反
fǎn
Against, reverse
反过来 (fǎn guò lái) — reversal and concession markers
反过来 (fǎnguòlai) + (说 (shuō)) + reverse viewpoint; 话是这么说 (huà shì zhème shuō) + objection; 话 (huà) + (又 (yòu)) + 说回来 (shuō huílai) + counterbalancing point; 退一步说 (tuì yí bù shuō) + concession
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
反过来说，Clause
话是这么说，Clause
话又说回来，Clause
退一步说，Clause
pale — also possible
Rule structure
反过来 (fǎn guò lái)（说 (shuō)） introduces the reverse viewpoint, while 话是这么说 (huà shì zhè mó shuō) acknowledges a point before an objection: “that may be true, but…”. 话 (huà)（又 (yòu)）说回来 (shuō huí lái) often introduces a counterbalancing point, “then again, on the other hand”, qualifying the preceding assessment. 退一步说 (tuì yī bù shuō) makes a concession: “let us suppose, even if…”. These phrases connect parts of an argument.
Rule structure
反过来 (fǎn guò lái)（说 (shuō)） introduces the reverse viewpoint, while 话是这么说 (huà shì zhè mó shuō) acknowledges a point before an objection: “that may be true, but…”. 话 (huà)（又 (yòu)）说回来 (shuō huí lái) often introduces a counterbalancing point, “then again, on the other hand”, qualifying the preceding assessment. 退一步说 (tuì yī bù shuō) makes a concession: “let us suppose, even if…”. These phrases connect parts of an argument.
Examples
这工作很累，话又说回来，工资还不错。
Zhè gōngzuò hěn lèi, huà yòu shuō huílai, gōngzī hái búcuò.
The job is tiring, but then again, the pay is quite good.
Examples
这工作很累，话又说回来，工资还不错。
Zhè gōngzuò hěn lèi, huà yòu shuō huílai, gōngzī hái búcuò.
The job is tiring, but then again, the pay is quite good.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “reversal and concession markers” in Chinese with 反过来?
Use the structure: 反过来 (fǎnguòlai) + (说 (shuō)) + reverse viewpoint; 话是这么说 (huà shì zhème shuō) + objection; 话 (huà) + (又 (yòu)) + 说回来 (shuō huílai) + counterbalancing point; 退一步说 (tuì yí bù shuō) + concession. For example: 这工作很累，话又说回来，工资还不错。 — “The job is tiring, but then again, the pay is quite good”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这工作很累，话又说回来，工资还不错。 — “The job is tiring, but then again, the pay is quite good”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
不瞒你说 — to tell you the truth
不瞒你说 (bù mán nǐ shuō) / 老实说 (lǎoshi shuō) / 说真的 (shuō zhēn de) + Personal opinion or confession
这样一来 — in this way, as a result
这样一来 (zhèyàng yìlái) + Conclusion/Consequence
要我说 — in my opinion, if you ask me
要 (yào) / 让 (ràng) + 我 (wǒ) + 说 (shuō) + Opinion
这不 — “see, look”
Preceding statement，+ 这不 (zhè bu)，+ confirming fact
不是 — not to criticize you
不是 (búshì) + correction / 不是我说你 (búshì wǒ shuō nǐ) + criticism / 你看你 (nǐ kàn nǐ) + reproach
无论如何 — no matter what
无论如何 (wúlùn rúhé) + Subject + (都 (dōu)) + Predicate
概括来说 — summary and conclusion
概括来说 (gàikuò lái shuō) / 总的来说 (zǒng de lái shuō) / 总而言之 (zǒng ér yán zhī) / 归根到底 (guīgēndàodǐ) / 简言之 (jiǎn yán zhī) / 简而言之 (jiǎn ér yán zhī) / 综上所述 (zōng shàng suǒ shù) + Conclusion
还别说 — you know what, actually
(你 (nǐ)) + 还别说 (hái bié shuō) + conclusion/admission