'Qiě tīng xià huí fēn jiě' is a traditional, literary phrase originating from classical Chinese storytelling—especially serialized novels and oral performances like pingshu (storytelling). Literally, 'qiě' means 'for now' or 'temporarily'; 'tīng' is 'listen'; 'xià huí' means 'next episode' or 'next installment'; and 'fēn jiě' means 'to explain' or 'to unfold'. Together, the phrase signals a deliberate narrative pause, inviting the audience to anticipate what comes next. It functions much like 'to be continued' in English, but with a distinctly classical, rhythmic, and performative flavor.

This expression is rarely used in casual modern speech. Instead, it appears in historical dramas, parody contexts, humorous writing, or when someone wants to add theatrical flair—such as ending a lighthearted anecdote or teasing a future revelation. Though composed of six common characters, the phrase only works as an inseparable unit; altering or omitting any part breaks its idiomatic force and cultural resonance.