换句话说
huàn jù huà shuō
In other words · trad. 換句話說
换句话说 (huàn jù huàshuō) is a common phrase used to introduce an alternative way of explaining something, often to clarify a point or simplify a complex idea. It acts as a rephrase connector, helping to buy clarity and thinking time.
What does 换句话说 (huàn jù huà shuō) mean?
换句话说 (huàn jù huà shuō) means “in other words” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “change sentence speak.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. It's useful in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations when you need to rephrase something for better understanding.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “HWAN joo HWAH-shwoh.” The first three syllables have falling tones, and the last is usually said lightly (neutral tone).
Other ways to say it
- 也就是说yě jiù shì shuōthat is to say / in other words
- 换言之huàn yán zhīin other words (more formal)
- 简单来说jiǎndān lái shuōsimply put / to put it simply
Examples
他迟到了，换句话说，他错过了会议的开始。
tā chídào le, huàn jù huà shuō, tā cuòguò le huìyì de kāishǐ.
He was late; in other words, he missed the start of the meeting.
这个计划太复杂了。换句话说，我们需要一个更简单的方案。
zhège jìhuà tài fùzá le. huàn jù huà shuō, wǒmen xūyào yī ge gèng jiǎndān de fāng'àn.
This plan is too complicated. In other words, we need a simpler solution.
我们必须提高效率，也就是说，要用更少的时间做更多的事。
wǒmen bìxū tígāo xiàolǜ, yě jiù shì shuō, yào yòng gèng shǎo de shíjiān zuò gèng duō de shì.
We must improve efficiency; that is to say, do more with less time.
Pro tip: Use 换句话说 when you sense your audience might not have fully grasped your initial statement, or when you want to present an idea from a different angle.
Related phrases
请讲 · Please go ahead我补充一点 · Let me add one point具体来说 · To be specific
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