I'll see what I can do
Neutral Depends on context
What it really means
From helpful staff this can be a genuine promise to try. From someone avoiding a task, it can mean "probably nothing will happen". Follow up politely if you hear nothing.
Chinese explanation
出自热心工作人员之口时，可能是真心答应尽力；出自想推脱的人之口时，可能意味着"多半没下文"。没有回音就礼貌地追问一下。
Example conversation
A: Is there any chance of a table by the window?
B: We're fully booked, but I'll see what I can do.
A：有没有可能安排一个靠窗的位子？
B：我们订满了，不过我尽量想想办法。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake