HSK 7-9
话（又）说回来
huà (yòu) shuō huílái
Having said that; then again
Structure
(Statement A), 话(又)说回来, (Statement B/Counterpoint)
How it works
This phrase is used to introduce a counterargument or a different perspective after a statement has been made. It functions as a transition to ensure the speaker's viewpoint remains balanced or to acknowledge a complicating factor.
Examples
虽然这份工作薪水很高，但话又说回来，压力也确实太大了。
Suīrán zhè fèn gōngzuò xīnshuǐ hěn gāo, dàn huà yòu shuō huílái, yālì yě quèshí tài dà le.
Although the salary for this job is very high, then again, the pressure is indeed too great.
这种药的副作用不小，可行话又说回来，目前还没更好的替代方案。
Zhè zhǒng yào de fùzuòyòng bù xiǎo, kě huà yòu shuō huílái, mùqián hái méi gèng hǎo de tìdài fāng'àn.
The side effects of this medicine are quite significant, but having said that, there are currently no better alternatives.
他这件事做得确实不对，但话说回来，他也是为了公司好。
Tā zhè jiàn shì zuò de quèshí bùduì, dàn huàshuō huílái, tā yěshì wèile gōngsī hǎo.
What he did was indeed wrong, but then again, he did it for the good of the company.
Common mistakes
Don't confuse this with '总的来说' (generally speaking); '话又说回来' specifically marks a turn to a contrasting or qualifying point, not a summary.
Tip
Adding the character '又' (yòu) makes the transition sound more conversational and emphasizes the 'turning back' of the logic.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 话（又）说回来 in real Chinese
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