How to Agree in Chinese: Strong vs. Weak Agreement
Learn to express strong agreement (wǒ wánquán tóngyì) and weak agreement (wǒ xiǎng shì ba) in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson focuses on degree of agreement, with five key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Mandarin Chinese, as in English, you can agree with someone strongly or weakly. Strong agreement shows enthusiasm and certainty, while weak agreement is more hesitant or polite. This lesson teaches you five common phrases to express different degrees of agreement. You will learn to say 'I completely agree' and 'I suppose so', and understand when to use each. We will focus only on agreement, not disagreement. By the end, you will be able to choose the right phrase for the situation.
By the end, you can…
- express strong agreement using 'wǒ wánquán tóngyì' and similar phrases.
- express weak or hesitant agreement using 'wǒ xiǎng shì ba' and similar phrases.
- distinguish between strong and weak agreement in a conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
我完全同意。
I completely agree.
wǒ wánquán tóngyì
Strong agreement. Use when you are fully convinced and want to show strong support.
我同意。
I agree.
wǒ tóngyì
Neutral agreement. Use for general agreement without strong emotion.
我想是吧。
I suppose so.
wǒ xiǎng shì ba
Weak agreement. Use when you are not entirely sure but are willing to agree.
也许吧。
Maybe.
yěxǔ ba
Weak agreement. Use when you are hesitant or noncommittal.
你说得对。
You're right.
nǐ shuō de duì
Strong agreement. Use to acknowledge someone's correctness emphatically.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To express strong agreement, use '我完全同意' (wǒ wánquán tóngyì) or '你说得对' (nǐ shuō de duì). The adverb '完全' (wánquán) means 'completely' and intensifies agreement. For weaker agreement, add '吧' (ba) at the end of a sentence to soften it, as in '我想是吧' (wǒ xiǎng shì ba) or '也许吧' (yěxǔ ba). The particle '吧' indicates uncertainty or suggestion. You can also use '我同意' (wǒ tóngyì) for neutral agreement. Remember that '同意' (tóngyì) is a verb meaning 'to agree'.
When to use it
Use strong agreement when you fully support an idea, especially in formal or enthusiastic contexts. For example, if a colleague proposes a good plan, you can say '我完全同意' (wǒ wánquán tóngyì). Use weak agreement when you are unsure, want to be polite, or avoid commitment. For instance, if someone suggests a restaurant you're not excited about, you might say '我想是吧' (wǒ xiǎng shì ba). In casual conversation, '也许吧' (yěxǔ ba) works well for hesitant agreement. Avoid using strong agreement if you have doubts, as it may sound insincere.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
这家餐厅的菜很好吃，你觉得呢？
The food at this restaurant is delicious, what do you think?zhè jiā cāntīng de cài hěn hǎochī, nǐ juéde ne?我完全同意！特别是那个鱼。
I completely agree! Especially that fish.wǒ wánquán tóngyì! tèbié shì nàge yú.我们下次再来吧。
Let's come again next time.wǒmen xià cì zài lái ba.我想是吧，如果不太贵的话。
I suppose so, if it's not too expensive.wǒ xiǎng shì ba, rúguǒ bú tài guì de huà.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese communication, direct strong agreement is common among friends and in informal settings, but in formal or hierarchical situations, people may use softer agreement to show modesty or respect. The particle '吧' is often used to soften statements and avoid sounding too forceful. When agreeing with a superior, a neutral '我同意' may be more appropriate than '我完全同意', which can sound overly enthusiastic.
One thing to watch for
Learners often use '我完全同意' in all situations, even when they are not fully convinced, which can sound insincere.
Try this instead: Use '我完全同意' only for strong agreement. For weak agreement, say '我想是吧' (wǒ xiǎng shì ba) or '也许吧' (yěxǔ ba). For example, if you are not sure about a plan, say '我想是吧' instead of '我完全同意'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you strongly agree with someone who says '这个主意很好' (This idea is good)?
Show a sample answer
我完全同意。
This is a strong agreement phrase. You could also say '你说得对' (You're right). Both express strong agreement.
2What phrase would you use to weakly agree with a suggestion you're unsure about?
Show a sample answer
我想是吧。
This phrase means 'I suppose so' and indicates weak agreement. '也许吧' (Maybe) is also acceptable.
3Translate: 'I agree' (neutral).
Show a sample answer
我同意。
This is a neutral agreement phrase. It is not as strong as '我完全同意' and not as weak as '我想是吧'.
Use '我完全同意' or '你说得对' for strong agreement, and '我想是吧' or '也许吧' for weak agreement. Choose based on your certainty and the situation.
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