The thing is Meaning in English
expression
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈθɪŋ/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz
thuh-THING-iz
ðə, ði/ /θˈɪŋ/ /ˈɪz
thuh-THING-iz
Definition
A phrase used to introduce the main point or a problem, especially before explaining your real reason or opinion.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and common in spoken English. Signals you’re about to explain, justify, or express hesitation. Often used to gently give bad news or disagree. Similar in function to 'the fact is', but less formal.
Spanish: la cosa es que - lo que pasa es quePortuguese (BR): o negócio é que - a questão é quePortuguese (PT): a questão é que - o que acontece é queChinese (Simplified): 关键是 - 其实是这样Chinese (Traditional): 重點是 - 其實是這樣Hindi: बात ये है किArabic: الموضوع هو أن - المشكلة هي أنBengali: আসলে ব্যাপারটা হলো - কথা হচ্ছে - দেখুনRussian: дело в том, что - проблема в том, чтоJapanese: 実は - 実のところVietnamese: vấn đề là - thật ra thìKorean: 사실은 - 문제는Turkish: asıl mesele şu ki - mesele şuUrdu: بات یہ ہے کہ - مسئلہ یہ ہے کہIndonesian: masalahnya - soalnya - sebenarnya
Example Sentences
The thing is, I don't have any money left.
basic
The thing is, I forgot to call her back.
basic
The thing is, it's too late to go out now.
basic
I'd love to help, but the thing is, I'm already busy tonight.
natural
The thing is, I never said yes in the first place.
natural
You make a good point, but the thing is, it's not that simple.
natural