Chinese phrases
How to say let’s go in Chinese
Let’s go in Chinese is 走吧 (zǒu ba). Add 我们 for a full sentence: 我们走吧, “let’s go.”
走吧
let’s go
吧 turns 走 into a suggestion. Without it, 我们走 sounds like a decision: “we’re leaving.”
Ways to say let’s go
走吧
Everydaylet’s go
The everyday way, to leave a place or to set off together.
我们走吧
Everydaylet’s go
A full sentence. Good when you suggest leaving to a group.
咱们走吧
With friendslet’s go (you and me)
咱们 is “we” that includes the listener. Most common in the north.
出发
Everydaylet’s head off
When a trip starts: in the car, at the start of a hike, at the airport. Also 出发吧.
快走吧
Everydaylet’s get going
When you are late or the bus is coming.
走，吃饭去
With friendscome on, let’s go eat
走 first, then the plan, with 去 at the end. Common with friends and colleagues at lunchtime.
走起
With friendslet’s do this!
Playful slang among friends, in speech and in group chats, after a plan: 今晚火锅，走起!
Common mistakes
Translating “let’s” as 让我们
让我们 belongs in speeches and slogans: 让我们一起努力. In conversation, put 吧 at the end: 我们走吧.
Forgetting 吧
我们走 without 吧 sounds firm, like a decision or an order. 吧 makes it a friendly suggestion that invites the others.
Thinking 走 means walk
In 走吧, 走 means “leave” or “go.” You can say it before you take a taxi.
Leaving for dinner
快七点了，我们走吧。
Leon: It’s almost seven. Let’s go.
等一下，我拿个包。
Qiqi: Wait a moment, I’ll get my bag.
好，我在门口等你。
Leon: OK, I’ll wait for you at the door.
好了，走吧！
Qiqi: Ready. Let’s go!
