不是说只在院子里走动吗
“Didn't we agree that you wouldn't go beyond the courtyard?”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
不是说只在院子里走动 吗
“Didn't we agree that you wouldn't go beyond the courtyard?”
可是这荆城
“But in Jing City,”
“You shouldn't be here; you promised to stay safe inside the courtyard!”
Chinese speakers frequently use '不是说...吗' to criticize or scold indirectly out of care, framing violation of agreements as self-evident neglect.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
wasn't it said / didn't we agree that
Used rhetorically to remind someone of a previous statement, plan, or promise they seem to have forgotten or broken.
to walk around / to move about
Often used to refer to light physical movement or visiting within a defined area.
Marks a rhetorical question that carries a sense of reminder or mild accusation.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“People can't just walk in here, right?”
“Only when I was standing in the courtyard did I realize—”
“once we finish tea, I can take you for a walk in the garden.”
“The courtyard must be crawling with cops right now.”
“Keep a close watch on this courtyard. Don't let anyone in or out.”
“Keep this courtyard under strict watch. Don't let anyone in or out as they please.”