有道理
yǒu dàoli
That makes sense
有道理 (yǒu dàoli) means 'that makes sense' or 'that's reasonable'. Speakers use it to acknowledge a good point or a valid argument, often implying agreement without full surrender.
What does 有道理 (yǒu dàoli) mean?
有道理 (yǒu dàoli) means “that makes sense” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “has logic.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely applicable. It's a common way to show you understand and agree with someone's point. A more emphatic way to agree is 说得对 (shuō de duì), 'that's well said'.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'yoh DOW-lee'. The first syllable is a rising tone, and the second is a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 说得对shuō de duìthat's well said / you're right
- 有道理啊yǒu dàoli athat makes sense! (with emphasis)
- 言之有理yán zhī yǒu lǐwhat you said has reason (more formal)
Examples
你说的有道理，我同意你的看法。
nǐ shuō de yǒu dàoli, wǒ tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ.
What you said makes sense, I agree with your view.
嗯，有道理。我之前没想到这一点。
èn, yǒu dàoli. wǒ zhīqián méi xiǎngdào zhè yìdiǎn.
Hmm, that makes sense. I hadn't thought of that before.
他的建议很有道理，我们可以试试看。
tā de jiànyì hěn yǒu dàoli, wǒmen kěyǐ shìshi kàn.
His suggestion is very reasonable, we can try it out.
Pro tip: 有道理 often implies that you're acknowledging a valid point, even if you don't fully commit to it or still have reservations.
Related phrases
我不同意 · I disagree你说得对 · You're right不一定 · Not necessarily
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