这就是说

• Pinyin: zhè jiù shì shuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 这 = 辶 (walk) + 文 (writing); 就 = 京 (capital) + 尤 (especially); 是 = 日 (sun) + 正 (correct); 说 = 讠 (speech) + 兑 (exchange)

Meaning

That is to say; in other words; this means that.

A transitional phrase used to rephrase, clarify, or draw a conclusion from what was just said. Functions similarly to 'in other words' or 'which means'. Often used to make abstract concepts more concrete or to spell out implications.

Examples

1. 他决定辞职，这就是说我们得尽快找人接替他的工作。 He decided to resign, which means we need to find someone to take over his job as soon as possible.
2. 报告显示销售额下降了百分之三十，这就是说公司面临严峻挑战。 The report shows sales dropped by thirty percent, which means the company faces serious challenges.
3. 你不同意这个方案，这就是说我们需要重新讨论？ You disagree with this proposal — does that mean we need to discuss it again?

Usage Guide

Context: explanation, discussion, analysis

Tone: clarifying

Do Say

• 他不来了，这就是说会议要改期。(He's not coming, which means the meeting needs to be rescheduled.)
• 这就是说，我们同意了？(So that means we're in agreement?)

Don't Say

• 这就是说你好。(Incorrect usage — 这就是说 introduces a conclusion or clarification, not a greeting)

Origin & History

A fixed phrase combining 这 (this), 就 (precisely/then), 是 (is), and 说 (say). Literally 'this precisely is to say'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal