话又说回来
hua you shuo huilai
Having said that
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use this phrase to introduce a contrasting or qualifying perspective after you've already made a point.
- Means: 'Having said that' or 'On the other hand'.
- Used in: Debates, casual disagreements, or adding nuance to a story.
- Don't confuse: With '换句话说' (in other words), which explains rather than contrasts.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement after a previous point.
Cultural Background
Used frequently in social settings to show you are a 'reasonable' person who considers all sides.
The Pause
Always pause slightly after saying this phrase to let the listener know a contrast is coming.
Meaning
Used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement after a previous point.
The Pause
Always pause slightly after saying this phrase to let the listener know a contrast is coming.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
他很有钱，____，他并不快乐。
The sentence requires a contrastive pivot.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
Related Phrases
话说回来
synonymShorter version of the target phrase.
Where to Use It
Deciding on a restaurant
A: 这家店的披萨很好吃。
B: 话又说回来，排队的人太多了。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a boomerang. You throw a point out (the first sentence), and the phrase '话又说回来' is the boomerang coming back to hit the other side of the target.
Visual Association
A person holding a scale. They put a heavy weight on one side, then use this phrase to place a counter-weight on the other side to balance it.
Story
Xiao Wang said, 'I love my job!' Then he paused. '话又说回来, the commute is killing me.' He used the phrase to balance his love for the work with the reality of the traffic.
Word Web
Challenge
Spend 5 minutes listing 3 things you like, then use '话又说回来' to add a 'but' to each.
In Other Languages
Dicho esto
Dicho esto is slightly more formal than the common usage of 话又说回来.
Cela dit
None, they are functionally identical.
Andererseits
Andererseits is more strictly 'on the other hand' while 话又说回来 implies a 'return' to the topic.
そうは言っても
Japanese is more focused on the 'even if you say that' aspect.
مع ذلك
Arabic is more concise and less 'story-telling' in nature.
话说回来
None, they are interchangeable.
그렇긴 하지만
Korean is more explicit about the 'that is so' part.
Dito isto
Mostly used in formal or written contexts.
Easily Confused
Learners confuse 'talking back' with 'talking in other words'.
换句话说 means 'in other words' (explaining), while 话又说回来 means 'on the other hand' (contrasting).
FAQ (1)
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
