Fixed Phrase: 算了
算了
Use 算了 to express giving up, letting go, or telling someone to drop a matter
算了 literally means "consider it done" but is used idiomatically to mean "forget it," "let it go," or "never mind." It can stand alone, come after a topic, or be followed by a reason. It signals the speaker's decision to abandon an effort, accept a situation, or advise someone else to drop a matter.
算了 can express different emotional tones depending on context: resignation (I give up), concession (let him be), dismissal (it's not worth pursuing), or gentle advice (don't push it). The pattern "Subject + 不 + Verb + 算了" means "if they don't want to, then forget it."
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Fixed Phrase: 算了 (算了)
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Understanding 算了
Few Chinese phrases are as versatile in daily conversation as 算了. At its core, it means "forget it" or "let it go," but the emotional nuance shifts with context. When you say 算了 about your own plans, it signals resignation or a decision to stop pursuing something: 太贵了，算了 (it's too expensive, forget it). When directed at someone else, it becomes advice to stop pushing: 算了，别跟他吵了 (let it go, stop arguing with him). The pattern "他不去算了" expresses acceptance of someone else's decision: "if he doesn't want to go, then fine." 算了 is deeply embedded in Chinese pragmatic wisdom — the idea that sometimes the wisest move is to stop struggling and accept the situation. It reflects the Taoist principle of knowing when to let go.
Key Points
- 算了 = "forget it / let it go / never mind" — signals abandoning or accepting.
- Can stand alone as a complete utterance in conversation.
- Subject + 不 + Verb + 算了 = "if they don't, then forget it" — shows acceptance.
- Topic + 就这样算了吧 = "let's just leave it at that" — settling a matter.
- Can express resignation, concession, dismissal, or gentle advice depending on tone.
- Often paired with 吧 for a softer tone: 算了吧.
The concept behind 算了 connects to the Chinese philosophical ideal of 随缘 (suí yuán) — going with the flow and not forcing outcomes. In a culture that values persistence (坚持), knowing when to say 算了 shows maturity and wisdom. It reflects the Taoist teaching that sometimes non-action (无为) is the most powerful action.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这件事就这样算了吧。
Let's just leave this matter at that.
他不去算了，不要为难他了。
If he doesn't want to go, then forget it — don't put him in a difficult position.
甲：不行，我得好好问问他。乙：算了，你说不过他的。
A: No, I need to talk to him properly. B: Forget it — you can't out-argue him.
排队的人太多了，算了，我们明天再来吧。
The line is too long — forget it, let's come back tomorrow.
这个价格太高了，算了吧，我们去别的店看看。
This price is too high — forget it, let's check other shops.
他不愿意道歉，算了，我不跟他计较了。
He doesn't want to apologize — forget it, I won't argue with him about it.
算了算了，别提这件事了。
Forget it, forget it — stop bringing this up.
Common Mistakes
When expressing "if someone doesn't want to, then forget it," 算了 comes after the condition, not before it.
算了 as "forget it" does not take a direct object after it. Place the topic before 算了, or use 算了 as a standalone phrase.
Do not use 算了 as a transitive verb meaning "forget." It is a fixed expression. Place the topic before it or use it alone.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Doubling 算了 (算了算了) adds emphasis and impatience — it signals you really want to drop the subject.
Adding 吧 (算了吧) softens the tone and makes it sound more like gentle advice rather than frustration.
Practice different emotional tones: resigned (叹气 + 算了), dismissive (算了算了), advisory (算了吧，别……).
In real conversations, 算了 is one of the most frequently heard phrases — mastering its usage will make your Chinese sound very natural.
Homework
Write four short dialogues using 算了 with different emotional tones: (1) resigned giving up, (2) advising someone to let go, (3) accepting someone else's decision, and (4) dismissing something as not worthwhile.