HSK 7-9
退一步说
tuì yī bù shuō
Even if we take a step back; at worst
Structure
(Primary argument). 退一步说 + (secondary/concessive scenario), (result/conclusion).
How it works
The phrase '退一步说' is used to introduce a concession or an alternative perspective by temporarily yielding one's primary argument. It is equivalent to 'even if we take a step back' or 'looking at it from a less ideal standpoint' to show that a conclusion still holds true.
Examples
这项计划成功的可能性很大；退一步说，即使失败了，我们也积累了宝贵的经验。
Zhè xiàng jìhuà chénggōng de kěnéngxìng hěn dà; tuì yī bù shuō, jíshǐ shībài le, wǒmen yě jīlěi le bǎoguì de jīngyàn.
The probability of this plan succeeding is high; even if we take a step back, if it fails, we have still accumulated valuable experience.
他的人品绝对没问题。退一步说，就算他真做错了，也绝非出于恶意。
Tā de rénpǐn juéduì méi wèntí. Tuì yī bù shuō, jiùsuàn tā zhēn zuò cuò le, yě juéfēi chūyú èyì.
His character is definitely not an issue. At worst, even if he did do something wrong, it was by no means out of malice.
我们应该尽量达成协议。退一步说，即便无法签约，也该保持友好的沟通。
Wǒmen yīnggāi jǐnliàng dáchéng xiéyì. Tuì yī bù shuō, jíbiàn wúfǎ qiānyuē, yě gāi bǎochí yǎohǎo de gōutōng.
We should try our best to reach an agreement. Even if we can't sign the contract, we should still maintain friendly communication.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '退一步说' with '换句话说' (in other words); the former is for concession, while the latter is for clarification.
Tip
This phrase is often followed by words like '即使', '就算', or '即便' to set up the hypothetical 'worst-case' scenario.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 退一步说 in real Chinese
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