就是说 (jiù shì shuō) — in other words

就是说 (jiù shì shuō) / 这就是说 (zhè jiù shì shuō) + Explanation

HSK 43.0

Pattern diagram

Clause,就是说这就是说Clause

Rule structure

就是说 (jiùshì shuō) and 这就是说 (zhè jiùshì shuō) introduce an explanation or conclusion: “in other words, this means.” They usually begin the second part of a sentence. In the longer form, 这 (zhè) explicitly points back to the preceding idea.

Examples

他明天不来,就是说我们得自己做饭。

Tā míngtiān bù lái, jiù shì shuō wǒmen děi zìjǐ zuò fàn.

He isn't coming tomorrow, that is to say, we'll have to cook ourselves.

他病了,就是说不能来。

Tā bìng le, jiù shì shuō bù néng lái.

He is ill, which means he cannot come.

飞机晚点了,这就是说要等。

Fēijī wǎndiǎn le, zhè jiù shì shuō yào děng.

The plane is delayed, which means we have to wait.

Try this rule

Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.

Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “in other words” in Chinese with 就是说?

Use the structure: 就是说 (jiù shì shuō) / 这就是说 (zhè jiù shì shuō) + Explanation. For example: 他明天不来,就是说我们得自己做饭。 — “He isn't coming tomorrow, that is to say, we'll have to cook ourselves”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他明天不来,就是说我们得自己做饭。 — “He isn't coming tomorrow, that is to say, we'll have to cook ourselves”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 4.

Tomyo

Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews

Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.

Download the app

More HSK 3.0 Level 4 grammar rules