反过来(说) fǎnguòlai (shuō)

反过来(说)（fǎnguòlai (shuō)）means “Conversely / looking at it the other way (round)”. 反过来(说) shifts to the opposite angle of what was just stated — reversing the direction, roles, or logic. Formation: …，反过来(说)，… (置于分句句首)

Conversely / looking at it the other way (round)

HSK5

Formation

…，反过来(说)，… (置于分句句首)

Explanation

反过来(说) shifts to the opposite angle of what was just stated — reversing the direction, roles, or logic. With 说 it means 'conversely / to put it the other way'; often it reveals that the flip side is also true or has an upside. It's a discourse connective at the start of a clause, frequently paired with 也.

Examples

反过来说，这件事也有好处。
fǎnguòlai shuō, zhè jiàn shì yě yǒu hǎochù.
Conversely, this matter also has its upside.
他不理你；反过来，你也不必理他。
tā bù lǐ nǐ; fǎnguòlai, nǐ yě búbì lǐ tā.
He ignores you; conversely, you needn't bother with him either.

Note

反过来 alone can be literal ('turn it over'); 反过来说 is the discourse connective.

FAQ

反过来(说) — what does it mean and how is it used?

Conversely / looking at it the other way (round). 反过来(说) shifts to the opposite angle of what was just stated — reversing the direction, roles, or logic. With 说 it means 'conversely / to put it the other way'; often it reveals that the flip side is also true or has an upside. It's a discourse connective at the start of a clause, frequently paired with 也.

反过来(说) — how do you form it?

…，反过来(说)，… (置于分句句首)

反过来(说) — any usage notes?

反过来 alone can be literal ('turn it over'); 反过来说 is the discourse connective.

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