话是这么说，可…
that may be so, but …; easier said than done
Structure
话（虽）是这么说 ， 不过／可（是） 现实情况
What it means
That may be so, but …: you grant what was just said, usually advice or a proverb, in principle, then name the reality that gets in the way.
How it is built
话（虽）是这么说，不过／可（是）+ reality: “别紧张。”“话是这么说，可一上台还是紧张。” (“Don’t be nervous.” “Easy to say, but on stage I still get nervous.”)
When to use it
Spoken pushback. Variants: 话虽这么说, 话是没错. Compare 话又说回来, which turns your own point round; 话是这么说 answers someone else’s.
Watch out
What follows must push back, so never 所以 or 而且: ✗话是这么说，所以… ✓话是这么说，可…
Examples
“别紧张，就当平时练习。”“话是这么说，可一上台还是紧张。”
“Don’t be nervous; treat it as ordinary practice.” “That’s easy to say, but the moment I’m on stage I still get nervous.”
“钱不是最重要的。”“话是这么说，不过没钱也寸步难行啊。”
“Money isn’t the most important thing.” “That may be so, but without it you can’t take a step.”
Learn this in Lesson 219 · HSK 9+: 俗语打架 (When proverbs disagree)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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