí suí shí lián xì wǒ.
Client: 好的，您慢慢考虑，有问题随时联系我。
Okay, take your time. Contact me anytime if you have questions.
Master Business Chinese to Unlock Your Success
In the world of Chinese business, understanding subtle cues like “考虑一下 (kǎo lǜ yī xià, Let me think about it)” is key to mastering negotiations and building trust with your clients. At eChineseLearning, we know that success hinges on more than just language – it’s about understanding the context, culture, and communication style that drive Chinese business relationships.
Our one-on-one online courses are designed specifically for busy professionals like you. With tailored lessons from native-speaking teachers, you’ll gain practical skills to navigate every aspect of Chinese business communication – from negotiating deals to understanding industry-specific jargon.
Start your free trial today and experience firsthand how our customized lessons can help you build stronger relationships, close deals faster, and expand your opportunities in the Chinese market. Don’t let language barriers stand in your way. Sign up now and start speaking the language of success.
