话是这么说...
huà shì zhèyàng shuō...
That's true, but...
Wörtlich: Words are this way said...
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to acknowledge a point before disagreeing.
- The Chinese equivalent of 'That's all well and good, but...'
- Essential for maintaining harmony during a debate or argument.
Bedeutung
This is the perfect way to say 'I hear you and you're right, but I still have a different opinion.' It acknowledges the other person's point before you politely pivot to your own objection.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A friend suggests a diet
话是这么说，但火锅太好吃了。
That's true, but hotpot is just too delicious.
Boss suggests working late
话是这么说，但我今天真的有事。
I hear what you're saying, but I really have something to do today.
Discussing a risky investment
话是这么说，我们还是得小心一点。
That's true, but we still need to be a bit careful.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase embodies the Chinese concept of 'Ke qi' (politeness/etiquette). It reflects a communication style that prioritizes social harmony over blunt honesty. It is a linguistic 'buffer' that has been a staple of social navigation in China for generations.
The 'But' is Silent
Sometimes you don't even need to say 'but' (但是). The phrase itself implies a 'but' is coming, so you can just pause for effect.
Don't Overuse with Elders
If you use this too much with Chinese parents, they might see it as 'talking back' because you're technically agreeing then immediately disagreeing.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to acknowledge a point before disagreeing.
- The Chinese equivalent of 'That's all well and good, but...'
- Essential for maintaining harmony during a debate or argument.
What It Means
Think of 话是这么说 as a verbal cushion. It softens the blow of a disagreement. You are essentially saying, 'In theory, you are correct.' It shows you aren't just ignoring them. You've listened to their logic. But now, you're about to drop a 'but' that changes everything.
How To Use It
Use it at the very start of your sentence. It almost always precedes a 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì). It acts like a bridge between their idea and your reality. For example, if a friend says you should exercise more, you say: 话是这么说，但我太忙了. It sounds much nicer than just saying 'No, I'm busy.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to stay polite while being stubborn. It works great in office meetings. Use it when your mom gives you life advice you won't follow. It's perfect for those 'easier said than done' moments. Use it when someone suggests something logically sound but practically impossible.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you actually 100% agree. That would be confusing! Avoid it in high-stakes emergencies where being direct is better. If a building is on fire, don't say 'That's true, but...' Just run! Also, don't use it with kids too often. They might find it dismissive if you use it to ignore their requests.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values 'saving face' and harmony. Directly saying 'You're wrong' is often considered rude. This phrase is a linguistic tool for harmony. It allows the other person to feel respected. Even if you completely disagree, you've acknowledged their 'words' first. It’s the ultimate 'polite rejection' strategy used for centuries.
Common Variations
话虽如此(Huà suī rú cǐ): The fancier, more formal cousin. Use this in writing.话是不错(Huà shì bù cuò): Literally 'The words are not wrong.' A bit more affirming.话说到这份儿上(Huà shuō dào zhè fèn r shang): When things have gotten serious or reached a limit.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is most effective when you want to disagree without being confrontational. In very formal writing, prefer '话虽如此'.
The 'But' is Silent
Sometimes you don't even need to say 'but' (但是). The phrase itself implies a 'but' is coming, so you can just pause for effect.
Don't Overuse with Elders
If you use this too much with Chinese parents, they might see it as 'talking back' because you're technically agreeing then immediately disagreeing.
The Art of 'Face'
Using this phrase is a high-level social skill in China. It shows you are 'dong shi' (sensible/mature) because you care about the other person's feelings.
Beispiele
6话是这么说，但火锅太好吃了。
That's true, but hotpot is just too delicious.
Uses the phrase to humorously dismiss healthy advice.
话是这么说，但我今天真的有事。
I hear what you're saying, but I really have something to do today.
Softens a refusal to a superior.
话是这么说，我们还是得小心一点。
That's true, but we still need to be a bit careful.
Adds a layer of caution to a logical plan.
话是这么说，可我真的起不来啊！
True, true... but I seriously can't get out of bed!
The 'ka' or 'a' at the end makes it very informal for text.
话是这么说，但心里还是难受。
I know that's true, but I still feel terrible in my heart.
Acknowledges logical comfort while expressing emotional pain.
话是这么说，可导演拍得很烂。
That may be so, but the director did a terrible job.
Validates a minor point before delivering a harsh critique.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to start the response to: 'You should save more money.'
___，但我现在的薪水太低了。
You are acknowledging the advice but providing a reason why it's difficult to follow.
Complete the sentence to politely disagree with a coworker's plan.
话是这么说，___ 我们没有足够的预算。
This phrase is almost always followed by a contrastive conjunction like 'but'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of '话是这么说...'
Used with close friends to complain or joke.
话是这么说，但我懒啊！
Standard daily use in most social situations.
话是这么说，但我还是想试试。
In business, usually replaced by '话虽如此'.
话虽如此，我们仍需考虑风险。
Where to use '话是这么说...'
Rejecting Advice
Mom says sleep early.
Office Meetings
Boss suggests a new tool.
Shopping
Seller says it's a bargain.
With Friends
Friend says 'it's just a walk'.
Aufgabensammlung
2 Aufgaben___，但我现在的薪水太低了。
You are acknowledging the advice but providing a reason why it's difficult to follow.
话是这么说，___ 我们没有足够的预算。
This phrase is almost always followed by a contrastive conjunction like 'but'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It's actually more polite than a direct 'No' because it acknowledges the other person's logic first.
Yes, but for formal emails, 话虽如此 is a more professional-sounding alternative.
Usually, yes. It's almost always followed by 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì) to introduce your counter-argument.
Say it quickly and let the shuo trail off slightly before your 'but'. It sounds more conversational that way.
No. It means 'I hear your words and they make sense,' but it doesn't mean you actually agree with the conclusion.
Yes, it's a safe way to express a different opinion to a teacher without sounding disrespectful.
You can add 您说得对 (You're right) before it: 您说得对，话是这么说...
Not really a slang version, but people often shorten it to just 话是这么说... and leave the rest to the imagination.
Yes, that is its primary position. It's an introductory phrase for a counter-point.
Yes, this is a standard Mandarin expression understood everywhere from Beijing to Singapore.
Verwandte Redewendungen
话虽如此 (That may be so)
但是 (But)
不过 (However)
话又说回来 (Then again/On the other hand)
虽说 (Although it's said that...)
