Definition
按理说 is a set phrase (often used as a sentence-level adverb) meaning 'according to reason' or 'normally speaking'. It introduces an expectation based on common sense, logic, or general rules, and is frequently followed by a contrasting reality introduced with 但是 or 可是. You can place it at the start of a sentence or clause to signal that what follows is the reasonable assumption, even if reality differs.
v.p.
according to reasonnormallyin principle
Examples
- 按理说，，。àn lǐ shuō, tā yīnggāi zǎo jiù dào le, dàn xiànzài hái méi lái.Normally speaking, he should have arrived long ago, but he still hasn't come.
- 按理说，，。àn lǐ shuō, zhè zhǒng yào duì gǎnmào hěn yǒu xiàoguǒ, kěshì chī le yǐhòu méi shénme yòng.In theory, this medicine is very effective for colds, but after taking it there's not much effect.
- 按理说，。àn lǐ shuō, wǒmen bù yīnggāi zài zhèlǐ tíngchē.By rights, we shouldn't park here.
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