I'll let you know

Neutral Depends on context

What it really means

Sometimes genuine, but often a soft way to end the topic without committing. After job interviews, "we'll let you know" with no timescale is sometimes a gentle no. Silence is usually the answer.

Chinese explanation
有时是真的会回复,但常常是不作承诺、就此打住的委婉说法。面试后一句没有时间表的"我们会通知你",有时就是委婉的拒绝。没有消息通常就是答案。

Context, tips & common mistakes

In social invitations, "I'll let you know" is most often a soft no that spares both sides an awkward moment — the notification rarely comes, and mild follow-through is not expected. Decode it by counting: one chase-up ("still thinking about Friday?") is fine; after that, take silence as the answer it politely is.

In professional contexts it is more literal — a recruiter or landlord saying it usually will let you know — but a timescale question ("roughly when should I expect to hear?") is acceptable and clarifying. Using it yourself works both ways: it is a kind way to avoid an on-the-spot refusal, but leaving someone hanging before a real event with numbers and bookings crosses from polite to inconsiderate, so convert it into an actual answer within a day or two.

Example conversation

A: Are you coming to the quiz night? B: I'll let you know. A: That's a no, then.
A:你来参加知识竞猜之夜吗? B:到时候告诉你。 A:那就是不来了呗。

What you could say back

“No rush — just tell me by Friday.”

Related phrases

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 17 August 2026 · Report a mistake