Concession: 话是这么说，不过…… (That May Be True, But...)
话（说）是这么说，不过/可是/可/还是……
Acknowledge someone's point before introducing a contrasting opinion using this concessive pattern
The first half acknowledges the other person's point ("what you say is true"). The second half, introduced by 不过, 可是, 可, or 还是, presents a contrasting view or reservation. This is a polite way to disagree or add a caveat.
话是这么说 and 说是这么说 are interchangeable. 不过 is the most common connector; 可是 is slightly more emphatic; 可 is very colloquial; 还是 suggests the speaker's preference remains unchanged.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Concession: 话是这么说，不过…… (That May Be True, But...) (话（说）是这么说，不过/可是/可/还是……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 话（说）是这么说，不过/可是/可/还是…… pattern
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Understanding 话（说）是这么说，不过/可是/可/还是……
This pattern is the Chinese equivalent of "That may be true, but..." or "I hear what you are saying, however..." It is a masterful conversational tool because it shows respect for the other person's viewpoint before you pivot to your own. In Chinese communication, where face and harmony matter deeply, this pattern lets you disagree without being confrontational. The first clause 话是这么说 (literally "the words are said this way") or 说是这么说 (literally "saying it is saying it this way") validates the previous speaker. Then the conjunction (不过, 可是, 可, or 还是) signals the turn, and your real opinion follows. Native speakers use this constantly in debates, negotiations, and everyday discussions. Mastering it will make you sound diplomatic and socially aware.
Key Points
- 话是这么说 (huà shì zhème shuō) = "what you say is true" — acknowledges the other person's words.
- 说是这么说 (shuō shì zhème shuō) = same meaning, slightly more casual.
- 不过 (búguò) is the most neutral connector — "however / but."
- 可是 (kěshì) adds slightly more emphasis to the contrast.
- 可 (kě) is very colloquial and punchy — common in northern Chinese speech.
- 还是 (háishi) implies "nevertheless / all the same" — the speaker's position has not changed.
- This pattern is inherently polite — it shows you listened before disagreeing.
- Can be shortened to just 话是这么说 with a trailing tone, implying the "but" without stating it.
In Chinese discourse, outright disagreement can feel aggressive. This pattern embodies the cultural value of giving face (给面子) — you honor the other person's words before presenting your own view. It is especially important in professional settings and with elders.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
话是这么说，不过你也不能太大意了。
That may be true, but you still cannot be too careless.
说是这么说，可实际情况不是那样的。
True as that may be, the actual situation is not like that.
话是这么说，可是做起来哪有那么容易？
That is easy to say, but how is it that easy to actually do?
说是这么说，还是小心一点好。
That may be so, but it is still better to be careful.
话是这么说，不过我心里还是不太踏实。
I know that is true, but I still do not feel at ease.
说是这么说，可谁敢真的那样做？
True as that is, but who would dare actually do that?
话是这么说，不过我觉得还是再想想比较好。
That may be so, but I think it is better to think it over again.
Common Mistakes
The fixed expression uses 这么, not 这样. While 这样 is grammatically possible, the natural collocation is 话是这么说.
The whole point of this pattern is politeness. Following it with blunt "you are wrong" defeats the purpose. Soften your contrasting clause.
Do not break this into two separate sentences. The concession and contrast should flow as one connected thought.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
This is one of the most useful patterns for sounding diplomatically fluent in Chinese — practice it whenever you want to politely disagree.
In casual speech, you can drop the conjunction entirely: 话是这么说……(trailing off implies the "but").
Pair this with softening phrases like 我觉得, 可能, 也许 in the second clause for maximum politeness.
Listen for this pattern in Chinese talk shows and panel discussions — it appears constantly.
Homework
Write a short dialogue (6-8 lines) between two friends debating whether to take a risky job offer. Use 话是这么说，不过…… at least twice, with different connectors (不过, 可是, 还是).