B1 Expression Neutral 2 min read

说得对。

shuō de duì.

You're right.

Literally: Speak (verb) + result particle + correct (adjective)

In 15 Seconds

  • A versatile way to say 'You're right' in any situation.
  • Combines the verb 'speak' with the adjective 'correct'.
  • Essential for showing agreement and building social rapport.

Meaning

This is a quick, natural way to agree with someone. It literally means 'what you said is correct' and shows you're on the same page.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Deciding on dinner with a friend

你说得对,我们还是吃火锅吧。

You're right, let's have hotpot after all.

2

In a professional brainstorming session

王经理说得对,这个方案成本太高。

Manager Wang is right; this plan's cost is too high.

3

Texting a friend who is venting

你说得对!他太过分了。

You're right! He went too far.

🌍

Cultural Background

In professional settings, agreeing with a superior using {您说得对|nín shuō de duì} is often expected before offering a differing opinion to maintain 'face.' The usage is identical, but the tone might be slightly softer, often ending with particles like {喔|ō} or {阿|ā}. You might hear it mixed with local particles or even English, like 'You say right lah!' in informal settings. On platforms like Weibo or Bilibili, users often type '666' or 'yyds' alongside {说得对|shuō de duì} to show enthusiastic support.

💡

The 'Three De's'

Always remember that for this phrase, you must use {得|de}. It's a common test question!

⚠️

Avoid Sarcasm

Be careful with your tone. Saying {说得对|shuō de duì} with a sigh can sound very rude.

In 15 Seconds

  • A versatile way to say 'You're right' in any situation.
  • Combines the verb 'speak' with the adjective 'correct'.
  • Essential for showing agreement and building social rapport.

What It Means

说得对 is your go-to phrase for agreement. It is simple, clear, and very common. It tells the speaker that their logic or opinion is sound. It is like nodding your head while saying "Exactly!"

How To Use It

You can use it as a standalone sentence. You can also add a subject like (you) or (he). If you want to be extra supportive, add a at the end. For example: 你说得对对对! (You are so right!). It is very flexible.

When To Use It

Use it when a friend suggests a good restaurant. Use it when a colleague makes a valid point in a meeting. It works perfectly when texting to show you are listening. It is the ultimate 'social lubricant' for smooth conversations. If someone says it's going to rain, and you see clouds? 说得对.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you are the boss giving a command. It might sound like you are surprised they were right. Avoid it in extremely formal legal documents. Don't use it if you actually disagree (obviously!). Also, if someone says something very sad, 'you're right' might feel too cold. Stick to comfort phrases instead.

Cultural Background

Chinese culture values harmony and 'saving face.' Agreeing with others is a way to build rapport. 说得对 is a polite way to validate someone's status or intelligence. In the past, people were more indirect. Today, this phrase is a direct, modern way to show support. It bridges the gap between traditional politeness and modern efficiency.

Common Variations

You will often hear 你说得对 (You said it right). For more emphasis, try 太对了 (So right!). If you want to sound more formal, use 有道理 (That makes sense). In casual chats, some people just say 对对对 like a machine gun. It shows you are super excited about their idea!

Usage Notes

This is a neutral-register phrase suitable for almost any conversation. The key is the particle `得`, which must be used to link the verb and the adjective correctly.

💡

The 'Three De's'

Always remember that for this phrase, you must use {得|de}. It's a common test question!

⚠️

Avoid Sarcasm

Be careful with your tone. Saying {说得对|shuō de duì} with a sigh can sound very rude.

🎯

The 'Yes, and' Technique

Use {你说得对|nǐ shuō de duì} followed by {而且|érqiě} (and/furthermore) to build on someone's point and sound more fluent.

💬

Elders First

When agreeing with someone much older, always use {您说得对|nín shuō de duì} to show you respect their experience.

Examples

6
#1 Deciding on dinner with a friend

你说得对,我们还是吃火锅吧。

You're right, let's have hotpot after all.

Casual agreement on a suggestion.

#2 In a professional brainstorming session

王经理说得对,这个方案成本太高。

Manager Wang is right; this plan's cost is too high.

Validating a superior's or colleague's logic.

#3 Texting a friend who is venting

你说得对!他太过分了。

You're right! He went too far.

Showing emotional support and solidarity.

#4 A child giving surprisingly good advice

哎呀,你说得真对,我不该生气。

Oh, you're so right, I shouldn't be angry.

Expressing mild surprise at someone's wisdom.

#5 Deep conversation about life

你说得对,健康才是最重要的。

You're right, health is the most important thing.

Agreeing on a serious, shared value.

#6 Correcting a mistake in a meeting

你说得对,我刚才看错日期了。

You're right, I misread the date just now.

Admitting a mistake gracefully.

Test Yourself

Choose the correct character for the structural particle in 'You are right.'

{你说___对。|nǐ shuō ___ duì.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {得|de}

The particle {得|de} is used after a verb to introduce a complement of degree.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural agreement.

A: {我觉得我们应该多练习。|wǒ juéde wǒmen yīnggāi duō liànxí.} B: _________。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你说得对|nǐ shuō de duì}

{说得对|shuō de duì} is the standard way to agree with an opinion.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are in a meeting and your boss makes a good point.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {您说得对|nín shuō de duì}

Using {您|nín} shows proper respect to a superior in a formal setting.

Fill in the blank to make the agreement stronger.

{你说得___对!|nǐ shuō de ___ duì!}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {很|hěn}

Adding {很|hěn} (very) increases the intensity of the agreement.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Choose the correct character for the structural particle in 'You are right.' Choose A2

{你说___对。|nǐ shuō ___ duì.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {得|de}

The particle {得|de} is used after a verb to introduce a complement of degree.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural agreement. dialogue_completion B1

A: {我觉得我们应该多练习。|wǒ juéde wǒmen yīnggāi duō liànxí.} B: _________。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你说得对|nǐ shuō de duì}

{说得对|shuō de duì} is the standard way to agree with an opinion.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

You are in a meeting and your boss makes a good point.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {您说得对|nín shuō de duì}

Using {您|nín} shows proper respect to a superior in a formal setting.

Fill in the blank to make the agreement stronger. Fill Blank A2

{你说得___对!|nǐ shuō de ___ duì!}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {很|hěn}

Adding {很|hěn} (very) increases the intensity of the agreement.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, {对|duì} is shorter and very common. {说得对|shuō de duì} is slightly more formal and emphasizes that you agree with their *words*.

Yes, but use {您说得对|nín shuō de duì} to be more polite.

{说得对|shuō de duì} means 'You are correct.' {说得好|shuō de hǎo} means 'You spoke well/eloquently.'

It's a grammar particle that connects the verb 'to speak' to the adjective 'correct' to describe how the speaking was done.

It's a bit informal for academic writing. Use {此言得之|cǐ yán dé zhī} or {所述正确|suǒ shù zhèngquè} instead.

You say {你说得不对|nǐ shuō de bú duì}.

Extremely. You'll hear it in almost every dialogue-heavy scene in C-dramas.

Yes, it's a great way to encourage them when they say something smart.

No, that would be {我该做吗?|wǒ gāi zuò ma?}. The sounds are quite different.

You can say {你说得对,但是...|nǐ shuō de duì, dànshì...}.

Related Phrases

🔄

{没错|méicuò}

synonym

No mistake / Exactly

🔗

{有道理|yǒu dàolǐ}

similar

Makes sense

🔗

{赞成|zànchéng}

similar

To approve / To agree

🔗

{你说呢?|nǐ shuō ne?}

contrast

What do you say?

🔗

{对极了|duì jí le}

specialized form

Extremely right

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!