不是 可是书记 可是什么呀
“But, Mr. Zheng... But what?”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
你们家得先做个表率
“As a Party member cadre, your family must set an example first.”
不是 可是 书记 可是什么呀
“But, Mr. Zheng... But what?”
书记已经答应我了
“The Secretary has agreed”
“Wait, that is unfair to my family, but I do not know how to openly defy you.”
In grassroots Chinese governance, leaders demand cadres or prominent locals 'act as an example' ('zuo biaoshuai') to persuade the public to accept difficult policies.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
but, Secretary...
A common spoken way to initiate a polite hesitation or pushback when addressing a political or community leader.
Softens the blunt rhetorical cut-off, blending impatience with colloquial familiarity.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“But that doesn't mean he can make this happen.”
“I will go. But... No buts.”
“- But-- - There are no buts. You've missed 19 years.”