Chinese phrases

How to say of course in Chinese

Of course in Chinese is 当然 (dāng rán). To say yes to a request, 当然可以 (dāng rán kě yǐ), “of course you can,” sounds warmer.

当然

dāng rán

of course

Ways to say of course

当然
dāng rán
Everyday
of course
The plain word when the answer is clearly yes.
当然可以
dāng rán kě yǐ
Everyday
of course you can
The answer to a request with 可以: 我可以坐这里吗?
当然了
dāng rán le
With friends
of course!
Warmer and more sure than a bare 当然.
那当然
nà dāng rán
With friends
naturally; you bet
With pride, often about yourself: 你会做饭吗? 那当然! It can sound like a boast, usually a playful one.
肯定
kěn dìng
Everyday
definitely
When you are sure: 肯定来, “I’ll definitely come.”
没问题
méi wèn tí
Everyday
sure; no problem
To agree to do something for someone.
必须的
bì xū de
With friends
absolutely; you bet
Casual slang, common in the north and online. Not for work.

Answering 谢谢 with 当然
In English, “of course” can answer “thank you.” 当然 cannot. After 谢谢, say 不客气 or 没事.
A bare 当然 that sounds smug
当然 says the answer is obvious. To a question about you, such as 你会用筷子吗?, a bare 当然 can sound like “obviously.” Answer with the verb instead: 会.

我可以用一下你的充电器吗？
wǒ kě yǐ yòng yí xià nǐ de chōng diàn qì ma
Qiqi: Can I use your charger?
当然可以，在桌子上。
dāng rán kě yǐ, zài zhuō zi shàng
Leon: Of course, it’s on the table.
谢谢！周六的聚会你来吗？
xiè xie! zhōu liù de jù huì nǐ lái ma
Qiqi: Thanks! Are you coming to the party on Saturday?
那当然！
nà dāng rán
Leon: You bet!

In the dictionary: 当然 · 肯定 · 没问题 · 必须