In 15 Seconds
- Use it to state a fact that no one can argue.
- Commonly used as a sentence starter followed by a comma.
- Perfect for acknowledging a point before adding a 'but'.
Meaning
This phrase is the perfect way to acknowledge a truth that nobody can argue with. It's like saying 'Let's be real' or 'There's no denying that...' before dropping a major fact.
Key Examples
3 of 6Debating food with a friend
不可否认，这家店的火锅确实很地道。
It's undeniable, this place's hotpot is really authentic.
In a business meeting
不可否认，我们的销售额在这个季度有所下降。
Undeniably, our sales volume has decreased this quarter.
Texting about a celebrity
不可否认，他长得真的很帅。
There's no denying it, he is really handsome.
Cultural Background
This expression reflects the logical and balanced nature of formal Chinese rhetoric. It is often used to establish a 'common ground' between speakers before introducing a potentially controversial point. It has become a staple in modern media and professional discourse to sound objective.
The 'But' Pivot
Master the '不可否认...但是...' structure. It makes you sound incredibly persuasive and fair-minded.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this for every sentence, you'll sound like a politician. Save it for points that actually matter.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to state a fact that no one can argue.
- Commonly used as a sentence starter followed by a comma.
- Perfect for acknowledging a point before adding a 'but'.
What It Means
不可否认 is your go-to phrase for stating the obvious with a bit of weight. It literally breaks down to 'not' (不), 'can' (可), and 'deny' (否认). When you use it, you are telling your listener that what follows is a solid fact. It is like putting a stamp of truth on your next sentence. It is powerful because it shuts down counter-arguments before they even start.
How To Use It
Think of it as a sentence starter. You usually place it right at the beginning of a thought. You can say 不可否认，... followed by your main point. It often pairs with 但是 (but) later in the sentence. For example: 'Undeniably, he is talented, but he is also very lazy.' It works perfectly when you want to be fair. You acknowledge one truth before pivoting to your actual opinion. It makes you sound balanced and thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound convincing. It works great in a work meeting when discussing a project's success. It is also perfect for late-night debates with friends about which city has the best food. You can use it in texts when you're admitting your friend was right about something. It adds a touch of maturity to your conversation. Use it when the evidence is right in front of everyone's face.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, subjective things that are clearly just your opinion. Saying 不可否认，这个苹果很好吃 (Undeniably, this apple is tasty) sounds a bit too dramatic. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. Also, avoid it if you are actually trying to be humble. It can sound a bit stubborn if used too much. If someone asks 'Do you like me?', answering with 不可否认 might make you sound like a robot or a lawyer.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often values 'giving face' and being indirect. 不可否认 is a clever tool for this. It allows you to give credit where it's due before you deliver a critique. By acknowledging a positive truth first, the listener is more likely to accept your following 'but'. It shows you are a person who sees the whole picture. It’s a mark of a sophisticated speaker in modern Chinese society.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more formal, you might hear 不容置疑 (no room for doubt). For something a bit shorter and more casual, people might just say 确实 (indeed). But 不可否认 sits in that perfect sweet spot. It is formal enough for a speech but natural enough for a coffee chat. It’s the 'Goldilocks' of logical connectors.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It is safe for both professional emails and serious conversations with friends, but avoid using it for trivial matters to stay natural.
The 'But' Pivot
Master the '不可否认...但是...' structure. It makes you sound incredibly persuasive and fair-minded.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this for every sentence, you'll sound like a politician. Save it for points that actually matter.
The Face-Saving Secret
Use this phrase to praise someone before you give them negative feedback. It 'softens the blow' by acknowledging their worth first.
Examples
6不可否认，这家店的火锅确实很地道。
It's undeniable, this place's hotpot is really authentic.
Acknowledging a fact everyone agrees on.
不可否认，我们的销售额在这个季度有所下降。
Undeniably, our sales volume has decreased this quarter.
Using the phrase to face a hard truth professionally.
不可否认，他长得真的很帅。
There's no denying it, he is really handsome.
Admitting an obvious physical fact.
不可否认，我确实是个懒虫。
Undeniably, I am indeed a lazy bones.
Using a formal-sounding phrase for a self-deprecating joke.
不可否认，我们曾经真的很相爱。
It's undeniable that we were once truly in love.
Reflecting on a past truth with gravity.
不可否认，新技术的出现改变了我们的生活。
Undeniably, the emergence of new technology has changed our lives.
Starting a speech with a universal truth.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to start the sentence acknowledging the weather.
___，今天的阳光非常好。
`不可否认` fits perfectly here to acknowledge the obvious sunny weather.
Complete the logical transition.
不可否认他很聪明，___他不努力。
`不可否认` is frequently paired with `但是` (but) to show contrast.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Undeniable'
Using 'Indeed' (确实)
确实很好吃。
The sweet spot: 不可否认
不可否认，他很有才华。
Literary/Idiomatic (不容置疑)
事实不容置疑。
Where to use 不可否认
Work Reviews
Acknowledging performance
Pop Culture Debates
Admitting a movie was good
Self-Reflection
Admitting a personal flaw
Academic Writing
Stating a research fact
Practice Bank
2 exercises___，今天的阳光非常好。
`不可否认` fits perfectly here to acknowledge the obvious sunny weather.
不可否认他很聪明，___他不努力。
`不可否认` is frequently paired with `但是` (but) to show contrast.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it sounds polished, people use it in casual chats to add emphasis, like saying 不可否认，他确实很帅.
Usually, no. It almost always acts as a sentence starter or a bridge after a subject, like 事实是不可否认的.
确实 simply means 'indeed' and is very casual. 不可否认 is stronger and suggests that anyone who disagrees would be wrong.
In writing, yes, a comma usually follows it to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause.
Yes! It's a great 'concession' tool. You acknowledge their point with 不可否认 before you counter-attack.
It is standard Mandarin used everywhere across China, from Beijing to Singapore.
Absolutely. You can say 不可否认，这是一个巨大的错误 (Undeniably, this is a huge mistake).
There isn't a direct slang equivalent, but young people might just say 讲真 (jiǎng zhēn) which means 'to be honest'.
Flow through the first three syllables quickly and put a slight stress on 否 (fǒu).
Yes, like 不可否认，我有点难过. It makes your feelings sound like an objective fact.
Related Phrases
毫无疑问 (without a doubt)
显而易见 (obvious to see)
确实 (indeed)
众所周知 (as everyone knows)
