按理说…，可…
by rights …, but in fact …; you would think …, yet …
Structure
按理说 ， 本来应该的情况 ， 可／可是／却 实际情况
What it means
Sets out what common sense or the rules would lead you to expect, then gives what actually happens, usually with surprise or complaint.
How it is built
按理说, + expected situation, + 可/可是/但是/却 + reality: 按理说感冒一个星期就该好了，可他咳了快一个月 (By rights a cold clears in a week, yet he’s coughed for nearly a month).
When to use it
Spoken and written; also 按说 (7-22) and 照理说. On its own it can hedge: 按理说他今天该到了, “he ought to be here today (but who knows)”.
Watch out
It needs an expectation behind it. Don’t use it for a plain contrast: ✗按理说他很高，可我很矮 ✓他很高，可我很矮。
Examples
按理说，感冒一个星期就该好了，可他咳了快一个月。
By rights a cold should clear up in a week, yet he has been coughing for nearly a month.
按理说他是老司机，不该犯这种错误，可偏偏就出了事。
You would think an experienced driver like him wouldn’t make that kind of mistake, but that is exactly what happened.
Learn this in Lesson 155 · HSK 7–9: 吊瓶大国 (A nation of IV drips)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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