zàishuō: 再说 - Let's talk about it later, Moreover, In addition
Quick Summary
Keywords: zaishuo, 再说, zai shuo, how to use zaishuo, Chinese for moreover, Chinese for talk later, polite refusal in Chinese, Chinese indirect communication, zàishuō meaning, HSK 3 grammar
Summary: 再说 (zàishuō) is a fundamental Chinese term with two key functions. It can mean “let's talk about it later,” often used as a polite and indirect way to postpone a decision or refuse a request. It also functions as a conjunction meaning “moreover” or “in addition,” used to add a supplementary and often conclusive reason. Understanding 再说 is essential for navigating social interactions and grasping the nuances of Chinese indirect communication.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zàishuō
Part of Speech: Adverb, Conjunction
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: To put something off until later; moreover, what's more.
In a Nutshell: “再说” literally translates to “again say,” and this captures its two meanings perfectly. First, it's used to “say again later,” effectively delaying a conversation or decision. This is a crucial social tool for avoiding a direct 'no.' Second, it's used to “say again” in the sense of adding another point, like saying “and another thing…” or “moreover…” This makes it a versatile word for both social maneuvering and logical argumentation.
Character Breakdown
再 (zài): This character means “again,” “once more,” or “then.” It depicts a horizontal line representing a boundary or task, with a vertical line through it suggesting repetition or continuation.
说 (shuō): This character means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to talk.” The left side (言) is the radical for speech, and the right side (兑) provides the pronunciation.
The characters combine to mean “say again.” This logic applies to both core meanings: either you will “say” it “again” at a future time (postponement), or you are “saying” something “again” to add more information (moreover).
Cultural Context and Significance
“再说” is a cornerstone of indirect communication in Chinese culture, which often prioritizes social harmony and saving “face” (面子, miànzi) over direct expression. Where a Westerner might give a clear “No, I can't,” a Chinese person might say “我们以后再说吧” (wǒmen yǐhòu zàishuō ba) - “Let's talk about it later.”
This is not necessarily deceptive; it's a culturally ingrained strategy to avoid causing embarrassment or confrontation. By saying “再说,” the speaker gives the other person “face” by not rejecting them outright. It creates a gentle buffer, preserving the relationship. An English-speaking learner must understand that “let's talk about it later” often means “the answer is probably no, and we will likely never talk about it again.” It's a “soft no,” a polite dismissal that keeps social channels open, unlike a hard “no” which can feel like shutting a door.
Practical Usage in Modern China
1. To Postpone or Politely Refuse (The “Soft No”)
This is its most common and culturally nuanced use. It's an informal, conversational tool used among friends, family, and colleagues to sidestep a request, invitation, or difficult question without being rude. If someone uses “再说” in response to a request you've made, it's a strong signal to drop the subject for now, and possibly forever.
Formality: Informal.
Connotation: Neutral, but context-dependent. Can be genuinely about postponement if a specific time is mentioned, but is often a polite refusal.
2. As a Conjunction for “Moreover” or “In Addition”
In this usage, “再说” connects clauses to add another reason. It often introduces a reason that is more important or decisive than the previous one. It's similar to “besides” or “what's more” in English. This usage is common in explanations and when justifying a decision.
Formality: Used in both spoken and informal written Chinese.
English: Do you want to go see a movie together this weekend? Let's talk about that later, I'm very busy this week.
Analysis: Here, the speaker uses “以后再说吧” as a classic “soft no.” Instead of directly saying “No, I can't,” they postpone the decision indefinitely, which is a politer way to decline the invitation.
English: I don't want to buy this piece of clothing; it's too expensive, and besides, I don't like the color either.
Analysis: In this context, “再说” adds a second, often more personal or conclusive, reason. The high price is the first reason, but the fact that they don't like the color seals the deal.
English: Can you lend me some money? I'm a little tight on cash right now, let's talk again in a few days.
Analysis: This is a very common and gentle way to refuse a request for a loan. “Let's talk in a few days” is almost always a signal that the answer is no, without having to say it directly.
Example 4: (Conjunction)
今天别出门了，外面在下大雨，再说你感冒还没好。
Pinyin: Jīntiān bié chūmén le, wàimiàn zài xià dàyǔ, zàishuō nǐ gǎnmào hái méi hǎo.
English: Don't go out today. It's raining heavily outside; moreover, your cold isn't better yet.
Analysis: “再说” introduces the stronger, more compelling reason. The rain is a good reason to stay in, but the fact that the person is sick is an even better one.
English: Regarding this new project, let's talk about it at the meeting tomorrow.
Analysis: In a work context, if a specific future time is given (like “tomorrow's meeting”), “再说” is more likely to mean a genuine postponement rather than a refusal.
English: Mom, can you buy me that toy? We'll talk about it after you get 100 on your test!
Analysis: This is a classic parenting move. The parent sets a difficult (or impossible) condition, using “再说” to mean “We can discuss it only if X happens.” It's a conditional postponement.
Example 7: (Conjunction)
我觉得我们不适合。我的工作太忙，没时间谈恋爱，再说我们住在不同的城市。
Pinyin: Wǒ juédé wǒmen bù shìhé. Wǒ de gōngzuò tài máng, méi shíjiān tán liàn'ài, zàishuō wǒmen zhù zài bùtóng de chéngshì.
English: I don't think we're a good match. My work is too busy, I don't have time for a relationship, and what's more, we live in different cities.
Analysis: Here, “再说” introduces the final, insurmountable obstacle (living in different cities) to justify the initial statement (“we're not a good match”).
English: When are you planning to get married? Uhm, we'll see.
Analysis: This is a classic non-answer to a personal question. “再说吧” is a polite way to say “I don't know,” “I don't want to talk about it,” or “Mind your own business.”
Example 9: (Conjunction, deciding against an activity)
我们还是别去爬山了。天气预报说可能下雨，再说，我昨天没睡好，很累。
Pinyin: Wǒmen háishì bié qù páshān le. Tiānqì yùbào shuō kěnéng xiàyǔ, zàishuō, wǒ zuótiān méi shuì hǎo, hěn lèi.
English: Let's not go hiking after all. The weather forecast says it might rain; besides, I didn't sleep well yesterday and I'm very tired.
Analysis: The speaker presents two reasons for not going. The second reason, introduced by “再说,” is a personal state that makes the decision final.
Example 10: (Genuine Postponement)
我现在没法给你准确的答复，让我先查一下资料，回头再说。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiànzài méi fǎ gěi nǐ zhǔnquè de dáfù, ràng wǒ xiān chá yīxià zīliào, huítóu zàishuō.
English: I can't give you a precise answer right now. Let me check the information first, and then we'll talk.
Analysis: The phrase “回头再说” (huítóu zàishuō), meaning “talk again after turning around,” strongly implies a genuine intention to follow up. This is a less ambiguous form of postponement.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Taking “再说” literally. The most common pitfall for learners is to hear “let's talk later” and actually expect to discuss the topic again. You must learn to read the context. If no specific time is proposed for the follow-up, it's very likely a polite “no.”
“再说” vs. “而且” (érqiě): When used as “moreover,” “再说” and “而且” are similar. However, “再说” often introduces a more subjective or conclusive reason. “而且” is a more neutral connector, simply meaning “and also.” For example, “This restaurant is cheap, 而且 it's close by” (both are objective facts). “This restaurant is cheap, 再说 I'm not very hungry anyway” (the second reason is a subjective state that finalizes the decision).
The importance of “吧” (ba): Adding “吧” at the end, as in “再说吧” (zàishuō ba), softens the tone significantly. It makes the postponement sound more like a casual suggestion, further reducing any potential for confrontation.
Related Terms and Concepts
以后再说 (yǐhòu zàishuō) - “Talk about it in the future.” A more explicit way to postpone something indefinitely, strongly implying it won't be brought up again.
回头再说 (huítóu zàishuō) - “Talk about it later/when I get back to you.” This version often implies a more genuine intent to revisit the topic.
再说吧 (zàishuō ba) - A softened, more casual form that makes the postponement feel like a gentle suggestion.
考虑考虑 (kǎolǜ kǎolǜ) - “Let me think about it.” Often used together with 再说 as a polite refusal strategy: “我考虑考虑再说” (I'll think about it and we'll talk later).
而且 (érqiě) - A related conjunction for “moreover” or “in addition,” but often more neutral and less conclusive than 再说.
另外 (lìngwài) - Another word for “in addition” or “besides,” typically used to introduce a separate, distinct point rather than a reinforcing one.
面子 (miànzi) - The cultural concept of “face” or social reputation. Using 再说 is a key strategy for giving and saving face.
委婉 (wěiwǎn) - Euphemistic, tactful, or indirect. 再说 is a perfect example of a 委婉 expression.