你说你一个 (nǐ shuō nǐ yī gè) — colloquial reproach

你说 (nǐ shuō) + 你 (nǐ) + 一个 (yí ge) + X (person/role) + , + Explanation

HSK 7–93.0

Pattern diagram

你说你一个Noun,Question

Rule structure

A colloquial set phrase: the speaker reproachfully or with puzzlement points out that someone's behavior does not match their role or position. X is usually a person or role (e.g. 学生 (xué shēng), 大人 (dà rén), 医生 (yī shēng)). After the comma comes a short explanation of the mismatch. It usually sounds like a mild rebuke rather than direct rudeness.

Examples

你说你一个学生,怎么能天天迟到?

Nǐ shuō nǐ yí ge xuésheng, zěnme néng tiāntiān chídào?

How can you, a student, be late every single day?

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “colloquial reproach” in Chinese with 你说你一个?

Use the structure: 你说 (nǐ shuō) + 你 (nǐ) + 一个 (yí ge) + X (person/role) + , + Explanation. For example: 你说你一个学生,怎么能天天迟到? — “How can you, a student, be late every single day?”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

你说你一个学生,怎么能天天迟到? — “How can you, a student, be late every single day?”.

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