换言之

HSK 6

Conjunctions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Clause 1, 换言之, Clause 2 (restatement of Clause 1)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Used to restate a previously expressed idea in a different way, typically to clarify its meaning.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

换言之 (huànyánzhī) is a formal conjunction meaning "in other words" or "to put it another way". It is used to introduce an alternative way of expressing an idea that has just been stated, typically to clarify, simplify, or emphasize a particular aspect. This expression appears more commonly in written language or formal contexts than in everyday conversation.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

他只吃蔬菜和水果。换言之，他是个素食者。
繁: 他只吃蔬菜和水果。換言之，他是個素食者。Tā zhǐ chī shūcài hé shuǐguǒ. Huànyánzhī, tā shì ge sùshízhě.
He only eats vegetables and fruits. In other words, he is a vegetarian.
这次考试很难。换言之，没几个人能通过。
繁: 這次考試很難。換言之，沒幾個人能通過。Zhè cì kǎoshì hěn nán. Huànyánzhī, méi jǐ ge rén néng tōngguò.
This exam was very difficult; in other words, very few people passed.
公司没达到销售目标。换言之，我们没赚够钱。
繁: 公司沒達到銷售目標。換言之，我們沒賺夠錢。Gōngsī méi dádào xiāoshòu mùbiāo. Huànyánzhī, wǒmen méi zhuàn gòu qián.
The company failed to reach its sales target; in other words, we didn't make enough money.
他不同意我们的计划。换言之，他不会参加。
繁: 他不同意我們的計劃。換言之，他不會參加。Tā bù tóngyì wǒmen de jìhuà. Huànyánzhī, tā bú huì cānjiā.
He disagrees with our plan. In other words, he won't participate.
这个电池能用二十四小时。换言之，你每天只需充一次电。
繁: 這個電池能用二十四小時。換言之，你每天只需充一次電。Zhège diànchí néng yòng èrshísì xiǎoshí. Huànyánzhī, nǐ měi tiān zhǐ xū chōng yí cì diàn.
This battery can last for twenty-four hours; in other words, you only need to charge it once a day.

Common mistakes

Wrong:我没钱了，换言之，我不能买这个。
Correct:我没钱了，也就是说，我不能买这个。
换言之 is more formal and typically used in written language. In everyday spoken language, 也就是说 or 换句话说 would sound more natural.