Fixed Phrase: 就是说/这就是说
就是说/这就是说
Use 就是说 and 这就是说 to rephrase, clarify, or draw a conclusion from something previously stated
就是说 and 这就是说 mean "that is to say" or "in other words." They are used to restate a previous point in clearer terms, draw an explicit conclusion, or make an implication obvious. 就是说 can appear at the beginning of a sentence or mid-sentence; 这就是说 always appears at the beginning and explicitly refers back to what was just said.
就是说 is slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. 这就是说 is more emphatic and is preferred in written or more formal contexts. Both are followed by a comma before the rephrased content.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Phrase: 就是说/这就是说 (就是说/这就是说)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 就是说/这就是说 pattern
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Understanding 就是说/这就是说
When you need to rephrase something for clarity, draw a conclusion from what was said, or make an implicit meaning explicit, 就是说 and 这就是说 are your tools. These phrases function like English "that is to say," "in other words," or "what this means is." They bridge the gap between an original statement and its clearer reformulation, ensuring the listener understands the speaker's intended meaning. 就是说 is the more common form in everyday conversation — it can even appear within questions to seek confirmation: 你就是说你不同意？ (So you're saying you disagree?). 这就是说 is slightly more formal and always refers explicitly back to a preceding statement with the demonstrative 这. Both forms are indispensable in academic discussion, news commentary, and logical argumentation.
Key Points
- 就是说 = "that is to say / in other words" — rephrases or clarifies a previous statement.
- 这就是说 = "what this means is" — more formal, explicitly refers back with 这.
- Used to make implicit meanings explicit or draw a clear conclusion.
- Can be used in questions to confirm understanding: 就是说……？
- Always followed by a comma when at the start of a clause.
- Extremely useful in academic writing, explanations, and logical arguments.
Chinese academic and journalistic writing highly values clarity of reasoning. Using 就是说 or 这就是说 to restate key points is a standard rhetorical technique in Chinese essays, news commentary, and formal speeches. It reflects the emphasis on ensuring the audience fully grasps the speaker's logic — a practice rooted in the Confucian tradition of thorough teaching and explanation.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
就是说，他是一个不诚实的人。
In other words, he is a dishonest person.
这就是说，责任不在你，你千万不要怪自己。
What this means is that the responsibility is not on you — you must not blame yourself.
他没有通过面试，就是说他还需要再努力。
He didn't pass the interview — in other words, he still needs to work harder.
这就是说，我们必须在下周之前完成这个项目。
What this means is that we must finish this project before next week.
你就是说你不想参加了？
So you're saying you don't want to participate anymore?
公司要裁员，就是说有些人可能会失去工作。
The company is going to lay off employees — that is to say, some people may lose their jobs.
气温会继续下降，这就是说，我们要做好防寒准备。
The temperature will keep dropping — this means we need to prepare for the cold.
Common Mistakes
Do not add 了 after 就是说. It is a fixed connective phrase that does not take aspect particles.
Always place a comma after 就是说 or 这就是说 when it introduces a clause. Without the comma, the sentence is hard to parse.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 就是说 in conversations to confirm your understanding of what someone else said.
这就是说 is great for essay writing — it clearly signals "here is the conclusion drawn from the above."
In spoken Chinese, 就是说 often functions like a filler while the speaker organizes their thoughts.
Practice chaining: Statement → 就是说 → clearer restatement. This is a core skill for advanced Chinese communication.
Homework
Write five pairs of sentences. For each pair, write an original statement first, then use 就是说 or 这就是说 to rephrase it more clearly or draw a conclusion. Topics should include work, health, education, technology, and social issues.