从某种意义上说
In a certain sense
Littéralement: 从 (From) 某种 (some kind of) 意义 (meaning) 上 (on) 说 (to speak)
Use it to introduce a nuanced point of view without sounding overly aggressive or direct.
En 15 secondes
- Used to present a specific perspective or nuanced viewpoint.
- Functions as a 'softener' for opinions or controversial statements.
- Common in professional meetings, debates, and deep personal talks.
Signification
This phrase is used to introduce a specific perspective or interpretation of a situation, suggesting that while something might not be true in every way, it is true from a certain point of view.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a failed project with a boss
从某种意义上说，这次失败给了我们宝贵的经验。
In a certain sense, this failure gave us valuable experience.
Talking about a breakup with a friend
从某种意义上说，分手对你们两个都好。
In a certain sense, breaking up is good for both of you.
Debating the impact of technology
从某种意义上说，手机让我们变得更孤独了。
In a certain sense, mobile phones have made us more lonely.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the high-context nature of Chinese communication, where nuance and perspective are often more important than blunt facts. It is heavily used in intellectual discourse and media to provide a balanced view, aligning with the philosophical tradition of seeing the world as a collection of relative truths.
The 'Smart' Filler
If you need a second to think during a Chinese speech, start with this phrase. It buys you time and makes you sound like a deep thinker.
Don't be Captain Obvious
Avoid using this for things that are 100% literal. 'In a certain sense, this apple is red' will make you sound like a malfunctioning robot.
En 15 secondes
- Used to present a specific perspective or nuanced viewpoint.
- Functions as a 'softener' for opinions or controversial statements.
- Common in professional meetings, debates, and deep personal talks.
What It Means
This phrase is a powerful tool for your Chinese toolkit. It acts like a lens for a camera. It helps you focus on one specific part of a big picture. When you say 从某种意义上说, you are telling your listener something important. You are saying, 'I know there are many ways to see this.' You are choosing one specific logic to follow right now. It is not about being right or wrong. It is about exploring a specific point of view. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is quite simple. You usually put it at the start of your sentence. It works like a polite introduction. Think of it as a softener for your opinions. You can also place it after the subject of the sentence. For example, you could say 'This problem, 从某种意义上说, is actually an opportunity.' It flows naturally in both speech and writing. It gives you a moment to breathe before sharing a deep thought. It is the verbal equivalent of putting on a pair of glasses to look closer.
When To Use It
This is a great phrase for deep conversations. Imagine you are at a coffee shop with a friend. You are discussing life, work, or even a movie. It adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. It is also very common in business meetings. Use it when you want to disagree without being rude. It shows you have considered the other person's side. It is perfect for debates or academic writing too. It makes you sound like a pro who understands nuance.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple, everyday facts. If you say 'In a certain sense, it is raining,' people will laugh. It sounds too dramatic for obvious things. Also, try not to use it in every sentence. If you use it too much, you might sound indecisive. It can make you seem like you are avoiding a direct answer. Use it like a spice—just a little bit goes a long way. Don't use it when you need to be 100% literal and brief.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values harmony and 'saving face.' Being too direct can sometimes feel aggressive. This phrase is a perfect cultural buffer. It allows you to present a different idea gently. It suggests that truth is often complex and multi-layered. This reflects the philosophical roots of Chinese thought. Balance and perspective are key to understanding the world here. It shows you are a person who looks for the 'middle way.'
Common Variations
You will hear a few similar phrases in China. 在某种程度上 means 'to a certain extent.' It focuses on the 'amount' rather than the 'meaning.' Another one is 从这个角度来看. This means 'looking at it from this angle.' Both are very useful for B2 learners. They all help you sound more like a native speaker. They show you can handle complex logic in Chinese. Practice these to vary your speech and keep it interesting.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register from neutral to very formal. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring the logic that follows actually makes sense from a specific perspective, rather than just using it as a random filler.
The 'Smart' Filler
If you need a second to think during a Chinese speech, start with this phrase. It buys you time and makes you sound like a deep thinker.
Don't be Captain Obvious
Avoid using this for things that are 100% literal. 'In a certain sense, this apple is red' will make you sound like a malfunctioning robot.
The Art of Disagreement
In China, saying 'You are wrong' is harsh. Saying '从某种意义上说...' followed by your point is the polite way to disagree while keeping the peace.
Exemples
6从某种意义上说，这次失败给了我们宝贵的经验。
In a certain sense, this failure gave us valuable experience.
Here it frames a negative event in a positive, constructive light.
从某种意义上说，分手对你们两个都好。
In a certain sense, breaking up is good for both of you.
Used to provide comfort by offering a different perspective on pain.
从某种意义上说，手机让我们变得更孤独了。
In a certain sense, mobile phones have made us more lonely.
Introduces a philosophical point in a casual debate.
从某种意义上说，忙碌也是一种幸福吧。
In a certain sense, being busy is also a kind of happiness, I guess.
Adds a touch of 'silver lining' to a complaint about work.
从某种意义上说，我还没老，我只是‘经典’了。
In a certain sense, I'm not old, I'm just 'classic'.
Uses the phrase to set up a joke about perspective.
从某种意义上说，这个政策改变了整个行业。
In a certain sense, this policy has changed the entire industry.
Used to make a broad, impactful statement in a formal setting.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence where the speaker is looking for a 'silver lining'.
虽然丢了钱包，但___，这也提醒了我以后要小心。
The speaker is finding a specific way to view a negative event as a lesson, which fits the phrase perfectly.
Which phrase fits best in a professional meeting to introduce a nuanced opinion?
___，我们的竞争对手其实在帮助我们进步。
This phrase allows the speaker to present a counter-intuitive idea (competitors helping) in a sophisticated way.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality and Context Spectrum
Used with friends to be deep or funny.
In a sense, I'm a chef (because I made toast).
Daily conversations about life and work.
In a sense, this is a new start.
Business meetings and news reports.
In a sense, the economy is recovering.
Where to use '从某种意义上说'
Office Meeting
Reframing a problem as a challenge.
Late Night Talk
Discussing the meaning of life.
Classroom Debate
Presenting a counter-argument.
Self-Reflection
Finding the good in a bad day.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it in texts when you're being a bit philosophical or sharing a 'deep' thought with a friend. It just adds a bit of weight to what you're saying.
Usually, no. It almost always appears at the beginning of a clause or right after the subject, like 这件事从某种意义上说....
从某种意义上说 focuses on the 'meaning' or 'logic,' while 在某种程度上 focuses on the 'extent' or 'degree' of something.
Often, yes. It's a way to pivot to a different, less obvious perspective without totally dismissing the first one.
Yes, it's neutral. If you're explaining a life choice, it can make you sound more mature and well-reasoned.
It's more specific. 'In my opinion' is just your view; 从某种意义上说 suggests there is a specific logic or angle that makes the statement true.
You can say 某种意义上... (dropping the '从' and '说') in very casual speech, but the full version is much more common.
It can. It’s very common in essays and lectures, but it’s also common in daily life whenever people get serious or reflective.
The most common mistake is forgetting the 上 (on). Remember the structure: 从...意义上说.
Yes! You could say 从某种意义上说，你真是个‘天才’ (In a certain sense, you're a 'genius') to be funny or sarcastic.
Expressions liées
在某种程度上 (To a certain extent)
从这个角度来看 (Looking at it from this angle)
换句话说 (In other words)
可以说 (It could be said that)
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