話はなしは別べつ

expression

that's a different matter; that's another story

Used to separate a new condition from a previous statement, often after a conditional like 〜となると or 〜なら. Indicates that under the new condition, the situation changes.

• 普ふ段だんは安やすい店みせで買かうけど、贈おくり物ものとなると話はなしは別べつだ。

  I usually buy at cheap stores, but when it comes to gifts, that's a different matter.

• 彼かれは普ふ段だんはおとなしいが、お酒さけが入はいると話はなしは別べつだ。

  He's usually quiet, but once he's had a drink, that's another story.