Chinese phrase
能不能换一种说法？ néng bù néng huàn yì zhǒng shuō fǎ
Meaning
Could you say that another way?
When to use it
This phrase asks someone to say something differently. It is a polite request when the wording sounds too direct or is unclear.
Example dialogue
这样说有点直接，你能不能换一种说法？ zhè yàng shuō yóu diǎn zhí jiē nǐ néng bù néng huàn yì zhǒng shuō fǎ
That sounds a little direct. Could you say that another way?
当然，可以稍微委婉一点说。 dāng rán ké yǐ shāo wēi wéi wǎn yì diǎn shuō
Of course. I can say it a little more gently.