Usage of 再说
The phrase 再说 has two main uses in Mandarin Chinese. First, it functions as a discourse connector meaning "moreover" or "besides," used to add additional reasons or information to support a statement. For example, when explaining why you cannot do something, 再说 introduces an extra reason.
Second, 再说 can mean "to say again" or "to repeat," often used when the speaker wants to emphasize or clarify a point by restating it.
Common Collocations
- 再说一遍 (zàishuō yí biàn): to say something again, often for clarity.
- 再说下去 (zàishuō xiàqù): to continue talking or elaborating.
- 不想去，再说 (bù xiǎng qù, zàishuō): used to add a reason after stating a fact.
Nuances
When used as "moreover," 再说 usually appears at the beginning of a clause and connects reasons smoothly, often in spoken or informal contexts. It is less formal than some other connectors like 此外.
When used to mean "say again," it often appears with verbs like 一遍 (once) or 一次 (one time) to indicate repetition.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 再说 with 说再见 (say goodbye) or 说话 (to speak). 再说 specifically implies either adding more reasons or repeating what was said.
Understanding these two uses will help learners use 再说 naturally in conversation and writing.