Why 随便（Suí biàn） Is More Complicated Than “Anything Is Fine”

If you‘ve ever said “Anything is fine“ in English, you might think the Chinese word 随便（Suí biàn） works the same way.

But in real Mandarin, 随便（Suí biàn） is far more nuanced than “anything is fine“. Misusing it can make you sound rude, indecisive, or even sarcastic. Understanding its social layers is key to speaking naturally and confidently.

随便（Suí biàn） Doesn‘t Always Mean “Anything Is Fine“

In textbooks, you might see: 

Suí biàn
随便
Anything is fine

But native speakers use it in many contexts:

• To show agreement: “Sure, that works“
• To signal indifference: “I don‘t care either way“
• To express mild annoyance: “Do whatever you want“

Example:

Nǐ xiǎng chī shén me?
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?

Suí biàn
随便
Anything is fine / Whatever you want

Depending on your tone, this can sound polite, casual, or slightly irritated.

Tone and Context Matter More Than Words

Tone, facial expression, and situation define how 随便（Suí biàn） is received.

Examples:

Polite/Neutral:

Suí biàn, zhè ge hěn hǎo.
随便，这个很好。
Anything is fine, this one is good. 

Casual/Indifferent:

Suí biàn, nǐ kàn zěn me bàn.
随便，你看怎么办。
Whatever, it‘s up to you.

Annoyed/Sarcastic:

Suí biàn, xiǎng zěn me bàn zěn me bàn.
随便，想怎么办怎么办。
Do whatever you want.

Notice how the same word can sound very different depending on tone, setting, and your relationship with the listener. 

Common Learner Mistakes

Many learners overuse 随便（Suí biàn） in English-like ways:

• Using it in professional emails or formal settings
• Using it without tone awareness
• Saying it too quickly when making decisions

These mistakes can cause misunderstandings. Native speakers might think you‘re careless, indifferent, or even rude. 

How to Use 随便（Suí biàn） Naturally

1. Observe the social context : Are you with friends, coworkers, or strangers?
2. Match tone to intention: Your attitude communicates as much as the word itself

Examples:

Nǐ xiǎng kàn diàn yǐng hái shì chī fàn?
你想看电影还是吃饭？
Do you want to watch a movie or eat? 

Suí biàn, dōu kě yǐ, nǐ jué dìng jiù hǎo.
随便，都可以，你决定就好。
Anything is fine, it‘s up to you.

Speak Confidently With 随便（Suí biàn）

The secret to mastering 随便（Suí biàn） is context awareness and tone control.

At eChineseLearning, one-on-one lessons help you:

• Practice real conversations with correct context and tone
• Avoid sounding rude or vague
• Build confidence speaking naturally

Try a free trial lesson today and learn how to use nuanced words like 随便（Suí biàn） naturally in everyday Mandarin.

Quiz: You are with a friend deciding which movie to watch. You want to politely let them choose. Which sentence fits best?

A) Suí biàn, dōu kě yǐ, nǐ jué dìng jiù hǎo.
随便，都可以，你决定就好。
Anything is fine, it‘s up to you.

B) Suí biàn, xiǎng zěn me bàn zěn me bàn.
随便，想怎么办怎么办。
Do whatever you want.

C) Suí biàn!
随便!
Anything is fine!

👉 Comment your answer below!