In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a complication or a 'catch'.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for impact.
- Perfect for politely declining invitations by citing an obstacle.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for pointing out a catch or a roadblock. It’s the verbal equivalent of a 'but' that introduces the real reason why something won't work.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a dinner invitation
我很想去，但问题是我今天要加班。
I really want to go, but the problem is I have to work late today.
Discussing a broken phone
问题是，我不知道在哪儿修手机。
The problem is, I don't know where to get my phone fixed.
In a business meeting
现在的关键问题是我们的预算不够。
The key problem right now is that our budget is insufficient.
Cultural Background
In business meetings, starting a sentence with {问题|wèntí}{是|shì} can be a way to signal that you are being 'practical' ({实际|shíjì}) rather than just being negative. Speakers in Taiwan might use {问题|wèntí}{是|shì} with a slightly softer tone, often adding particles like {喔|ō} at the end to sound less confrontational. While the phrase is used in Mandarin, Cantonese speakers might use 'Mandei hai' (問題係) similarly, but in Mandarin contexts, they remain quite direct with it. In Western-influenced Chinese communities, this phrase is often used as a direct translation of 'The thing is...', making it even more frequent than in Mainland China.
The 'Yes, But' Strategy
Always start with something positive before saying {问题|wèntí}{是|shì}. It makes you sound much more professional and polite.
Don't Overuse
If you use it too much, you'll sound like a 'Negative Nancy' who only sees obstacles.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a complication or a 'catch'.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for impact.
- Perfect for politely declining invitations by citing an obstacle.
What It Means
问题是... (wèntí shì) is a super common way to pivot a conversation. You use it when you need to bring up a hurdle or a complication. It’s like saying, "Here’s the thing..." or "The catch is...". It signals that while the current plan sounds good, there is a specific obstacle you need to address. It’s direct but very natural.
How To Use It
Simply place it at the start of your sentence. You can use it to respond to a suggestion or to explain your own hesitation. For example, if a friend asks you to go to a concert, you might say, 问题是我没钱 (The problem is I have no money). It’s a bridge between the situation and the reality check. You don't need fancy grammar to make this work. Just state the phrase and follow it with the problem.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there's a 'but' involved. At a restaurant, you might say it if the dish you want is sold out. In a meeting, use it to point out a budget issue. When texting, it’s great for explaining why you’re running late. It works perfectly in any situation where you need to be the voice of reason. It’s a very practical tool for daily survival in Chinese.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are actually asking a question. If you want to ask "What is the problem?", you should say 什么问题?. 问题是... is for making a statement, not seeking an answer. Also, avoid using it too aggressively with elders or bosses. It can sound a bit blunt if you don't soften it with a polite opening like 不好意思 (Excuse me).
Cultural Background
Chinese communication can sometimes be indirect. However, 问题是... is a very common way to be 'politely direct.' It focuses on the 'problem' (the objective fact) rather than the person. By saying the problem is the situation, you save face for everyone involved. It’s a clever way to say 'no' without actually saying the word 'no'.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you can say 麻烦的是... (The annoying thing is...). If you are in a very serious business setting, you might hear 核心问题是... (The core problem is...). For a bit more emphasis, try 关键是... (The key is...). All of these help you navigate different levels of 'the catch' in your daily life.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use in 90% of daily interactions, from buying groceries to discussing business strategy.
The 'Yes, But' Strategy
Always start with something positive before saying {问题|wèntí}{是|shì}. It makes you sound much more professional and polite.
Don't Overuse
If you use it too much, you'll sound like a 'Negative Nancy' who only sees obstacles.
Examples
6我很想去，但问题是我今天要加班。
I really want to go, but the problem is I have to work late today.
A classic way to decline while showing you actually wanted to go.
问题是，我不知道在哪儿修手机。
The problem is, I don't know where to get my phone fixed.
Expressing a specific hurdle in a casual conversation.
现在的关键问题是我们的预算不够。
The key problem right now is that our budget is insufficient.
Adding 'key' (guānjiàn) makes it sound more professional and focused.
问题是我没带护照！
The problem is I didn't bring my passport!
High energy and urgent, perfect for a panicked text.
我想做红烧肉，问题是家里没糖了。
I want to make braised pork, but the problem is we're out of sugar.
A relatable, everyday domestic hurdle.
我想减肥，但问题是巧克力太好吃了。
I want to lose weight, but the problem is chocolate is too delicious.
Using the phrase to state a funny or self-deprecating truth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to complete the excuse.
我{想|xiǎng}{去|qù}{旅游|lǚyóu}，_____{是|shì}我{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{时间|shíjiān}。
{问题|wèntí}{是|shì} is the standard way to introduce a constraint like 'no time'.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase to point out a catch?
Select the best response:
Option B introduces a genuine reason/catch for not liking something.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {我们|wǒmen}{明天|míngtiān}{去|qù}{爬山|páshān}{吧|ba}！ B: {好|hǎo}{啊|a}，{但是|dànshì}______。
Rain is a logical 'problem' for hiking.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises我{想|xiǎng}{去|qù}{旅游|lǚyóu}，_____{是|shì}我{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{时间|shíjiān}。
{问题|wèntí}{是|shì} is the standard way to introduce a constraint like 'no time'.
Select the best response:
Option B introduces a genuine reason/catch for not liking something.
A: {我们|wǒmen}{明天|míngtiān}{去|qù}{爬山|páshān}{吧|ba}！ B: {好|hǎo}{啊|a}，{但是|dànshì}______。
Rain is a logical 'problem' for hiking.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it's neutral. It's all about your tone and what follows. If you use it to explain a constraint, it's helpful.
Yes, but {麻烦|máfan} implies the problem is annoying or tedious, whereas {问题|wèntí} is more objective.
Related Phrases
{关键|guānjiàn}{是|shì}
similarThe key is...
{麻烦|máfan}{的|de}{是|shì}
similarThe annoying thing is...
{重点|zhòngdiǎn}{是|shì}
similarThe point is...
{没|méi}{问题|wèntí}
contrastNo problem!
