按理说

• Pinyin: àn lǐ shuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 按 = according to; 理 = reason; 说 = speak

Meaning

Logically speaking; in principle; theoretically.

A discourse marker introducing what should logically be true, often followed by a contrasting reality. Used to express expectations versus actual situations.

Examples

1. 按理说他应该早就到了，怎么还没来？ Logically speaking, he should have arrived long ago. Why isn't he here yet?
2. 按理说这么简单的问题你不应该做错。 In principle, you shouldn't have gotten such a simple question wrong.
3. 按理说公司应该给加班费，但实际上很少有人拿到。 Theoretically, the company should pay overtime, but in reality few people actually get it.

Usage Guide

Context: reasoning, conversation

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 按理说不应该这样。(Logically speaking, it shouldn't be like this.)
• 按理说他是对的。(In principle, he's right.)

Don't Say

• 在完全确定的情况下用'按理说' (Don't use 按理说 when you're stating a certain fact — it implies possible deviation)

Origin & History

按 (according to) + 理 (logic/reason) + 说 (speaking). Together: speaking according to logic.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal