也就是说

HSK 6

Conjunctions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Clause 1, 也就是说, Clause 2 (explains Clause 1)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

The phrase 也就是说 is used to restate or clarify a point just made, equivalent to "that is to say" or "in other words."

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

Use 也就是说 when you want to rephrase something just said to make it clearer or easier to understand. It is equivalent to 'that is' or 'in other words' in English. The clause following 也就是说 is typically an explanation, a logical conclusion, or a simpler restatement of the preceding clause. This expression helps clarify information and prevent misunderstandings.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

我这次考试没及格，也就是说，我得补考。
繁: 我這次考試沒及格，也就是說，我得補考。Wǒ zhè cì kǎoshì méi jígé, yě jiùshì shuō, wǒ děi bǔkǎo.
I didn't pass the exam this time, in other words, I have to take a makeup exam.
项目必须周五前完成，也就是说，只剩三天了。
繁: 項目必須週五前完成，也就是說，只剩三天了。Xiàngmù bìxū zhōuwǔ qián wánchéng, yě jiùshì shuō, zhǐ shèng sān tiān le.
The project must be completed before Friday, that is to say, only three days are left.
他十年没回家了，也就是说，他很想家。
繁: 他十年沒回家了，也就是說，他很想家。Tā shí nián méi huí jiā le, yě jiùshì shuō, tā hěn xiǎng jiā.
He hasn't been home for ten years, which means he really misses home.
这件衣服打五折，也就是说，现在半价。
繁: 這件衣服打五折，也就是說，現在半價。Zhè jiàn yīfu dǎ wǔ zhé, yě jiùshì shuō, xiànzài bànjià.
This shirt is 50% off, in other words, it's now half price.
从我家到公司要一个小时，也就是说，路上很远。
繁: 從我家到公司要一個小時，也就是說，路上很遠。Cóng wǒ jiā dào gōngsī yào yí ge xiǎoshí, yě jiùshì shuō, lùshang hěn yuǎn.
From my home to the company takes one hour, which is to say the distance is very far.

Common mistakes

Wrong:下雨了，也就是说我不出门。
Correct:下雨了，所以我不出门。
也就是说 is used to explain and clarify meaning. When only wanting to state a direct result, 所以 (therefore) is more natural.
Wrong:他很聪明，也就是说，他也很努力。
Correct:他很聪明，而且也很努力。
The clause after 也就是说 should be a restatement of the preceding clause, not a new idea. 'Intelligent' and 'diligent' are two different characteristics.