再说

• Pinyin: zài shuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 再 = a horizontal line added to 冉 — again, once more; 说 = 讠(speech) + 兑 (exchange)

Meaning

Furthermore; besides; moreover; to discuss later; let's wait and see.

Has two main uses: as a conjunction adding additional reasons or points to an argument, and as a verb phrase meaning to postpone discussion or decision. In the first sense, introduces a supplementary consideration. In the second, suggests putting off a decision until later.

Examples

1. 今天太累了，再说天也快黑了，我们明天再去吧。 I'm too tired today, and besides, it's getting dark — let's go tomorrow.
2. 这个方案有很多优点，再说成本也不高，值得考虑。 This plan has many advantages, and furthermore the cost isn't high either — it's worth considering.
3. 现在说这些还太早，等情况明朗了再说吧。 It's too early to talk about this now. Let's wait until the situation becomes clearer.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, reasoning, postponement

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 我不太想去，再说我也没时间。(I don't really want to go, and besides, I don't have time.)
• 这事以后再说吧。(Let's talk about this later.)

Don't Say

• 再说一次这件事。(For 'repeat,' use 再说一遍 — 再说 as conjunction doesn't mean 'say again')

Origin & History

Compound of 再 (again, further) and 说 (to say). As a conjunction, means 'speaking further' or adding another point. As a verb phrase, means 'talk about it later.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal