再说 (in addition)

• Pinyin: zàishuō
• Formation: ⋯⋯，再说，⋯⋯
• Hanzi breakdown: 再 = 一 (one) + 冉 (slowly) — to repeat; 说 = 讠(speech) + 兑 (exchange)

Meaning

再说 is used as a conjunction meaning 'besides,' 'moreover,' or 'in addition.' It introduces a supplementary reason that supports the previous statement, often used to strengthen one's case in explanations or justifications.

再说 serves two distinct functions in Chinese. As a conjunction, it adds a secondary reason after an initial statement, functioning like 'besides' or 'what's more' in English. As a verb phrase, 再说 literally means 'talk about it later' or 'discuss it another time.' The conjunction usage always appears at the beginning of a new clause, typically after a comma. It differs from 而且 in that 再说 often introduces a more casual, secondary reason rather than building a formal progressive argument. 再说 is more common in spoken Chinese and carries a conversational, persuasive tone.

Examples

1. 我不想去了，再说外面还在下雨。 I don't want to go anymore — besides, it's still raining outside.
2. 这件事不急，再说我们还没准备好。 This matter isn't urgent — besides, we're not ready yet.
3. 我今天不想做饭，再说冰箱里也没什么菜了。 I don't feel like cooking today — besides, there's barely anything in the fridge.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, everyday

Tone: persuasive

Do Say

• 已经很晚了，再说明天还要上班，早点休息吧。
• 这家店太远了，再说东西也不便宜。
• 我现在不饿，再说刚才已经吃了很多水果了。

Don't Say

• 再说，我今天很开心。(再说 introduces a supplementary reason — it should follow an initial statement, not start a standalone thought) → 今天过得很顺利，再说天气也好，所以我很开心。
• 他很高，再说很帅。(再说 connects supporting reasons, not simple parallel descriptions — use 而且 for listing qualities) → 他很高，而且很帅。

Origin & History

再说 combines 再 (again) and 说 (to say/speak). Its conjunction meaning evolved from the literal sense of 'speaking again' or 'saying more,' naturally becoming a discourse marker for adding supplementary points.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal