jiùshì shuō: 就是说 - In other words, That is to say, So...

• Keywords: jiùshì shuō, 就是说, Chinese for “in other words”, meaning of jiushishuo, how to use 就是说, Chinese filler word, that is to say in Chinese, so in Chinese, Chinese conjunction, HSK 4 grammar.
• Summary: “就是说 (jiùshì shuō)” is a fundamental Chinese phrase essential for clear communication, acting as a bridge to clarify, rephrase, or draw a conclusion. Functioning like “in other words,” “that is to say,” or “so…” in English, understanding the meaning of jiushishuo is key for learners who want to explain their thoughts more precisely and make their spoken Chinese sound more natural and fluent. This entry breaks down how to use 就是说 in various practical contexts.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiù shì shuō
• Part of Speech: Discourse Marker / Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A phrase used to introduce an explanation, clarification, or conclusion; meaning “in other words,” “that is to say,” or “so…”
• In a Nutshell: Think of “就是说” as a signpost in a conversation that says, “Let me make that clearer” or “Here's the bottom line.” When you've said something a bit complex or indirect, you use “就是说” to follow it up with a simpler, more direct explanation or to state its logical consequence. It's the go-to tool for ensuring your listener understands exactly what you mean.

• 就 (jiù): A versatile character that often adds emphasis. Here, it functions like “precisely” or “exactly,” sharpening the focus of the statement.
• 是 (shì): The fundamental verb “to be” (is, am, are). It establishes a direct equivalence.
• 说 (shuō): The verb “to speak,” “to say,” or “to explain.”

When combined, “就是说 (jiùshì shuō)” literally translates to “precisely is to say” or “it is to say that…”. This structure perfectly captures its function: to present a clearer or more definitive version of what was just said.

While not a deep cultural term like `关系 (guānxi)`, “就是说” plays a crucial role in the rhythm of Chinese communication. Chinese communication can sometimes favor indirectness to maintain harmony. “就是说” serves as a tool to navigate this. It can be used to: 1. Politely Clarify: After an indirect statement, one can use “就是说” to make the point explicit without sounding blunt from the start. 2. Ensure Understanding: It reflects a communicative value of ensuring both parties are on the same page. It's a mutual signal that clarity is the goal. In contrast to the casual English “I mean…” or “like…”, which are often used as simple fillers, “就是说” feels more intentional. It signals a deliberate pause to reformulate a thought for the listener's benefit. This makes it a staple in everything from friendly chats to university lectures, highlighting its importance in structured and thoughtful expression.

“就是说” is an extremely common and versatile phrase used across all levels of formality. As a Clarifier (Most Common Use) Used to rephrase a previous statement in simpler or more direct terms.

A: 这家餐厅的人均消费比较高。 (Zhè jiā cāntīng de rénjūn xiāofèi bǐjiào gāo.)
B: 就是说，很贵，对吧？ (Jiùshì shuō, hěn guì, duì ba?)
A: The per-person spending at this restaurant is relatively high.
B: In other words, it's expensive, right?

To Draw a Conclusion Used to state the logical consequence or implication of what was just said. It functions like “so, that means…”

A: 今天的最后一班地铁已经开走了。(Jīntiān de zuìhòu yī bān dìtiě yǐjīng kāi zǒu le.)
B: 就是说，我们只能打车回家了。(Jiùshì shuō, wǒmen zhǐ néng dǎchē huíjiā le.)
A: The last subway for today has already left.
B: So, that means we can only take a taxi home.

To Confirm Understanding It can be used in a question to confirm that you have correctly understood the other person's meaning.

A: 这个项目需要所有团队成员的投入。(Zhège xiàngmù xūyào suǒyǒu tuánduì chéngyuán de tóurù.)
B: 你的意思就是说，我这个周末也得加班吗？(Nǐ de yìsi jiùshì shuō, wǒ zhège zhōumò yě děi jiābān ma?)
A: This project requires input from all team members.
B: So what you mean is, I also have to work overtime this weekend?

• Example 1:
  • 他考试没及格，就是说，他得参加补考。
  • Pinyin: Tā kǎoshì méi jígé, jiùshì shuō, tā děi cānjiā bǔkǎo.
  • English: He failed the exam, which means he has to take the make-up exam.
  • Analysis: Here, “就是说” is used to state the direct and unavoidable consequence of failing the exam.
• Example 2:
  • 老板说让我们“发挥创造力”，就是说，他自己也没想法。
  • Pinyin: Lǎobǎn shuō ràng wǒmen “fāhuī chuàngzàolì”, jiùshì shuō, tā zìjǐ yě méi xiǎngfǎ.
  • English: The boss told us to “be creative,” which is to say, he has no ideas himself.
  • Analysis: This is a slightly sarcastic or humorous use, where “就是说” is used to state the “real” or cynical meaning behind a vague corporate phrase.
• Example 3:
  • 医生建议我减少碳水化合物的摄入。就是说，我以后要少吃米饭和面包了。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng jiànyì wǒ jiǎnshǎo tànshuǐ huàhéwù de shèrù. Jiùshì shuō, wǒ yǐhòu yào shǎo chī mǐfàn hé miànbāo le.
  • English: The doctor advised me to reduce my carbohydrate intake. In other words, I need to eat less rice and bread from now on.
  • Analysis: This example shows the classic usage of simplifying a technical term (“carbohydrates”) into everyday, practical actions.
• Example 4:
  • 我们公司的规定是九点上班，正负十分钟。就是说，你最晚九点十分要到。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī de guīdìng shì jiǔ diǎn shàngbān, zhèngfù shí fēnzhōng. Jiùshì shuō, nǐ zuì wǎn jiǔ diǎn shí fēn yào dào.
  • English: Our company's rule is to start work at nine, plus or minus ten minutes. That is to say, the latest you can arrive is 9:10.
  • Analysis: “就是说” is used here to clarify an ambiguous rule and state the practical limit.
• Example 5:
  • 她不回你微信，也不接你电话。就是说，她对你没兴趣。
  • Pinyin: Tā bù huí nǐ wēixìn, yě bù jiē nǐ diànhuà. Jiùshì shuō, tā duì nǐ méi xìngqù.
  • English: She doesn't reply to your WeChat messages, nor does she answer your calls. Basically, she's not interested in you.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates using “就是说” to summarize observational evidence and draw a blunt, social conclusion.
• Example 6:
  • 房东要把房租提高百分之二十。就是说，我们可能得搬家了。
  • Pinyin: Fángdōng yào bǎ fángzū tígāo bǎi fēn zhī èrshí. Jiùshì shuō, wǒmen kěnéng děi bānjiā le.
  • English: The landlord is going to increase the rent by 20%. That means we might have to move.
  • Analysis: This shows “就是说” introducing a potential future consequence, not a definite one (“might have to move”).
• Example 7:
  • A: 你觉得这个设计怎么样？ (Nǐ juéde zhège shèjì zěnmeyàng?)
  • B: 嗯……颜色搭配上可以再大胆一点。就是说，我觉得现在有点太保守了。
  • Pinyin: Èn… yánsè dāpèi shàng kěyǐ zài dàdǎn yīdiǎn. Jiùshì shuō, wǒ juéde xiànzài yǒudiǎn tài bǎoshǒu le.
  • English: A: What do you think of this design? B: Hmm… the color matching could be a bit bolder. In other words, I think it's a bit too conservative right now.
  • Analysis: Here, a softer, more constructive suggestion is followed by a “就是说” phrase that states the core criticism more directly. This is a common polite strategy.
• Example 8:
  • 这份合同的所有条款都对我们不利。就是说，我们不能签。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn hétong de suǒyǒu tiáokuǎn dōu duì wǒmen bùlì. Jiùshì shuō, wǒmen bùnéng qiān.
  • English: All the clauses in this contract are unfavorable to us. In other words, we can't sign it.
  • Analysis: A clear example of stating a summary judgment (“unfavorable”) and then the logical, decisive action (“we can't sign”).
• Example 9:
  • 这个软件只兼容iOS系统。就是说，安卓手机用不了。
  • Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn zhǐ jiānróng iOS xìtǒng. Jiùshì shuō, Ānzhuó shǒujī yòng bùliǎo.
  • English: This software is only compatible with the iOS system. That is to say, Android phones can't use it.
  • Analysis: Perfect for technical explanations, translating a piece of jargon (“compatible with iOS”) into a practical implication for the user.
• Example 10:
  • 他说他“需要一些个人空间”，就是说他想分手了，你明白吗？
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā “xūyào yīxiē gèrén kōngjiān”, jiùshì shuō tā xiǎng fēnshǒu le, nǐ míngbai ma?
  • English: He said he “needs some personal space,” which is to say he wants to break up, do you understand?
  • Analysis: This example shows “就是说” being used to decode a common social euphemism and reveal the harsh reality.

• `就是说` vs. `所以 (suǒyǐ)`: This is a key point of confusion.
  • `所以 (suǒyǐ)` means “so” or “therefore” and shows a direct cause and effect. It's raining, so the ground is wet. (下雨了，所以地是湿的。)
  • `就是说` is about clarification or logical conclusion, not necessarily direct causation. The forecast says 100% chance of rain. That is to say, it's definitely going to rain. (天气预报说降水概率百分之百。就是说，肯定会下雨。) The forecast isn't the *cause* of the rain, but it leads to the *conclusion* that it will rain.
• `就是说` vs. `换句话说 (huàn jù huà shuō)`:
  • `换句话说 (huàn jù huà shuō)` literally means “to change a sentence and say,” making it a very precise equivalent of the English “in other words.” It's almost exclusively for rephrasing.
  • `就是说` is broader. It can rephrase, but it can also draw a conclusion (like “so that means…”), which `换句话说` doesn't do as strongly. In spoken Chinese, `就是说` is far more common and versatile.
• Common Pitfall: Do not use `就是说` to connect two unrelated ideas. The second part of the sentence must be a clarification, rephrasing, or logical conclusion of the first part.
  • Incorrect: 我喜欢红色，就是说，我饿了。(Wǒ xǐhuān hóngsè, jiùshì shuō, wǒ è le.) - “I like the color red, in other words, I'm hungry.” This makes no sense.

• 换句话说 (huàn jù huà shuō) - A more formal and direct synonym for “in other words,” used specifically for rephrasing.
• 也就是说 (yě jiùshì shuō) - “That is also to say.” An almost identical synonym, often interchangeable with `就是说`.
• 所以 (suǒyǐ) - “So,” “therefore.” Used to show cause and effect, not just clarification.
• 因此 (yīncǐ) - A more formal version of `所以`, meaning “therefore” or “consequently.”
• 总而言之 (zǒng'éryánzhī) - “In conclusion,” “to sum up.” A formal phrase used to summarize a long argument, usually at the end.
• 简单来说 (jiǎndān lái shuō) - “To put it simply.” Used right before giving a simplified explanation of a complex topic.
• 我的意思是 (wǒ de yìsi shì) - “What I mean is…” A very direct and personal way to clarify one's own statement.