Proverb / Kotowaza
ああ言えばこう言う
Always having a comeback or excuse instead of listening to what someone says.
If you say 'that', they say 'this'
Quick Answer
Always having a comeback or excuse instead of listening to what someone says.
- Literal Image
- If you say 'that', they say 'this'
- How to Use It
- Used to describe people who are being argumentative, particularly when they use weak logic or 'quibbling' (herikutsu) to avoid following instructions or accepting advice.
Meaning
This expression describes a person who refuses to listen to others and instead counters every point with their own logic or petty excuses. It is typically used for someone who is argumentative, stubborn, or always tries to have the last word.
Literal Image
If you say 'that', they say 'this'
How to Use It
Used to describe people who are being argumentative, particularly when they use weak logic or 'quibbling' (herikutsu) to avoid following instructions or accepting advice.
Tone
Generally carries a critical or exasperated tone.
Examples
彼はああ言えばこう言うタイプで、何を言っても屁理屈で返してくる。
He's the type who always has a comeback for everything; no matter what you say, he hits back with some petty excuse.
ああ言えばこう言うのはやめて、少しは人の意見に耳を傾けたらどうだ。
Stop constantly arguing back and try listening to someone else's opinion for once.
子供がああ言えばこう言う年頃になり、手を焼いている。
My child has reached the age where they have a comeback for everything I say, and I'm at my wit's end.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of simple demonstratives and the conditional 'ba' form, but the idiomatic use of 'this and that' for arguing requires some familiarity.
言えば
いえば / ieba
if (you/they) say
言う
いう / iu
to say
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this directly to someone can be quite confrontational.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe a healthy debate; it specifically implies using petty logic or excuses to avoid listening.
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Origin
This expression literally describes the state of someone immediately firing back with something else the moment you speak. It refers to an attitude of not following others due to quibbling or petty logic. It is an idiom that arose naturally from everyday arguments and has been used for a long time.
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