再说

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

The Chinese word “再说” (zàishuō) is a really useful conjunction that means “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “in addition.” Think of it as a way to add extra information, provide another reason, or transition to a new point in your conversation or writing. It helps you connect ideas smoothly and build more complex sentences.

DEFINITION

Furthermore; moreover; in addition.

You'll often hear and use “再说” when you want to stack up reasons for something, or when you're listing multiple considerations. It's common in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile addition to your Chinese vocabulary.

Let's look at some common scenarios where “再说” comes in handy:

• Adding another reason or justification: When you've already given one reason for something and you want to provide another, “再说” is perfect.
• Introducing an additional point: If you're discussing something and want to bring up another relevant factor.
• Delaying a decision or action: Sometimes, “再说” can imply that something will be discussed or decided later. This is a slightly different usage, meaning "let's talk about it later" or "we'll see."

Consider this common use: You're trying to convince someone, or explain why something is a certain way, and you have several points to make. “再说” acts like a bridge, leading your listener from one point to the next, building your argument.

Translation hint: This job has a high salary, furthermore, it's close to home.

In this example, the speaker is giving two reasons why the job is good. “再说” connects the second reason to the first.

Another scenario where you'll find “再说” useful is when you're in a situation where you can't make a decision immediately, and you want to defer it. It's a polite way to say "let's postpone this discussion."

Translation hint: This problem is very complicated, let's talk about it later (or furthermore, we'll discuss it later).

While the core meaning of “再说” is “furthermore” or “in addition,” its nuance can shift slightly depending on the context. The key is to understand that it always adds something to what has already been said. It’s like saying, “and on top of that…” or “what’s more…”

Mastering “再说” will make your Chinese sound more natural and sophisticated. It allows you to build stronger arguments, provide clearer explanations, and navigate conversations with greater ease. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and try incorporating it into your own sentences.

§ Understanding “再说”

“再说” (zàishuō) is a very useful Chinese conjunction that helps you add more information, emphasize a point, or even delay a decision. It's similar to English words like “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “in addition.” Think of it as a way to say, “And another thing…” or “On top of that…”

Type

Conjunction

CEFR Level

B2

You'll often hear it in everyday conversations, so mastering it will make your Chinese sound much more natural. It's a great way to link ideas and build more complex sentences.

§ How to Use “再说” for Adding Information

The most common way to use “再说” is to introduce an additional point or reason. It usually comes at the beginning of a clause, connecting it to the previous statement.

§ Using “再说” for Postponement or Delay

“再说” can also mean “later” or “we'll talk about it later.” In this context, it implies that a decision or action is being put off until a more appropriate time.

In these cases, “再说” often appears at the end of a sentence or a clause, indicating a deferred discussion or action.

§ Common Grammatical Patterns

Here are some common patterns you'll see with “再说”:

• Statement A, 再说 Statement B. (Statement B provides an additional reason or point for Statement A.)

  外面太冷了，再说我有点累。

  It's too cold outside, furthermore, I'm a bit tired.

• Action A, (然后) 再说 Action B. (Action B will happen after Action A, or the discussion about Action B will happen after Action A.)

  我们先看完电影，出去吃什么再说。

  Let's finish the movie first, then we'll talk about what to eat outside.

§ Important Tips for Using “再说”

• Context is Key: Pay attention to the context to understand whether “再说” means “furthermore” or “later.” If it's presenting an additional reason or point, it's the former. If it's about delaying a decision or action, it's the latter.

• Informal and Natural: “再说” is very common in spoken Chinese. Using it will make your conversations sound more fluent and natural.

• Don't Overuse It: While useful, don't use it in every sentence. Vary your vocabulary to keep your speech interesting.

Practice these examples and try to create your own sentences. The more you use “再说” in different contexts, the more comfortable you'll become with it. Good luck!

§ Understanding 再说 in Daily Conversations

When you're learning Chinese, getting a handle on words like 再说 is super practical. It's not just a word you'll find in textbooks; it's everywhere. Think of it as a way to add extra information or give another reason for something. It's like saying 'furthermore,' 'moreover,' or 'in addition' in English. You'll hear it in casual chats, in formal discussions, and even in the news. Let's break down where and how you'd actually use this word.

§ 再说 at Work and School

In professional or academic settings, 再说 helps you build up your arguments or explain things more thoroughly. It shows you have more points to make, which can be very persuasive.

DEFINITION

To add another reason or point, often to strengthen an argument or provide further explanation.

Imagine you're in a meeting, and you're explaining why a project needs more time:

Translation hint: This project is difficult, we still need more time. Furthermore, our resources are also not enough.

Here, 再说 introduces the second reason – lack of resources – to support the need for more time. It's a natural way to continue your thought.

Or perhaps you're a student explaining why you can't attend an event:

Translation hint: I have to study tonight, I can't go to the party. In addition, I also have an exam tomorrow.

Again, 再说 adds another compelling reason, making your excuse more solid.

§ 再说 in News and Formal Discussions

In more formal contexts like news reports or official statements, 再说 serves the same function but often sounds a bit more serious. It helps to present multiple facets of an issue.

DEFINITION

To introduce an additional point or consideration in a more formal or analytical discussion.

Consider a news report discussing economic policy:

Translation hint: This policy will stimulate economic growth. Moreover, it can also create more employment opportunities.

Here, 再说 connects two positive outcomes of the policy, making the argument for it stronger. It’s concise and direct.

You might also see it in an article about environmental protection:

Translation hint: Protecting the environment is very important to us. In addition, this is also our responsibility to future generations.

This sentence uses 再说 to add a moral dimension to the argument, making it more impactful.

• In sum, 再说 is a versatile conjunction that allows you to expand on your points, provide further justification, or simply add more information. It's a key word for coherent and logical communication in Chinese.

• Whether you're chatting with friends, writing an essay, or reading the news, paying attention to how 再说 is used will significantly boost your understanding and fluency. Start incorporating it into your own Chinese, and you'll sound much more natural.

§ Confusing 再说 with 而且 (érqiě) or 并且 (bìngqiě)

Many learners incorrectly use 再说 (zàishuō) interchangeably with 而且 (érqiě) or 并且 (bìngqiě). While all three can mean 'furthermore' or 'moreover', their nuances and appropriate contexts differ significantly. 再说 (zàishuō) introduces an additional reason, often emphasizing that this reason is either secondary or a final deciding factor. It's like saying 'and besides' or 'what's more'.

DEFINITION

Besides; what's more; on top of that. Often implies an additional reason or a less important consideration.

Contrast this with 而且 (érqiě) and 并且 (bìngqiě), which primarily introduce additional, often equally important, information or actions. They are more general conjunctions for adding points.

Here, 'too expensive' is the primary reason, and 'color isn't nice' is an additional, supporting reason given by 再说 (zàishuō).

In this case, 'smart' and 'hardworking' are two equally important characteristics, so 而且 (érqiě) is appropriate.

§ Using 再说 as a standalone phrase for 'talk later'

This is a completely different meaning and usage of 再说 (zàishuō). When used as a standalone phrase, or at the end of a sentence, it means 'talk about it later' or 'let's discuss it later'. It's usually a way to postpone a decision or conversation. This can be confusing because the characters are the same.

DEFINITION

Let's talk about it later; we'll see; postpone discussion.

§ Overusing 再说 in formal writing

While 再说 (zàishuō) is perfectly natural in everyday conversation and informal writing, it can sometimes sound a bit too casual in very formal academic or business contexts. In such situations, more formal alternatives like 此外 (cǐwài - moreover, in addition) or 并且 (bìngqiě - and, furthermore) might be preferred, depending on the exact nuance you want to convey.

DEFINITION

Used to introduce a point that is an addition to what has been said, or to state an additional reason. More common in spoken and informal language.

It's not a strict rule, but being aware of the subtle register difference can make your Chinese sound more polished.

§ Incorrect placement in sentences

When 再说 (zàishuō) acts as a conjunction meaning 'furthermore', it usually appears at the beginning of the second clause. Placing it incorrectly can make your sentence sound awkward or unclear.

• Incorrect: 他很高，很帅，腿也长再说。 (Tā hěn gāo, hěn shuài, tuǐ yě cháng zàishuō.)
• Correct: 他很高，很帅，再说腿也很长。(Tā hěn gāo, hěn shuài, zàishuō tuǐ yě hěn cháng.)
  (He is tall, handsome, and furthermore his legs are long too.)

The key is to remember that as a conjunction, it connects clauses or ideas, so it naturally sits between them, introducing the new information.