就是说啊
jiù shì shuō a
In Chinese, "I know, right?" is expressed as 就是说啊 (jiù shì shuō a).
就是说啊 is used as a reactive particle to validate what a previous speaker has said. It functions similarly to the English expressions "Exactly!" or "I know, right?" to show strong agreement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down to just is say plus a final particle. The part jiù shì means "exactly is" and shuō means "to say".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
就是说啊 is an informal, colloquial expression primarily used in spoken conversation among friends or peers. You might also encounter 对啊, which is an informal way of saying "Right, huh?" to show agreement or understanding in everyday conversations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 啊 (a) at the end of the phrase is used to add an emphatic or conversational tone, which makes the agreement sound more natural and enthusiastic.
How do you pronounce it?
jiù shì shuō a
Did you know?
- If you use 就是说啊 too formally or with a superior, it can actually sound dismissive, as if you are telling them 'that is exactly what I am saying'.
- If you use 就是说啊 with a falling, sharp tone, it can shift from a friendly agreement to a sarcastic 'No kidding!' implying the other person is stating the obvious.
- While English speakers use 'right' to seek confirmation, a Chinese speaker using 就是说啊 uses the word for 'say' to actually shut down the need for further explanation by signaling total alignment.
Examples in context
- 就是说啊，太累了。Jiùshìshuō a, tài lèi le.I know, right? It's so tiring.
- 就是说啊，电影真好看。Jiùshìshuō a, diànyǐng zhēn hǎokàn.I know, right? The movie was really good.
- 就是说啊，他很有趣。Jiùshìshuō a, tā hěn yǒuqù.I know, right? He is very funny.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about the busy workday in the office.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen今天的工作量太大了。Jīntiān de gōngzuòliàng tài dà le.The workload today is too much.
- 志强 Zhiqiang就是说啊，我也快累死了。Jiùshìshuō a, wǒ yě kuài lèi sǐ le.I know, right? I'm almost exhausted too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们得早点回家休息。Wǒmen děi zǎodiǎn huí jiā xiūxi.We need to go home early to rest.
- 志强 Zhiqiang没错，晓雯。Méicuò, Xiǎowén.Exactly, Xiaowen.
