Learn · Lesson 22
Inviting someone
Use 一起, 好吗, and 时间 to make a plan that a real person can accept or refuse.
Goals
- Invite with 一起 + verb
- Tag 好吗 or 要不要
- Offer a time with 几点 / 明天
- Decline without disappearing
一起 is the invitation glue
我们一起吃饭吧。 一起 sits before the verb. English “together we eat” word order is not the model.
吧 softens a suggestion. 吗 turns it into a check: 一起去，好吗？
Name the activity: 吃饭, 喝咖啡, 看电影, 去超市. Vague 一起玩 is fine with friends, empty with strangers.
Let’s eat together.
Coffee together tomorrow, okay?
Do you want to go together?
When
明天晚上怎么样？ 几点？ 你有空吗？ Three time tools, one invitation.
有空 is “have free time.” 我没空 is a clean no without a speech.
Put time before the verb phrase: 明天晚上一起吃饭.
Are you free tomorrow?
How about 7 p.m.?
I have class in the evening.
No without burning the bridge
不好意思，我不能去. 下次吧. That is a complete social object.
Do not ghost in Chinese class roleplay. The language of refusal is part of the lesson.
好啊 is a warm yes. Learn both directions.
Sure!
Sorry, I can’t go.
Next time.
Takeaways
- 一起 + verb, time before the activity.
- 好吗 / 要不要 check instead of commanding.
- 没空 and 下次吧 are legitimate exits.
Quick check
1. Which invites someone to eat together?
2. 有空 means…
3. A polite decline is…