You Can Say That Again: 可不是
可不是
Use 可不是 (嘛) to express emphatic agreement with what someone has just said
可不是 (often followed by 嘛) is used in conversation to strongly agree with what someone has just said. It means "exactly!" or "you can say that again!" It confirms the previous speaker's observation and often adds further supporting evidence.
The 嘛 at the end is optional but very common and adds a casual, emphatic tone. This expression is purely conversational and always occurs as a response to someone else's statement. It can be followed by additional elaboration.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: You Can Say That Again: 可不是 (可不是)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 可不是 pattern
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Understanding 可不是
The expression 可不是 is a conversational gem that allows you to express wholehearted agreement. When someone makes an observation and you respond with 可不是嘛, you are essentially saying "isn't that the truth!" or "you're absolutely right!" The literal meaning is roughly "isn't it exactly so?" — using 可不 (definitely not... not) as a double negative that reinforces agreement. This expression is deeply embedded in Northern Chinese conversational style and is one of those phrases that immediately makes you sound natural and fluent. It is always used reactively — you cannot initiate a conversation with 可不是. It responds to observations, complaints, or statements of fact, and often leads to the speaker adding their own supporting evidence or related story.
Key Points
- 可不是(嘛) means "exactly!" or "you said it!" — expressing strong agreement.
- It is always a response to someone else's statement, never an opener.
- Often followed by supporting evidence or elaboration.
- The optional 嘛 adds casual emphasis and is very common.
- Very colloquial — characteristic of natural, fluent Chinese conversation.
- Commonly heard in Northern Chinese dialects but understood everywhere.
In Chinese conversational culture, echoing agreement is an important way to build rapport and show active listening. 可不是嘛 goes beyond a simple 对 or 是的 — it signals that you deeply resonate with what the speaker has said and validates their observation.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
甲：什么？我们家出事了？乙：可不是嘛，警察都已经来了。
A: What? Something happened at our home? B: You bet — the police have already arrived.
Confirms a surprising fact
甲：小孩子怎么就这么调皮！乙：可不是嘛，已经上小学了还这样。
A: How can kids be so naughty! B: Tell me about it — already in elementary school and still like this.
Agrees with a complaint and adds evidence
甲：这个冬天真冷啊！乙：可不是嘛，我已经穿了三层了还是觉得冷。
A: This winter is really cold! B: You can say that again — I'm wearing three layers and still feel cold.
甲：时间过得真快啊。乙：可不是，一转眼孩子都上大学了。
A: Time flies so fast. B: Doesn't it? In a blink, the kids are already in college.
甲：现在的房价太高了。乙：可不是嘛，年轻人根本买不起。
A: Housing prices are way too high. B: You're telling me — young people can't afford them at all.
甲：今年的水果特别甜。乙：可不是，我买的西瓜甜得不得了。
A: This year's fruit is especially sweet. B: Right? The watermelon I bought was incredibly sweet.
Common Mistakes
可不是嘛 must be a response to someone else's statement. It cannot be used to initiate a topic.
可不是 is a complete expression of agreement on its own. Do not try to add "I agree with you" — that makes it redundant and grammatically awkward.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Always use 可不是 as a response — never to start a conversation or introduce a new topic.
Follow it with your own supporting evidence to make the agreement more natural and engaging.
Adding 嘛 at the end makes it sound more casual and natural in everyday conversation.
This expression is a hallmark of fluent, natural Chinese — practice it in conversational exchanges.
Homework
Write three short dialogues. In each, person A makes an observation (about weather, food prices, daily life, etc.), and person B responds with 可不是嘛 followed by supporting evidence or a personal anecdote. Make the exchanges feel natural and conversational.