Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Responding to an Opposing Argument with a Counterpoint
Learn to acknowledge an opposing view and introduce a counterpoint in Mandarin using 话虽如此，但是… and 可是，从…来看…, with a natural dialogue and practice.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In a discussion, you often need to respond to an opposing argument without sounding dismissive. This lesson teaches intermediate Chinese phrases for conceding a point and then offering a counterpoint. You will learn patterns such as 话虽如此，但是… (That may be true, but…) and 可是，从…来看… (But from the perspective of…). These are common in everyday conversation, meetings, and online discussions. The focus is on rebuttal: how to recognize the other side’s point, then shift to your own reasoning. Pay attention to tone and politeness, because a direct 但是 can sound abrupt if not softened. We will practice with a short dialogue and three exercises. By the end, you should be able to respond to an opposing argument in a clear, respectful way.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge an opposing argument in Chinese before giving a counterpoint.
- use 话虽如此，但是… and 可是，从…来看… to introduce a rebuttal.
- ask a follow-up question to keep a discussion going.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
话虽如此，但是…
That may be true, but…
huà suī rú cǐ, dàn shì…
Use this to concede a point politely before giving your counterpoint. It is slightly formal but common in discussions.
可是，从…来看…
But from the perspective of…
kě shì, cóng…lái kàn…
Insert a noun or phrase after 从 to specify the angle, e.g. 从成本来看 (from the cost perspective).
我明白你的意思，不过…
I understand what you mean, but…
wǒ míngbai nǐ de yìsi, búguò…
A softer way to disagree. 不过 is less direct than 但是 and works well in friendly conversation.
这一点我同意，然而…
I agree on this point, however…
zhè yì diǎn wǒ tóngyì, rán'ér…
Use 然而 for a more formal or written-style contrast. It signals a shift to your counterargument.
你有没有考虑过…？
Have you considered…?
nǐ yǒu méiyǒu kǎolǜ guò…?
A question that invites the other person to think about a missing factor. It keeps the discussion open.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: concession + contrast + counterpoint. Start with a phrase like 话虽如此 (that may be true) or 我明白你的意思 (I understand what you mean). Then use a contrast word: 但是, 不过, 可是, or 然而. Finally, give your counterpoint. For example: 话虽如此，但是我们现在没有足够的预算。 (That may be true, but we don’t have enough budget now.) Another example: 可是，从长远来看，这个计划更省钱。 (But from a long-term perspective, this plan saves more money.) Notice that 从…来看 needs a noun or phrase between 从 and 来看. You can say 从学生的角度来看 (from the students’ perspective) or 从历史来看 (from a historical perspective). The contrast word choice affects tone: 但是 is neutral, 不过 is softer, 然而 is more formal.
When to use it
Use these patterns when you want to disagree without starting a fight. In a meeting, if a colleague says 这个方案太贵了 (This plan is too expensive), you can reply: 我明白你的意思，不过从长期来看，它能帮我们省钱。 (I understand what you mean, but in the long run, it can save us money.) In a casual chat, if a friend says 学中文很难 (Learning Chinese is hard), you might say: 话虽如此，但是每天学一点，进步会很快。 (That may be true, but if you learn a little every day, you’ll improve quickly.) Avoid using 但是 alone after a long pause, as it can sound blunt. Adding a concession first makes your rebuttal more acceptable. Also, if you are unsure, ask 你有没有考虑过…？ to invite the other person to explain.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
我觉得我们应该买那台便宜的打印机，因为价格低。
I think we should buy that cheap printer because the price is low.wǒ juéde wǒmen yīnggāi mǎi nà tái piányi de dǎyìnjī, yīnwèi jiàgé dī.话虽如此，但是从长远来看，便宜的打印机容易坏，维修费更高。
That may be true, but in the long run, cheap printers break easily and cost more to repair.huà suī rú cǐ, dànshì cóng chángyuǎn lái kàn, piányi de dǎyìnjī róngyì huài, wéixiū fèi gèng gāo.我明白你的意思，不过我们现在的预算有限，买不起贵的。
I understand what you mean, but our budget is limited right now, so we can’t afford an expensive one.wǒ míngbai nǐ de yìsi, búguò wǒmen xiànzài de yùsuàn yǒuxiàn, mǎi bù qǐ guì de.这一点我同意，然而我们可以考虑分期付款，这样压力小一些。
I agree on this point, however we could consider installment payments, so the pressure is smaller.zhè yì diǎn wǒ tóngyì, rán'ér wǒmen kěyǐ kǎolǜ fēnqī fùkuǎn, zhèyàng yālì xiǎo yìxiē.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese discussions, directly saying 但是 at the start of a reply can feel confrontational. A brief concession like 话虽如此 or 我明白你的意思 shows respect and keeps the conversation cooperative. The phrase 从…来看 is common in both spoken and written Chinese to frame a counterpoint objectively. In more formal settings, such as business meetings, 然而 is preferred over 但是. With friends, 不过 is natural and soft. Avoid overusing 然而 in casual chat, as it may sound stiff.
One thing to watch for
Using 但是 immediately without acknowledging the other person’s point, e.g., 但是你说得不对。
Try this instead: Soften the rebuttal by first conceding: 我明白你的意思，不过从数据来看，情况可能不同。 (I understand what you mean, but from the data, the situation may be different.) This keeps the discussion respectful and makes your counterpoint more likely to be heard.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your colleague says: 这个计划太冒险了。 (This plan is too risky.) Give a counterpoint using 话虽如此，但是…
Show a sample answer
话虽如此，但是我们已经做了充分的市场调查，风险其实不大。
This answer acknowledges the concern with 话虽如此 and then gives a reason with 但是. Other valid answers could use 不过 or 然而, depending on formality.
2A friend says: 学中文没用，因为很多人说英语。 (Learning Chinese is useless because many people speak English.) Respond with 可是，从…来看…
Show a sample answer
可是，从职业发展来看，会中文能让你更有竞争力。
This uses 可是 to contrast and 从职业发展来看 to specify the perspective. You could also say 从经济角度来看 (from an economic perspective) if that fits your context.
3Someone argues: 网上购物比实体店便宜。 (Online shopping is cheaper than physical stores.) Ask a follow-up question to invite more consideration.
Show a sample answer
你有没有考虑过运费和退货的成本？
This question uses 你有没有考虑过…？ to gently challenge the argument. It works because it asks about hidden costs. A valid alternative is 那售后服务呢？ (What about after-sales service?)
To rebut an opposing argument in Chinese, first concede with 话虽如此 or 我明白你的意思, then contrast with 但是/不过/然而, and add your counterpoint. Keep it respectful and specific.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Chinese into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr