不便 + 动词
it would not be proper to …: a polite refusal that leaves the reason unsaid
Structure
不便 透露/多说/公开/打扰
What it means
'It would not be proper to …': a polite refusal that leaves the reason unsaid.
How it is built
(Subject) + 不便 + verb (透露, 多说, 公开, 打扰): 对于案件细节,警方表示目前不便透露 (the police said they could not disclose details of the case for now).
When to use it
Official and polite, which is why spokespeople love it. In speech: 不好 + verb (这个我不好说). Elsewhere 不便 means inconvenient or inconvenience: 交通不便, 给您带来不便,敬请谅解.
Watch out
It means 'it wouldn't be right to', not 'I am unable to': ✗我不便游泳。 ✓我不会游泳。 Don't expect a reason to follow: leaving it unsaid is the point.
Examples
对于案件细节,警方表示目前不便透露。
The police said they could not disclose details of the case for now.
这件事我不便多说,你还是直接问他吧。
It is not my place to say more; better ask him yourself.
Learn this in Lesson 111 · HSK 7–9: 绕着说 (Talking around it online)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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