That Is to Say: ……也就是说……
……，也就是说……
Use 也就是说 to restate, clarify, or draw out the implications of a preceding statement
也就是说 functions as "that is to say" or "in other words." It follows an initial statement and introduces a rephrased version, a clearer explanation, or a logical implication of what was just said.
也就是说 can be shortened to 就是说 in less formal contexts. It is extremely versatile — used in academic lectures, news commentary, daily conversation, and written explanations alike. The second clause does not merely repeat the first; it adds clarity, emphasis, or draws out a consequence the listener might not have noticed.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: That Is to Say: ……也就是说…… (……，也就是说……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the ……，也就是说…… pattern
New here?
Understanding ……，也就是说……
The phrase 也就是说 is one of the most useful discourse markers in advanced Chinese. It serves as a bridge between a statement and its clarification, allowing the speaker to reframe, simplify, or spell out the implications of what was just said. In academic contexts, professors use it to translate technical concepts into accessible language. In arguments, speakers use it to drive home the real-world consequences of abstract claims. In daily life, it helps ensure mutual understanding by offering a second angle on the same idea. Unlike simple repetition, 也就是说 signals to the listener: "Let me make sure you understand what this really means." Mastering this phrase elevates your Chinese from merely stating facts to actively guiding comprehension — a crucial skill for presentations, teaching, and persuasive communication.
Key Points
- 也就是说 means "that is to say / in other words / which means."
- It introduces a restatement, clarification, or logical consequence of the preceding statement.
- Can be shortened to 就是说 in casual speech.
- Used across all registers: academic, journalistic, conversational, and written.
- The second clause should add value — not merely repeat, but clarify, simplify, or draw out implications.
- Often used to make abstract or technical statements more concrete and understandable.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这是我的决定，也就是说不关你的事。
This is my decision — that is to say, it's none of your business.
Drawing out an implication
他说这是他新买的书，也就是说他不想借给我们看。
He said this is his newly bought book — in other words, he doesn't want to lend it to us.
Interpreting the subtext
明天是星期五，也就是说后天我们就放假了。
Tomorrow is Friday — that is to say, the day after tomorrow we're on vacation.
他已经辞职了，也就是说这个项目需要找新的负责人。
He has already resigned — which means this project needs a new person in charge.
这个药每天吃三次，也就是说早中晚各吃一次。
Take this medicine three times a day — that is to say, once in the morning, noon, and evening.
Clarifying specifics
考试不及格，也就是说你需要重修这门课。
You failed the exam — in other words, you need to retake this course.
Common Mistakes
也就是说 should follow the initial statement it is clarifying. It introduces the clarification, not the original statement.
The clause after 也就是说 should add new information — a clarification, implication, or consequence — not merely repeat the same statement.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 也就是说 when you want to ensure your listener truly understands the implications of what you said.
It is especially powerful in presentations and teaching — use it to bridge from technical to accessible language.
In casual speech, 就是说 works fine; in writing and formal speech, the full 也就是说 is more polished.
Practice interpreting subtext: when someone says something indirect, use 也就是说 to spell out what they really mean.
Homework
Write four sentences where the first half states a fact and the second half (after 也就是说) draws out a surprising or important implication. Try to make the implications non-obvious — the goal is to show insight, not just restate.