😮👍

How to Say ‘Oh, I see.’ in Traditional Chinese

喔，原來是這樣

ō yuán lái shì zhè yàng

[oh ywen-lai shir zhe yang]

🇹🇼 In Taiwan: This is the easy way to accept an explanation and end the disagreement without losing face on either side.

Phrase Breakdown

喔，原來

ō yuán lái

Oh, so

喔 is a reaction of sudden understanding. 原來 means 'so it turns out'. Make a short pause at the comma.

Example

喔，原來你在這裡。

Oh, so you're here.

Words in this phrase

喔

[oh]

oh; okay

A sentence-final particle that softens the tone or shows acknowledgment.

Example

外帶喔，等一下幫你做。

To go, okay—I'll make it for you in a moment.

原來

yuán lái

[ywen-lai]

so that's why; it turns out

Used when you realize or understand something new.

Example

原來你是這裡的常客。

So you're a regular here.

是這樣

shì zhè yàng

that's how it is

是 (is) + 這樣 (like this). Together with 原來 it means 'Oh, I see.'

Example

事情是這樣的。

Here's how it is.

Words in this phrase

是

shì

[shir]

to be; is; are

The basic verb 'to be' used in identification or judgment.

Example

這不是客套話，我是真的這樣想。

This isn’t just politeness; I really think that way.

這樣

zhè yàng

[zhe yang]

like this; this way

Describes the manner of doing or saying something, meaning 'like this' or 'in this way.'

Example

在酒吧裡，聽你這樣說，我忍不住想多看你一眼。

At the bar, hearing you say that, I can't help but take another look at you.

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