How to Say 'By the Way' in Chinese: Smooth Topic Shifts in Conversation
Learn to change the subject naturally in Mandarin with phrases like 对了 and 话说回来. This lesson teaches you to link new topics to the current conversation, ask staff questions politely, and avoid common mistakes.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Changing the topic smoothly is a key social skill in any language. In Chinese, you don't just abruptly start a new subject; you use transitional phrases that connect to what was just said. The most common way to say 'by the way' is 对了 (duì le), but it's not the only option. This lesson will teach you several phrases to shift topics naturally, from casual to more formal situations. You'll learn how to introduce a related point, return to a previous topic, and ask staff for information without sounding abrupt. By the end, you'll be able to keep a conversation flowing in Mandarin.
By the end, you can…
- use 对了 and 话说回来 to change the topic smoothly in a conversation.
- ask a staff member a follow-up question using transitional phrases.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
对了
By the way; oh right
duì le
Used to introduce a new but related topic that just came to mind. It's casual and common in everyday conversation.
话说回来
Speaking of which; coming back to what we were saying
huà shuō huí lái
Used to return to a previous topic or to introduce a related point after a digression. Slightly more formal than 对了.
顺便问一下
By the way, let me ask; while I'm at it
shùn biàn wèn yí xià
Polite way to ask a question that is not directly related to the main topic, often used with staff or acquaintances.
另外
In addition; besides; moreover
lìng wài
Used to add another point or topic. It can be used in both spoken and written Chinese, and is slightly more formal.
还有一件事
One more thing
hái yǒu yí jiàn shì
Used to introduce an additional topic or request. It's direct and can be used in casual or professional settings.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To change the topic smoothly, you can use a transition phrase followed by your new topic. For example: 对了，你明天有空吗？(duì le, nǐ míng tiān yǒu kòng ma?) 'By the way, are you free tomorrow?' Or 话说回来，我们还没决定地点呢。(huà shuō huí lái, wǒ men hái méi jué dìng dì diǎn ne.) 'Speaking of which, we haven't decided on the location yet.' Notice that the transition phrase is placed at the beginning of the sentence, often followed by a comma. This signals to the listener that the topic is shifting. You can also use 顺便问一下 to ask a quick question: 顺便问一下，这附近有地铁站吗？(shùn biàn wèn yí xià, zhè fù jìn yǒu dì tiě zhàn ma?) 'By the way, is there a subway station nearby?'
When to use it
Use 对了 when you suddenly remember something related to the current conversation. It's very common in casual chats. Use 话说回来 when you want to return to a previous point after a digression, or to introduce a related aspect. It's slightly more formal and can be used in meetings. Use 顺便问一下 when you want to ask a question that is not the main focus, especially with staff or people you don't know well. It softens the request. 另外 and 还有一件事 are more neutral and can be used to add information. For example, when talking to a hotel receptionist: 另外，请问早餐几点开始？(lìng wài, qǐng wèn zǎo cān jǐ diǎn kāi shǐ?) 'Also, may I ask what time breakfast starts?' Remember that these phrases are not interchangeable; choose based on how closely the new topic relates to the current one and the level of formality.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
你觉得这家餐厅怎么样？
What do you think of this restaurant?nǐ jué de zhè jiā cān tīng zěn me yàng?很好吃，尤其是那个宫保鸡丁。对了，你上次说想学做中国菜，要不要问问服务员他们的招牌菜怎么做？
It's delicious, especially the Kung Pao chicken. By the way, you said last time you wanted to learn to cook Chinese food. Should we ask the waiter how they make their signature dish?hěn hǎo chī, yóu qí shì nà ge gōng bǎo jī dīng. duì le, nǐ shàng cì shuō xiǎng xué zuò zhōng guó cài, yào bu yào wèn wen fú wù yuán tā men de zhāo pai cài zěn me zuò?好啊，顺便问一下，他们这里有没有烹饪课？
Sure, and by the way, do they have cooking classes here?hǎo a, shùn biàn wèn yí xià, tā men zhè lǐ yǒu méi yǒu pēng rèn kè?我去问问。话说回来，我们还没点甜点呢。
I'll go ask. Speaking of which, we haven't ordered dessert yet.wǒ qù wèn wen. huà shuō huí lái, wǒ men hái méi diǎn tián diǎn ne.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese conversation, using a transition phrase like 对了 or 顺便问一下 shows that you are attentive and considerate. It's common to ask personal questions in casual settings, but with staff, keep questions relevant and polite. Avoid using 对了 in very formal situations; instead, use 另外 or 还有一件事. Also, when asking staff, it's polite to start with 请问 (qǐng wèn) 'may I ask'.
One thing to watch for
Translating 对了 only as correct and missing its conversational use.
Try this instead: 对了 can introduce something you have just remembered: Oh, by the way. The new topic does not have to be semantically related to the previous one. For an explicit topic change, 换个话题 is another option. Choose a phrase that makes your intention clear in the conversation.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You're chatting with a friend about a movie, and you suddenly remember you need to ask them about tomorrow's meeting. Which phrase is most appropriate to introduce this?
Show a sample answer
对了，明天的会议几点开始？
对了 is used when you suddenly remember something related to the current conversation. Here, the meeting is not directly related to the movie, but it's a new topic that came to mind. 话说回来 could also work if you were returning to a previous topic about the meeting, but 对了 is more natural for a sudden reminder.
2You're at a store and want to ask the staff if they offer gift wrapping, but you're already asking about a product. How would you phrase it politely?
Show a sample answer
顺便问一下，你们提供礼品包装吗？
顺便问一下 is perfect for asking a quick, related question without making it the main focus. It's polite and common with staff. 另外 could also be used, but 顺便问一下 sounds more casual and considerate.
3After a long discussion about project deadlines, you want to return to the earlier point about budget. Which phrase signals this?
Show a sample answer
话说回来，我们还没讨论预算呢。
话说回来 is used to return to a previous topic after a digression. It's slightly more formal and works well in meetings. 对了 would be less appropriate because it's more for new, sudden thoughts.
Use 对了 for sudden related thoughts, 话说回来 to return to a previous topic, and 顺便问一下 for polite quick questions. Match the phrase to the situation and keep the conversation flowing.
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