📝 How to Say “You Mean…?” Naturally in Chinese — Not Just “我不明白”

Want to clarify what someone just said — but sound smooth and natural? Start here.

🚫 Textbook Chinese

我不明白。

(Wǒ bù míngbai.)

→ I don’t understand.

It’s correct, but it can sound a little too direct — or even blunt.

In real-life Chinese, people don’t usually say this unless there’s serious confusion.

✅ Real Chinese: Try These Instead

Try these gentle, natural phrases instead:

• 你的意思是…？(Nǐ de yìsi shì…?) → “You mean…?”

• 所以你是说…？(Suǒyǐ nǐ shì shuō…?) → “So you’re saying…?”

• 就是说…对吧？(Jiù shì shuō…duì ba?) → “So basically… right?”

• 那就是说… (Nà jiù shì shuō…) → “So that means…”

These phrases are softer, more polite — and very natural in daily conversations.

💡When to Use Them

Use these when:

• 🤔 You want to double-check what someone just said

• 🔁 You’re repeating a point to confirm your understanding

• ✨ You’re paraphrasing politely to keep the conversation smooth 

These phrases help you clarify without sounding cold, confused, or robotic.

🧱 Example Sentences

1.

A: 他下个月才回来。

(Tā xià ge yuè cái huílai.)

He’s not coming back until next month.

B: 👉 你的意思是，他这个月都不在？

(Nǐ de yìsi shì, tā zhè ge yuè dōu bú zài?)

You mean… he’s gone all month?

2.

A: 老板想让我们加快进度。

(Lǎobǎn xiǎng ràng wǒmen jiākuài jìndù.)

The boss wants us to speed things up.

B: 👉 所以你是说，得提前完成？

(Suǒyǐ nǐ shì shuō, děi tíqián wánchéng?)

So you’re saying… we need to finish early?

3.

A: 他要调到北京去工作了。

(Tā yào diào dào Běijīng qù gōngzuò le.)

He’s being transferred to Beijing.

B: 👉 就是说，他要搬家了，对吧？

̛(Jiù shì shuō, tā yào bānjiā le, duì ba?)

So basically, he’s moving — right?

🤓 Why It Sounds Better

• Softens your tone when checking understanding

• Keeps the conversation flowing smoothly

• Sounds polite, thoughtful, and native-like

⚠️ Common Mistake

🚫 Saying “我不懂” or “我不明白” every time you’re unsure.

It’s not wrong, but it can make the conversation feel stiff — or even awkward.

✅ Try these instead:

• 你的意思是…？(Nǐ de yìsi shì…?) → “You mean…?”

• 所以你是说…？(Suǒyǐ nǐ shì shuō…?) → “So you’re saying…?”

• 就是说…对吧？(Jiù shì shuō…duì ba?) → “So basically… right?”

• 那就是说… (Nà jiù shì shuō…) → “So that means…”

They help you clarify with warmth and confidence.

🏆 Quick Practice

Someone says:

“老板说这个项目暂停了。”

(Lǎobǎn shuō zhè ge xiàngmù zàntíng le.)

→ The boss said this project is paused.

What would you say?

A. 我不明白。

B. 所以你是说，我们不用做了？

✅ Correct Answer: B

It’s smooth, thoughtful, and keeps things natural.

✨ Final Thoughts

These phrases aren’t just ways to ask for clarity — they’re how real people keep conversations flowing.

Next time you’re unsure, try one of them — and see how natural your Chinese starts to sound. 🧠💬

Learning Chinese is about connection, not perfection.

📘 Want more like this? Check out the full blog series: Real-Life Chinese