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HSK 5 · Grammar

HSK 5 Grammar

Every grammar point in our free HSK 5 course, explained in plain English and shown in real sentences with pinyin.

In short

Our HSK 5 course teaches 109 grammar points across 36 lessons, and all 109 are explained in full on this page with 252 example sentences between them. Each point gives you the pattern, what it means, and sentences using it with pinyin and an English translation. Nothing here is a summary or a list of names — these are the same explanations a learner sees inside the course, free to read without an account.

109Grammar points
252Example sentences
36Lessons

Lesson 1 · Details of Love

如何 (rúhé) - How

Subject + 如何 + Verb

"如何" is a pronoun used to ask how something is done. It's often used in written or formal contexts. It can also be used at the end of a sentence to seek opinions or inquire about a situation.

我们明天举行会议，讨论这个问题该如何解决。
Wǒmen míngtiān jǔxíng huìyì, tǎolùn zhège wèntí gāi rúhé jiějué.
We'll hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss how to solve this problem.
评委叫第一对夫妻说说他俩是如何恩爱的。
Píngwěi jiào dì-yī duì fūqī shuōshuo tāliǎ shì rúhé ēn'ài de.
The judges asked the first couple to talk about how loving they were.
我们希望由你来负责解决这个问题，如何？
Wǒmen xīwàng yóu nǐ lái fùzé jiějué zhège wèntí, rúhé?
We hope you can be responsible for solving this problem. How about it?
'80后'们月收入情况如何？
'80 hòu' men yuè shōurù qíngkuàng rúhé?
How is the monthly income situation for those born in the 80s?

靠 (kào) - To lean on / To rely on

Subject + 靠 + Object / 靠着/在 + Place

"靠" is a verb commonly used in the pattern "靠着/在……", meaning to rest part of the body against someone or something for support. It can also mean to rely on or depend on something/someone.

王老师喜欢靠着桌子讲课。
Wáng lǎoshī xǐhuan kàozhe zhuōzi jiǎngkè.
Teacher Wang likes to lean on the desk while teaching.
男人的头靠在女人的肩膀上，睡着了。
Nánrén de tóu kàozài nǚrén de jiānbǎngshàng, shuìzháo le.
The man's head rested on the woman's shoulder, and he fell asleep.
"在家靠父母，出门靠朋友"，有什么事情我能帮忙的，你们尽管开口。
"Zài jiā kào fùmǔ, chūmén kào péngyǒu", yǒu shénme shìqíng wǒ néng bāngmáng de, nǐmen jǐnguǎn kāikǒu.
"At home, rely on parents; outside, rely on friends." If there's anything I can help with, just say it.
没有一个人可以完全不靠别人而生活。
Méiyǒu yí ge rén kěyǐ wánquán bú kào biérén ér shēnghuó.
No one can live completely without relying on others.

居然 (jūrán) - Unexpectedly

Subject + 居然 + Verb/Adjective

"居然" is an adverb meaning unexpectedly or surprisingly. It's used to express that something happened contrary to expectations, often indicating surprise or disbelief.

这么简单的题，你居然也不会做？上课时都干什么去了？
Zhème jiǎndān de tí, nǐ jūrán yě búhuì zuò? Shàngkè shí dōu gàn shénme qù le?
Such a simple question, you still can't do it? What were you doing in class?
没想到居然在这儿碰到你！你也来上海？
Méi xiǎngdào jūrán zài zhèr pèngdào nǐ! Nǐ yě lái Shànghǎi?
I didn't expect to run into you here! You came to Shanghai too?
这个女人为了不影响丈夫睡觉，居然放弃这次机会！
Zhège nǚrén wèile bù yǐngxiǎng zhàngfu shuìjiào, jūrán fàngqì zhècì jīhuì!
This woman actually gave up this opportunity just so her husband could sleep!

Lesson 2 · Leaving a Bunch of Keys to Our Parents

以来 (yǐlái) - Since

Time Word + 以来

"以来" is a noun phrase meaning 'since' a point in time until now. It's used after a time word to indicate a period from then to the present.

改革开放以来，中国发生了巨大的变化。
Gǎigé kāifàng yǐlái, Zhōngguó fāshēngle jùdà de biànhuà.
Since the reform and opening up, China has undergone tremendous changes.
因此长年以来，父母很少离开老屋。
Yīncǐ chángnián yǐlái, fùmǔ hěn shǎo líkāi lǎowū.
Therefore, for many years, my parents have rarely left the old house.
一直以来，'80后'这个词儿都含有年轻的味道。
Yīzhí yǐlái, '80 hòu' zhège cír dōu hányǒu niánqīng de wèidào.
All along, the term 'post-80s' has had a youthful flavor.

临 (lín) - About to / Just before

临 + Verb + (的时候)

"临" is a preposition meaning 'about to' or 'just before'. It indicates the moment right before an action or event occurs. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to face' or 'to be close to'.

我想买一套不临街的房子，这样不会太吵。
Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī tào bú lín jiē de fángzi, zhèyàng bú huì tài chǎo.
I want to buy an apartment that doesn't face the street, so it won't be too noisy.
临江新修了一条路，晚饭后很多人都去那儿散步。
Lín jiāng xīn xiūle yī tiáo lù, wǎnfàn hòu hěn duō rén dōu qù nàr sànbù.
A new road was built by the river, and many people go there for walks after dinner.
这是我临离开北京的时候买的。
Zhè shì wǒ lín líkāi Běijīng de shíhou mǎi de.
I bought this just before leaving Beijing.
临走那天，父亲从老家赶来送我们。
Línzǒu nàtiān, fùqīn cóng lǎojiā gǎnlái sòng wǒmen.
On the day we were leaving, my father came from the old home to see us off.

立刻 (lìkè) - Immediately

Subject + 立刻 + Verb

"立刻" is an adverb meaning 'immediately' or 'at once'. It emphasizes that one action happens right after another without delay.

上了楼，开门的竟是微笑着的父母，温暖的气息立刻扑面而来。
Shàngle lóu, kāimén de jìng shì wēixiàozhe de fùmǔ, wēnnuǎn de qìxī lìkè pūmiàn ér lái.
Going upstairs, the ones who opened the door were our smiling parents. The warm atmosphere immediately hit us.
原来父母要我留下串钥匙给他们时，只是为了让我们回来时，能立刻感受到家的温暖！
Yuánlái fùmǔ yào wǒ liúxia chuàn yàoshi gěi tāmen shí, zhǐshì wèile ràng wǒmen huílai shí, néng lìkè gǎnshòu dào jiā de wēnnuǎn!
It turns out when my parents asked me to leave a set of keys, it was only so we could immediately feel the warmth of home when we came back!
那两只羊一见到青草，就立刻去吃草了，哪还有心思打架呢。
Nà liǎng zhī yáng yī jiàndào qīngcǎo, jiù lìkè qù chī cǎo le, nǎ hái yǒu xīnsi dǎjià ne.
As soon as those two sheep saw the grass, they immediately started eating—who still had the mind to fight?

Lesson 3 · Having Choices in Life Makes Change Possible

各自 (gèzì) - Each / Respective

各自 + Verb/Noun

"各自" is a pronoun meaning 'each' or 'respective'. It refers to each person in a group doing something individually.

中场休息时间到了，比赛双方队员各自回场外休息。
Zhōngchǎng xiūxi shíjiān dàole, bǐsài shuāngfāng duìyuán gèzì huí chǎngwài xiūxi.
Halftime break arrived, players from both teams each went back to rest outside the field.
对经理认真看了三家广告公司各自提交的计划。
Duì jīnglǐ rènzhēn kànle sān jiā guǎnggào gōngsī gèzì tíjiāo de jìhuà.
The manager carefully reviewed the plans submitted by each of the three advertising companies.
以前陆地上的夜晚，他们在各自的房间，一家人没有更多的交流。
Yǐqián lùdì shàng de yèwǎn, tāmen zài gèzì de fángjiān, yìjiā rén méiyǒu gèng duō de jiāoliú.
Before, on land at night, they stayed in their own rooms, and the family didn't have much interaction.

勿 (wù) - Don't (imperative)

勿 + Verb

"勿" is an adverb meaning 'don't', used in formal or written imperative sentences. It's equivalent to "不要" but more formal.

非工作人员，请勿入内。
Fēi gōngzuò rényuán, qǐng wù rùnèi.
Non-staff members, please do not enter.
网上购票者须注意网站的安全性，切勿上当受骗。
Wǎngshàng gòupiào zhě xū zhùyì wǎngzhàn de ānquánxìng, qiè wù shàngdàng shòupiàn.
Online ticket buyers must pay attention to website security, and must not be deceived.
中国有句老话，可上山，勿下海。
Zhōngguó yǒu jù lǎohuà, kě shàng shān, wù xià hǎi.
There's an old Chinese saying: you can go up a mountain, but don't go down to the sea.

包括 (bāokuò) - To include

Subject + 包括 + Components

"包括" is a verb meaning 'to include'. It can also be used to emphasize a part of a larger group.

汉语技能教学包括听、说、读、写四个方面。
Hànyǔ jìnéng jiàoxué bāokuò tīng, shuō, dú, xiě sì ge fāngmiàn.
Chinese language skill teaching includes four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
"学习"，其实包括"学"与"习"两层意思。学，就是学习知识；习，就是实践。
"Xuéxí", qíshí bāokuò "xué" yǔ "xí" liǎng céng yìsi. Xué, jiùshì xuéxí zhīshi; xí, jiùshì shíjiàn.
"Learning" actually includes two meanings: "study" and "practice." Study means acquiring knowledge; practice means application.
然而，包括翟峰的父母，所有人都觉得，翟峰"疯了"。
Rán'ér, bāokuò Zhái Fēng de fùmǔ, suǒyǒu rén dōu juéde, Zhái Fēng "fēngle".
However, including Zhai Feng's parents, everyone thought Zhai Feng had gone "crazy."
我们班所有人，包括不爱运动的刘方，也都参加了这次运动会。
Wǒmen bān suǒyǒu rén, bāokuò bú ài yùndòng de Liú Fāng, yě dōu cānjiāle zhècì yùndònghuì.
Everyone in our class, including Liu Fang who doesn't like sports, also participated in this sports event.

时刻 (shíkè) - Moment / At all times

Adj/Noun + 的 + 时刻

"时刻" as a noun means 'moment' or a point in time. It can also be used as an adverb meaning 'at all times' (equivalent to "时时刻刻").

在最后时刻，他为本队踢进了赢得比赛的关键一球。
Zài zuìhòu shíkè, tā wèi běn duì tījìnle yíngde bǐsài de guānjiàn yì qiú.
In the final moment, he scored the winning goal for his team.
美好的时刻过去后是一个个紧张的夜晚。
Měihǎo de shíkè guòqù hòu shì yí ge ge jǐnzhāng de yèwǎn.
After the good times came many tense nights.
我们非常需要你这样的人才，只要你愿意，公司的大门时刻都为你开着。
Wǒmen fēicháng xūyào nǐ zhèyàng de réncái, zhǐyào nǐ yuànyì, gōngsī de dàmén shíkè dōu wèi nǐ kāizhe.
We really need talented people like you. As long as you're willing, the company's door is always open for you.
工作中，他时时刻刻提醒自己：来客的安全是最重要的。
Gōngzuò zhōng, tā shíshíkèkè tíxǐng zìjǐ: láikè de ānquán shì zuì zhòngyào de.
At work, he constantly reminds himself: the safety of guests is the most important thing.

Lesson 4 · Zilu Carrying Rice

至今 (zhìjīn) - Up to now

从/自 + Time + 至今

'至今' is an adverb meaning 'up to now' or 'to this day'. It's used to indicate that something has continued from a point in the past until the present.

我在北京出生、长大，至今还没离开过呢。
Wǒ zài Běijīng chūshēng, zhǎngdà, zhìjīn hái méi líkāi guò ne.
I was born and raised in Beijing, and have never left up until now.
至今，很多国家并没有规定什么才是健康食品。
Zhìjīn, hěn duō guójiā bìng méiyǒu guīdìng shénme cái shì jiànkāng shípǐn.
Up to now, many countries still haven't defined what constitutes healthy food.
流传至今的'百里背米'讲的就是他孝敬父母的故事。
Liúchuán zhìjīn de 'Bǎilǐ Bēi Mǐ' jiǎng de jiùshì tā xiàojìng fùmǔ de gùshi.
The story 'Carrying Rice for a Hundred Li' that has been passed down to today tells of how he showed filial piety to his parents.

顶 (dǐng) - Top / To support / Measure word

顶 + Noun / Verb + 顶

'顶' as a noun means 'top' or the highest part. As a verb, it means to support or carry on the head. It can also be used as a measure word for hats and similar items.

请把手举过头顶。
Qǐng bǎ shǒu jǔ guò tóudǐng.
Please raise your hands above your head.
父亲的朋友画了张画儿送我，画上是一座山，山顶有一个人往下看，山下有一个人往上看。
Fùqīn de péngyou huàle zhāng huàr sòng wǒ, huà shàng shì yí zuò shān, shān dǐng yǒu yí ge rén wǎng xià kàn, shān xià yǒu yí ge rén wǎng shàng kàn.
My father's friend painted a picture for me. It shows a mountain with one person looking down from the top and one person looking up from below.
他能用头顶起20斤重的东西。
Tā néng yòng tóu dǐng qǐ 20 jīn zhòng de dōngxi.
He can support 20 jin of weight on his head.
顶着大雪往前走，子路的双手冻得不行。
Dǐngzhe dàxuě wǎng qián zǒu, Zǐlù de shuāngshǒu dòng de bùxíng.
Walking forward against the heavy snow, Zilu's hands were frozen stiff.

……得+不行 - Extremely / Terribly

Verb/Adj + 得 + 不行

'得+不行' is a complement structure used to express an extreme degree. It emphasizes that something has reached an unbearable or extreme level.

他顶着大雪往前走，扶着米袋的双手冻得不行，也停下来歇歇。
Tā dǐngzhe dàxuě wǎng qián zǒu, fúzhe mǐdài de shuāngshǒu dòng de bùxíng, yě tíng xiàlái xiēxiē.
He walked forward against the heavy snow, his hands holding the rice bag were frozen stiff, yet he still stopped to rest.
这个地方这么热闹，孩子们高兴得不得了。
Zhège dìfang zhème rènao, háizimen gāoxìng de bùdéliǎo.
This place is so lively, the children are extremely happy.
昨天走了一天多的山路，累得不行。
Zuótiān zǒule yì tiān duō de shānlù, lèi de bùxíng.
Yesterday I walked mountain paths for more than a day, and was terribly tired.

反而 (fǎn'ér) - On the contrary / Instead

不但不/没……反而……

'反而' is an adverb used to indicate that something is contrary to expectations. It shows that the result is opposite to what one would expect.

这样不但不能提高他们的阅读能力，反而有可能降低他们的阅读兴趣和热情。
Zhèyàng búdàn bù néng tígāo tāmen de yuèdú nénglì, fǎn'ér yǒu kěnéng jiàngdī tāmen de yuèdú xìngqù hé rèqíng.
This not only fails to improve their reading ability, but on the contrary may reduce their reading interest and enthusiasm.
大城市的生活虽然很精彩，但一辈子生活在农村的父母反而会不适应。
Dà chéngshì de shēnghuó suīrán hěn jīngcǎi, dàn yíbèizi shēnghuó zài nóngcūn de fùmǔ fǎn'ér huì bù shìyìng.
Although city life is exciting, parents who have lived in the countryside all their lives may not adapt to it.
但他并没有因为物质条件好而感到欢喜，反而常常诚恳地说……
Dàn tā bìng méiyǒu yīnwèi wùzhì tiáojiàn hǎo ér gǎndào huānxǐ, fǎn'ér chángcháng chéngkěn de shuō...
But he didn't feel happy because of the good material conditions. Instead, he often sincerely said...

Lesson 5 · Spring Water in Ji'nan

起来 (qǐlái) - Verb complement

动词 + 起来

'起来' can be used as a complement after verbs to indicate the beginning or completion of an action, or to express a change from dispersed to gathered state.

地下水流到这里，碰到火成岩挡住了路。
Dìxiàshuǐ liúdào zhèlǐ, pèngdào huǒchéngyán dǎngzhùle lù.
The groundwater flows here and meets the igneous rock blocking its path.
渔夫（yúfū, fisherman）想，这回一收起来，鱼一定可以装满整条船。
Yúfū xiǎng, zhè huí yì shōu qǐlái, yú yídìng kěyǐ zhuāngmǎn zhěng tiáo chuán.
The fisherman thought, this time when I pull it up, the fish will definitely fill the whole boat.

从而 (cóng'ér) - Thus / Consequently

前句表示原因/方法 + 从而 + 后句表示结果/目的

'从而' is a conjunction used between two clauses. The first clause expresses a reason, method, or approach, and the second clause expresses a result, purpose, or goal.

比赛前做好思想准备可以减少运动员的压力，从而取得比赛的成功。
Bǐsài qián zuòhǎo sīxiǎng zhǔnbèi kěyǐ jiǎnshǎo yùndòngyuán de yālì, cóng'ér qǔdé bǐsài de chénggōng.
Mental preparation before a competition can reduce athletes' stress, thus achieving success in the competition.
在学习过程中及时复习，可以尽早发现和解决问题，加深理解，从而取得更好的成绩。
Zài xuéxí guòchéng zhōng jíshí fùxí, kěyǐ jǐnzǎo fāxiàn hé jiějué wèntí, jiāshēn lǐjiě, cóng'ér qǔdé gèng hǎo de chéngjì.
Reviewing promptly during the learning process can help discover and solve problems early, deepen understanding, and thus achieve better results.
而济南的老百姓住在泉边，喝着这甜美的泉水，自然对它充满感激之情，从而也产生了许多关于泉水的美丽传说。
Ér Jǐnán de lǎobǎixìng zhù zài quánbiān, hēzhe zhè tiánměi de quánshuǐ, zìrán duì tā chōngmǎn gǎnjī zhī qíng, cóng'ér yě chǎnshēngle xǔduō guānyú quánshuǐ de měilì chuánshuō.
The ordinary people of Ji'nan, living by the springs and drinking this sweet water, naturally feel grateful for it, thus giving rise to many beautiful legends about the spring water.

于 (yú) - Preposition (from, at, to)

于 + 时间/地点/对象

'于' is a formal preposition equivalent to '在', '从', '对', '向', '比', etc. It's commonly used in written Chinese.

这家公司成立于1997年。
Zhè jiā gōngsī chénglì yú 1997 nián.
This company was established in 1997.
这种药主要用于感冒的治疗。
Zhè zhǒng yào zhǔyào yòngyú gǎnmào de zhìliáo.
This medicine is mainly used for treating colds.
济南的泉水，来自于济南市以南的广大山区……
Jǐnán de quánshuǐ, láizì yú Jǐnán shì yǐnán de guǎngdà shānqū...
Ji'nan's spring water comes from the vast mountainous area south of Ji'nan city...
运动有助于健康。
Yùndòng yǒuzhù yú jiànkāng.
Exercise is beneficial to health.

为 (wéi) - To become / To be

A + 为 + B (A becomes/is B)

'为' as a verb means 'to become' or 'to be'. It also means 'to act as' or 'to serve as', often used in more formal contexts.

而济南市区的地下岩石变为了火成岩……
Ér Jǐnán shìqū de dìxià yánshí biànwéile huǒchéngyán...
But in Ji'nan's urban area, the underground rock became igneous rock...
每个人都会遇到各种压力，可是，压力也可以变为动力。
Měi ge rén dōu huì yùdào gè zhǒng yālì, kěshì, yālì yě kěyǐ biànwéi dònglì.
Everyone encounters various pressures, but pressure can also become motivation.
找工作时，很多人会以收入多少为第一标准。
Zhǎo gōngzuò shí, hěn duō rén huì yǐ shōurù duōshao wéi dì-yī biāozhǔn.
When looking for a job, many people take income as the first criterion.

Lesson 6 · Origin of Chuxi

替 (tì) - For / On behalf of / To replace

替 + 对象 + 动词

'替' is a verb meaning 'to replace' or 'to take the place of'. As a preposition, it means 'for' or 'on behalf of'.

见了外公，你替我向他问好。
Jiànle wàigōng, nǐ tì wǒ xiàng tā wènhǎo.
When you see grandfather, say hello to him for me.
刘老师今天有点儿事来不了，你能替替他吗？
Liú lǎoshī jīntiān yǒudiǎnr shì láibùliǎo, nǐ néng tì tì tā ma?
Teacher Liu can't come today because of something, can you substitute for him?
七郎暗暗下决心一定要杀死'夕'，替百姓除掉这个制造灾害的东西。
Qīláng ànàn xià juéxīn yídìng yào shāsǐ 'Xī', tì bǎixìng chúdiào zhège zhìzào zāihài de dōngxi.
Qilang secretly made up his mind to kill 'Xi' and eliminate this disaster-making monster for the people.

说不定 (shuōbudìng) - Perhaps / Maybe

说不定 + Clause

'说不定' is an adverb meaning 'perhaps' or 'possibly'. It indicates uncertainty or speculation about something.

这事儿经理已经同意了，只是出发的时间还说不定呢。
Zhè shìr jīnglǐ yǐjīng tóngyì le, zhǐshì chūfā de shíjiān hái shuōbudìng ne.
The manager has agreed to this, it's just the departure time is still uncertain.
咱俩到底谁赢谁输还说不定呢。
Zán liǎ dàodǐ shuí yíng shuí shū hái shuōbudìng ne.
It's still uncertain which of us two will win or lose.
周末他起得迟，这会儿说不定还在睡觉呢。
Zhōumò tā qǐ de chí, zhè huìr shuōbudìng hái zài shuìjiào ne.
He gets up late on weekends, perhaps he's still sleeping now.

似的 (shìde) - Like / As if

像/跟/好像 + A + 似的

'似的' is a particle used after nouns, pronouns or clauses to indicate similarity. It's often used with '像', '跟', '好像' etc.

那是一出来，消息电话雪片似的纷纷打来。
Nà shì yí chūlái, xiāoxi diànhuà xuěpiàn shìde fēnfēn dǎlái.
As soon as that happened, phone calls about the news came flying in like snowflakes.
我不敢相信这是真的，好像做梦似的。
Wǒ bù gǎn xiāngxìn zhè shì zhēn de, hǎoxiàng zuòmèng shìde.
I can't believe this is real, it's like a dream.
'夕'忽隐忽现，就像鬼似的，急忙往外溜。
'Xī' hūyǐnhūxiàn, jiù xiàng guǐ shìde, jímáng wàng wài liū.
'Xi' appeared and disappeared suddenly, like a ghost, hurrying to slip outside.

纷纷 (fēnfēn) - One after another / In succession

纷纷 + Verb

'纷纷' as an adjective describes things as numerous and in disorder. As an adverb it means 'one after another' or 'in succession'.

秋风刮起，落叶纷纷。
Qiūfēng guāqǐ, luòyè fēnfēn.
The autumn wind blows, and leaves fall one after another.
他敲起麦子，孩子却被大水冲走了。事后，人们议论(yìlùn, to talk about)纷纷。
Tā qiāoqǐ màizi, háizi què bèi dàshuǐ chōngzǒule. Shìhòu, rénmen yìlùn fēnfēn.
He started harvesting wheat, but the child was swept away by the flood. Afterwards, people discussed it one after another.
除掉'夕'以后，百姓纷纷对七郎表达谢意。
Chúdiào 'Xī' yǐhòu, bǎixìng fēnfēn duì Qīláng biǎodá xièyì.
After getting rid of 'Xi', the people all expressed their gratitude to Qilang one after another.

Lesson 7 · Two Idiom Stories

瞎 (xiā) - Blindly / Foolishly

瞎 + Verb

'瞎' as a verb means 'to be blind'. As an adverb before verbs, it means 'blindly' or 'foolishly', indicating doing something without proper basis or method.

一天，他让士兵们去找一头大象和一些出生时眼睛就瞎了的人回来。
Yì tiān, tā ràng shìbīngmen qù zhǎo yì tóu dàxiàng hé yìxiē chūshēng shí yǎnjing jiù xiāle de rén huílái.
One day, he had his soldiers go find an elephant and some people who had been born blind.
别听他瞎说，不用害怕，没有根据或没有效果地做某事。
Bié tīng tā xiā shuō, bú yòng hàipà, méiyǒu gēnjù huò méiyǒu xiàoguǒ de zuò mǒushì.
Don't listen to his nonsense, there's nothing to be afraid of.
他自己的问题，他会想办法的，你就别替他瞎担心了。
Tā zìjǐ de wèntí, tā huì xiǎng bànfǎ de, nǐ jiù bié tì tā xiā dānxīn le.
It's his own problem, he'll figure it out, don't worry about him for nothing.

分别 (fēnbié) - Respectively / Separately

分别 + Verb

'分别' as a verb means 'to separate'. As an adverb, it means 'respectively' or 'separately', indicating that actions are done individually.

分别是暂时的，我们以后一定会再见。
Fēnbié shì zànshí de, wǒmen yǐhòu yídìng huì zàijiàn.
Separation is temporary, we will definitely meet again.
从毕业到现在，我们已经分别20年了，一直都没有联系。
Cóng bìyè dào xiànzài, wǒmen yǐjīng fēnbié 20 nián le, yìzhí dōu méiyǒu liánxì.
From graduation until now, we've been separated for 20 years without any contact.
士兵们分到去不同地方寻找，把找到的大象和盲人带到他面前。
Shìbīngmen fēndào qù bùtóng dìfang xúnzhǎo, bǎ zhǎodào de dàxiàng hé mángrén dàidào tā miànqián.
The soldiers went to different places separately to search and brought the elephant and blind men before him.

根 (gēn) - Measure word for long thin objects

数量 + 根 + 名词

'根' is a measure word used for long and thin objects like sticks, ropes, needles, etc.

这棵树的根又粗又长。
Zhè kē shù de gēn yòu cū yòu cháng.
The roots of this tree are thick and long.
这种植物的根可以吃。
Zhè zhǒng zhíwù de gēn kěyǐ chī.
The roots of this plant are edible.
你这颗(kē, a measure word for teeth)牙连牙根都坏了，干脆拔道不不咬吗？
Nǐ zhè kē yá lián yágēn dōu huàile, gāncuì bá dào bù bù yǎo ma?
Even the root of your tooth is damaged, why not just have it pulled?

便 (biàn) - Then / Consequently

Condition + 便 + Result

'便' is an adverb meaning 'then' or 'consequently', often used in written language to indicate that something happens naturally as a result.

楼上新买了一套钢琴，我们家便多了一些不安静。
Lóushàng xīn mǎile yí tào gāngqín, wǒmen jiā biàn duōle yìxiē bù ānjìng.
The upstairs neighbors bought a piano, so our home became less quiet.
很多时候，仅仅是换一种心情，换一个角度，使可以从困境中走出来。
Hěn duō shíhou, jǐnjǐn shì huàn yì zhǒng xīnqíng, huàn yí ge jiǎodù, shǐ kěyǐ cóng kùnjìng zhōng zǒu chūlái.
Many times, just by changing your mood and perspective, you can get out of a difficult situation.
'精诚所至，金石为开'这一成语也便由此流传下来。
'Jīngchéng suǒzhì, jīnshí wéi kāi' zhè yí chéngyǔ yě biàn yóucǐ liúchuán xiàlái.
Thus the idiom 'Absolute sincerity can move even metal and stone' has been passed down ever since.

Lesson 8 · Three at Dawn and Four at Dusk

倒 (dào) - Contrary to expectation

倒 + Verb/Adjective

'倒' as an adverb indicates something is contrary to what is expected or thought. It can express concession, affirmation despite expectation, or impatience.

在其他粮食不足的情况下，用橡子喂猴子倒是个办法。
Zài qítā liángshí bùzú de qíngkuàng xià, yòng xiàngzi wèi hóuzi dào shì ge bànfǎ.
When other grain is insufficient, using acorns to feed monkeys is actually a good solution.
少年不解地问：'怎么努力反倒成为缺点了？'
Shàonián bù jiě de wèn: 'Zěnme nǔlì fǎndào chéngwéi quēdiǎn le?'
The young man asked in confusion: 'How did effort become a weakness instead?'
小刘租的房子虽然很小，不过收拾得倒还干净。
Xiǎo Liú zū de fángzi suīrán hěn xiǎo, búguò shōushi de dào hái gānjìng.
Although Xiao Liu's rented room is small, it's actually quite clean.

……来……去 (lái...qù) - Back and forth

Verb + 来 + Verb + 去

'来...去' indicates repetition of an action, often with the same verb before 来 and 去.

小狗追着自己的尾巴，在草地上跑来跑去。
Xiǎo gǒu zhuīzhe zìjǐ de wěiba, zài cǎodì shàng pǎolái pǎoqù.
The puppy chased its own tail, running back and forth on the grass.
猴子们似乎只听懂了主人前面说的一个'三'，觉得自己吃了亏，一个个立起身子跳来跳去。
Hóuzimen sìhū zhǐ tīngdǒngle zhǔrén qiánmiàn shuō de yí ge 'sān', juéde zìjǐ chīle kuī, yí ge ge lìqǐ shēnzi tiàolái tiàoqù.
The monkeys seemed to only understand the 'three' their master said, felt cheated, and one by one stood up jumping around.
他们研究来讨论去，还是没找出原因。
Tāmen yánjiū lái tǎolùn qù, háishì méi zhǎochū yuányīn.
They researched and discussed back and forth but still couldn't find the reason.

要不 (yàobu) - Otherwise / Or else

要不 + Alternative clause

'要不/要不然' is a conjunction meaning 'otherwise' or 'or else'. It introduces an alternative or consequence.

老太太说：'4块，要不我不卖。'
Lǎo tàitai shuō: '4 kuài, yàobu wǒ bú mài.'
The old lady said: '4 yuan, otherwise I won't sell.'
还好碰见你了，要不然我今天肯定要迟到了。
Hái hǎo pèngjiàn nǐ le, yàoburán wǒ jīntiān kěndìng yào chídào le.
Good thing I ran into you, otherwise I would definitely have been late today.
要不这样吧，既然你们觉得少，那就从每天早上四颗，晚上三颗。
Yàobu zhèyàng ba, jìrán nǐmen juéde shǎo, nà jiù cóng měitiān zǎoshàng sì kē, wǎnshàng sān kē.
How about this then - since you think it's too few, let's do four in the morning and three in the evening.

Lesson 9 · The Lu Xun You Don't Know

算 (suàn) - To count as / To regard as

算 + Noun/Adjective

'算' as a verb means 'to count' or 'to calculate'. It can also mean 'to regard as' or 'to consider as', indicating that something meets certain criteria.

例如著名的文学家鲁迅，在吃喝这件事上，就算是个地道的行家。
Lìrú zhùmíng de wénxuéjiā Lǔ Xùn, zài chīhē zhè jiàn shì shàng, jiù suàn shì ge dìdao de hángjia.
For example, the famous writer Lu Xun could be regarded as a true expert when it came to food and drink.
这就说算我借给你的，将来你有了的时候再还我。
Zhè jiù shuō suàn wǒ jiègeǐ nǐ de, jiānglái nǐ yǒule de shíhou zài huán wǒ.
Let's just say this is a loan from me; you can pay me back when you have it in the future.
不就是一个空瓶子吗？拿得算了。
Bú jiùshì yí ge kōng píngzi ma? Ná de suànle.
It's just an empty bottle. Just take it, forget about it.

作为 (zuòwéi) - As / In the capacity of

作为 + Role/Identity + Clause

'作为' is a preposition meaning 'as' or 'in the capacity of'. It introduces a role, identity, or perspective.

北海公园离家最近，所以我把那几件作为每道散步的去处。
Běihǎi Gōngyuán lí jiā zuìjìn, suǒyǐ wǒ bǎ nà jǐ jiàn zuòwéi měi dào sànbù de qùchù.
Beihai Park is closest to home, so I use it as my daily walking destination.
经理表满我去吃顿饭，说是作为我加班的表扬。
Jīnglǐ biǎomǎn wǒ qù chī dùn fàn, shuō shì zuòwéi wǒ jiābān de biǎoyáng.
The manager treated me to a meal as praise for my overtime work.
作为大作家、大学问家，鲁迅对吃很讲究，吃的内容在他的日记里占了很大一部分。
Zuòwéi dà zuòjiā, dàxuéwènjiā, Lǔ Xùn duì chī hěn jiǎngjiu, chī de nèiróng zài tā de rìjì lǐ zhànle hěn dà yí bùfèn.
As a great writer and scholar, Lu Xun was very particular about food, and eating occupied a large part of his diary entries.

曾经 (céngjīng) - Once / Ever

曾经 + Verb

'曾经' is an adverb meaning 'once' or 'in the past'. It indicates that something happened at some point in the past.

郁达夫在1933年曾经作诗形容他：'醉眼朦胧上酒楼，仿佛呐喊两悠悠'，描写得十分形象。
Yù Dáfū zài 1933 nián céngjīng zuòshī xíngróng tā: 'Zuìyǎn ménglóng shàng jiǔlóu, fǎngfú nàhǎn liǎng yōuyōu', miáoxiě de shífēn xíngxiàng.
Yu Dafu once wrote a poem describing him in 1933: 'With bleary eyes climbing to a tavern, as if the cry echoes faintly' - a very vivid description.
鲁迅曾经说过他是得到别人喝牛奶，咖啡的时间用来学习。
Lǔ Xùn céngjīng shuōguò tā shì dédào biérén hē niúnǎi, kāfēi de shíjiān yòng lái xuéxí.
Lu Xun once said he used the time others spent drinking milk and coffee for studying.
孔子曾经带着学生周游各国14年，传播他的思想。
Kǒngzǐ céngjīng dàizhe xuéshēng zhōuyóu gèguó 14 nián, chuánbò tā de sīxiǎng.
Confucius once traveled through various countries with his students for 14 years, spreading his ideas.

Lesson 10 · Miracle of Debate

毕竟 (bìjìng) - After all

毕竟 + Statement

'毕竟' is an adverb meaning 'after all' or 'in the final analysis'. It emphasizes a fundamental truth despite other circumstances.

虽然我们遇到了很多困难，但毕竟完成了任务。
Suīrán wǒmen yùdàole hěnduō kùnnán, dàn bìjìng wánchéngle rènwu.
Although we encountered many difficulties, we did complete the task after all.
不过摄影师毕竟是摄影师，主意还是有的。
Búguò shèyǐngshī bìjìng shì shèyǐngshī, zhǔyi háishì yǒu de.
However, a photographer is still a photographer after all, and he did have an idea.
毕竟也用于指出最重要或正确的部分，常与'不管怎样'的句子一起使用。
Bìjìng yě yòngyú zhǐchū zuì zhònyào huò zhèngquè de bùfen, cháng yǔ 'bùguǎn zěnyàng' de jùzi yìqǐ shǐyòng.
'毕竟' is also used to point out the most important or correct part, often used with sentences meaning 'regardless'.

逐渐 (zhújiàn) - Gradually

逐渐 + Verb

'逐渐' is an adverb meaning 'gradually' or 'progressively'. It indicates a slow, step-by-step change over time.

食物越来越少，老人不得不逐渐限制猴子的食量。
Shíwù yuèláiyuè shǎo, lǎorén bùdébù zhújiàn xiànzhì hóuzi de shíliàng.
As food became scarcer, the old man had to gradually limit the monkeys' food portions.
这项运动首先在亚太地区流行，并逐渐受到世界各地人们的欢迎。
Zhè xiàng yùndòng shǒuxiān zài Yàtài dìqū liúxíng, bìng zhújiàn shòudào shìjiè gèdì rénmen de huānyíng.
This sport first became popular in the Asia-Pacific region and gradually became welcome worldwide.
经过艰苦的试验，电影拍摄技术逐渐改进、成熟。
Jīngguò jiānkǔ de shìyàn, diànyǐng pāishè jìshù zhújiàn gǎijìn, chéngshú.
After arduous experiments, film technology gradually improved and matured.

或许 (huòxǔ) - Maybe / Perhaps

或许 + Statement

'或许' is an adverb meaning 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. It indicates possibility or uncertainty.

虽然以前他不支持你，但或许这次会有变化。
Suīrán yǐqián tā bù zhīchí nǐ, dàn huòxǔ zhè cì huì yǒu biànhuà.
Although he didn't support you before, perhaps things will change this time.
或许正是因为这一滴一滴的努力，你就会走在别人的前面。
Huòxǔ zhèng shì yīnwèi zhè yì dī yì dī de nǔlì, nǐ jiù huì zǒu zài biérén de qiánmiàn.
Perhaps it's precisely because of these little efforts that you'll get ahead of others.
留心生活的每一瞬间，并为之争论，或许重大发现就在你的眼前。
Liúxīn shēnghuó de měi yí shùnjiān, bìng wèizhī zhēnglùn, huòxǔ zhòngdà fāxiàn jiù zài nǐ de yǎnqián.
Pay attention to every moment of life and argue about it; perhaps a great discovery is right before your eyes.

Lesson 11 · Harm of Alarm Clocks

V+过来 - To recover/return to a state

Verb + 过来

'过来' used after a verb indicates transitioning or returning to a normal or expected state.

人逐渐从熟睡过渡到浅睡，直到醒来。
Rén zhújiàn cóng shúshuì guòdù dào qiǎn shuì, zhídào xǐnglái.
People gradually transition from deep sleep to light sleep until they wake up.
早点睡来，她发现窗外正下着大雪。
Zǎodiǎn xǐnglái, tā fāxiàn chuāngwài zhèng xiàzhe dà xuě.
Waking up early, she found it was snowing heavily outside.
他救了妻子，消防员及时把孩子也救过来了。
Tā jiùle qīzi, xiāofángyuán jíshí bǎ háizi yě jiù guòlái le.
He saved his wife, and the firefighters also rescued the child in time.

所 (suǒ) - What is (V-ed)

所 + Verb + 的

'所' is a particle used before a verb to form a noun phrase meaning 'what is (verb-ed)'. It often pairs with '的' to create the pattern '所...的'.

山水画所表现的是人与自然的关系。
Shānshuǐhuà suǒ biǎoxiàn de shì rén yǔ zìrán de guānxì.
What landscape paintings express is the relationship between humans and nature.
人们对自然醒与被闹钟铃声吵醒这两种方式所产生的反应是很不相同的。
Rénmen duì zìrán xǐng yǔ bèi nàozhōng língshēng chǎoxǐng zhè liǎng zhǒng fāngshì suǒ chǎnshēng de fǎnyìng shì hěn bù xiāngtóng de.
People's reactions to natural waking versus being awakened by alarm bells are quite different.
调查显示，随着年龄的增大，女性的职场幸福感有所提高。
Diàochá xiǎnshì, suízhe niánlíng de zēngdà, nǚxìng de zhíchǎng xìngfúgǎn yǒu suǒ tígāo.
Surveys show that as age increases, women's workplace happiness increases somewhat.

相当 (xiāngdāng) - Equivalent to / Quite

相当 + Adjective OR 与...相当

'相当' as a verb means 'to be equivalent to'. As an adverb, it means 'quite' or 'fairly'.

这些能力最多为正常状态的65%与醉酒者相当。
Zhèxiē nénglì zuìduō wéi zhèngcháng zhuàngtài de 65% yǔ zuìjiǔzhě xiāngdāng.
These abilities at most reach 65% of normal capacity, equivalent to being drunk.
这种鸟一天所食的害虫相当于自己的体重。
Zhè zhǒng niǎo yì tiān suǒ shí de hàichóng xiāngdāng yú zìjǐ de tǐzhòng.
The pests this bird eats in one day are equivalent to its own body weight.
菜的味道好权了，服务也好周到，我相当满意。
Cài de wèidào hǎo quánle, fúwù yě hǎo zhōudào, wǒ xiāngdāng mǎnyì.
The food tastes great, the service is attentive, and I'm quite satisfied.

数 (shù) - Several

数 + Measure Word + Noun

'数' as a number means 'several'. It's used to indicate an indefinite but small number.

我大概数了一下，车上有32个学生。
Wǒ dàgài shǔle yíxià, chē shàng yǒu 32 ge xuéshēng.
I roughly counted - there are 32 students on the bus.
先生，这是找您的残，58块6，总数数。
Xiānsheng, zhè shì zhǎo nín de cán, 58 kuài 6, zǒng shùshù.
Sir, this is your change, 58.6 yuan, please count it.
这种状态如果持续数天、数周、数月，将导致高血压、失眠和一些精神问题等。
Zhè zhǒng zhuàngtài rúguǒ chíxù shù tiān, shù zhōu, shù yuè, jiāng dǎozhì gāo xuèyā, shīmián hé yìxiē jīngshén wèntí děng.
If this state continues for several days, weeks, or months, it can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, and some psychological problems.

Lesson 12 · Overseas Users of WeChat

以及 (yǐjí) - As well as / And

A 以及 B

'以及' is a conjunction used to connect parallel elements of words or phrases, generally arranged in order of priority.

吃饭时不要用筷子敲打碗，盘子以及桌面。
Chīfàn shí búyào yòng kuàizi qiāodǎ wǎn, pánzi yǐjí zhuōmiàn.
Don't use chopsticks to tap bowls, plates, and the table while eating.
学校的领导、教师以及一些学生代表都看了演出。
Xuéxiào de lǐngdǎo, jiàoshī yǐjí yìxiē xuéshēng dàibiǎo dōu kànle yǎnchū.
School leaders, teachers, and some student representatives all watched the performance.
由于中国互联网的用户数量以及市场成熟程度等都低于发达国家，在产品创新上难有领导地位。
Yóuyú Zhōngguó hùliánwǎng de yònghù shùliàng yǐjí shìchǎng chéngshú chéngdù děng dōu dīyú fādá guójiā, zài chǎnpǐn chuàngxīn shàng nán yǒu lǐngdǎo dìwèi.
Due to China's lower internet user numbers and market maturity compared to developed countries, it's difficult to have a leading position in product innovation.

程度 (chéngdù) - Degree / Level

程度 + Noun OR Adjective + 程度

'程度' is a noun indicating the level or degree of something. It can also be used adverbially.

由于中国互联网的用户数量以及市场成熟程度等都低于发达国家，在产品创新上难有领导地位。
Yóuyú Zhōngguó hùliánwǎng de yònghù shùliàng yǐjí shìchǎng chéngshú chéngdù děng dōu dīyú fādá guójiā, zài chǎnpǐn chuàngxīn shàng nán yǒu lǐngdǎo dìwèi.
Due to China's lower internet user numbers and market maturity level compared to developed countries, it's difficult to have a leading position in product innovation.
问题已经发展到了十分严重的程度。
Wèntí yǐjīng fāzhǎn dàole shífēn yánzhòng de chéngdù.
The problem has developed to a very serious degree.
在很大程度上，一个人的未来取决于他所受的教育。
Zài hěn dà chéngdù shàng, yí ge rén de wèilái qǔjué yú tā suǒ shòu de jiàoyù.
To a large extent, a person's future depends on the education they receive.

Lesson 13 · Cutting Off the 'Bottom of the Basket' in Life

何况 (hékuàng) - Let alone

A 何况 B (B is even more so than A)

'何况' is a conjunction used to introduce a more extreme case, meaning 'let alone' or 'not to mention'. It's used when the conclusion is already obvious from the first statement.

缺少了激烈紧张的气氛，连运动员都不满意，更何况看比赛的球迷呢？
Quēshǎole jīliè jǐnzhāng de qìfēn, lián yùndòngyuán dōu bù mǎnyì, gèng hékuàng kàn bǐsài de qíumí ne?
Lacking the intense atmosphere, even the players were unsatisfied, let alone the spectators?
北京的发展变化太快，我这个土生土长的老北京还常常迷路呢，何况你一个外地人。
Běijīng de fāzhǎn biànhuà tài kuài, wǒ zhège tǔshēngtǔzhǎng de lǎo Běijīng hái chángcháng mílù ne, hékuàng nǐ yí ge wàidì rén.
Beijing's development and changes are so fast that even I, a native Beijinger, often get lost, let alone you, an outsider.
这辆车外观漂亮，安全性高，又何况价钱也就比上次看的那辆贵了几千块，还是买这辆吧。
Zhè liàng chē wàiguān piàoliang, ānquánxìng gāo, yòu hékuàng jiàqián yě jiù bǐ shàngcì kàn de nà liàng guìle jǐ qiān kuài, háishì mǎi zhè liàng ba.
This car looks beautiful, has high safety, and besides, it's only a few thousand yuan more expensive than the one we saw last time - let's buy this one.

何必 (hébì) - Why bother / There's no need

何必 + Verb/Action

'何必' is an adverb used in rhetorical questions to suggest that something is unnecessary. It means 'why bother' or 'there's no need to'.

何必这么麻烦呢？把篮筐的底去掉不就行了吗？
Hébì zhème máfan ne? Bǎ lánkuāng de dǐ qùdiào bù jiù xíngle ma?
Why go through all this trouble? Why not just remove the bottom of the basket?
食堂楼下就有个小超市，何必去学校外边呢？
Shítáng lóuxià jiù yǒu ge xiǎo chāoshì, hébì qù xuéxiào wàibian ne?
There's a small supermarket right below the cafeteria, why bother going outside the school?
你何必亲自送一趟呢？叫个快递不就行了？
Nǐ hébì qīnzì sòng yí tàng ne? Jiào ge kuàidì bù jiù xíngle?
Why bother delivering it yourself? Why not just use a courier?

多亏 (duōkuī) - Thanks to / Luckily

多亏 + Noun/Clause

'多亏' is used to express gratitude or acknowledge that something positive happened because of someone's help or some favorable circumstance.

多亏了他这句话，人们如梦初醒。
Duōkuīle tā zhè jù huà, rénmen rú mèng chū xǐng.
Thanks to his words, people suddenly realized the solution.
赵老师，谢谢你，多亏您给我指路吧，很管用。
Zhào lǎoshī, xièxie nǐ, duōkuī nín gěi wǒ zhǐ lù ba, hěn guǎnyòng.
Teacher Zhao, thank you. Thanks to you for showing me the way, it was very helpful.
今天幸亏多亏有你在，你可帮我太大忙了。
Jīntiān xìngkuī duōkuī yǒu nǐ zài, nǐ kě bāng wǒ tài dà mángle.
Luckily you were here today, you really helped me a lot.

Lesson 14 · Quadrangle Courtyards in Beijing

所谓 (suǒwèi) - So-called

所谓 + Noun/Concept

'所谓' is an adjective often used to introduce an explanation of a term or concept. It can also express skepticism about something.

很多时候，烦恼是自己找来的，这就是所谓的'自寻烦恼'。
Hěn duō shíhou, fánnǎo shì zìjǐ zhǎo lái de, zhè jiù shì suǒwèi de 'zì xún fánnǎo'.
Many times, troubles are self-inflicted; this is what's called 'asking for trouble'.
所谓四合，'四'指东、西、南、北四面，'合'就是四面房屋围在一起，中间形成一个方形的院子。
Suǒwèi sìhé, 'sì' zhǐ dōng, xī, nán, běi sì miàn, 'hé' jiùshì sì miàn fángwū wéi zài yìqǐ, zhōngjiān xíngchéng yí ge fāngxíng de yuànzi.
The so-called 'sihé' - 'si' refers to the four directions of east, west, south, and north, while 'hé' means the houses on four sides surround together, forming a square courtyard in the middle.
现在市场上所谓的'健康食品'其实没有统一的标准。
Xiànzài shìchǎng shàng suǒwèi de 'jiànkāng shípǐn' qíshí méiyǒu tǒngyī de biāozhǔn.
The so-called 'health foods' on the market today actually have no unified standard.

则 (zé) - While / On the other hand

A，则 B (contrast between A and B)

'则' is a conjunction used to indicate contrast or to introduce an example in formal writing.

有的人家喜欢种草、养花、种竹子，有的人家则喜欢用大盆养金鱼。
Yǒu de rénjiā xǐhuan zhòng cǎo, yǎng huā, zhòng zhúzi, yǒu de rénjiā zé xǐhuan yòng dà pén yǎng jīnyú.
Some families like to plant grass, flowers, and bamboo, while others prefer to raise goldfish in large basins.
北京的冬天，有风则寒，无风则暖。
Běijīng de dōngtiān, yǒu fēng zé hán, wú fēng zé nuǎn.
In Beijing's winter, it's cold when windy and warm when not.
人生不能总是要求'快'，其实，'慢'也是一种生活的艺术。
Rénshēng bù néng zǒngshì yāoqiú 'kuài', qíshí, 'màn' yě shì yì zhǒng shēnghuó de yìshù.
Life shouldn't always demand 'fast'; in fact, 'slow' is also an art of living.

为...所... (wéi...suǒ...) - By (passive)

为 + Agent + 所 + Verb

This is a formal passive construction meaning 'by'. It indicates that the subject is the receiver of an action.

对创造生活情趣起了很大作用，因而最为人们所喜爱。
Duì chuàngzào shēnghuó qíngqù qǐle hěn dà zuòyòng, yīn'ér zuì wéi rénmen suǒ xǐ'ài.
It plays a significant role in creating life's joys, and thus is most beloved by people.
认识他的人，没有人不为他认真的工作态度所感动。
Rènshi tā de rén, méiyǒu rén bù wéi tā rènzhēn de gōngzuò tàidù suǒ gǎndòng.
Everyone who knows him is moved by his serious work attitude.
有了科学，大自然就可以更好地为人所用。
Yǒule kēxué, dà zìrán jiù kěyǐ gèng hǎo de wéi rén suǒ yòng.
With science, nature can be better utilized by humans.

起 (qǐ) - Verb + 起 (resultative complement)

动词 + 起

'起' as a resultative complement indicates connection, combination, or establishment.

只要关起大门，四合院内便形成一个封闭式的小环境。
Zhǐyào guān qǐ dàmén, sìhéyuàn nèi biàn xíngchéng yí ge fēngbìshì de xiǎo huánjìng.
Once the main gate is closed, the siheyuan forms a closed small environment.
拉起手，我们就是好朋友。
Lā qǐ shǒu, wǒmen jiùshì hǎo péngyou.
When we hold hands, we are good friends.
对公司来说，最重要的是建立（jiànlì, to establish）起一套行之有效的制度。
Duì gōngsī lái shuō, zuì zhòngyào de shì jiànlì qǐ yí tào xíng zhī yǒuxiào de zhìdù.
For a company, the most important thing is to establish an effective system.

Lesson 15 · Being an Armchair Strategist

过 (guò) - Resultative complement with 过

动词 + 得/不 + 过

'过' as a directional verb complement means to surpass or exceed someone in some action.

跟别人谈论起军事来，没有人说得过他。
Gēn biérén tánlùn qǐ jūnshì lái, méiyǒu rén shuō de guò tā.
When discussing military affairs with others, no one could argue with him better.
年轻人记忆力好，这一点我比不过他你。
Niánqīng rén jìyìlì hǎo, zhè yì diǎn wǒ bǐ bù guò tā nǐ.
Young people have good memory; in this regard, I can't compare to you.
我们的原材料费、人工费用高，产品在价格上肯定赛不过他。
Wǒmen de yuáncáiliào fèi, réngōng fèiyong gāo, chǎnpǐn zài jiàgé shàng kěndìng sài bù guò tā.
Our raw material and labor costs are high, so in terms of price, our products definitely can't compete with them.

迟早 (chízǎo) - Sooner or later

迟早 + Predicate

'迟早' is an adverb indicating that something will definitely happen at some point, though the timing is uncertain.

如果让他当了大将，迟早会害了赵国。
Rúguǒ ràng tā dāngle dàjiàng, chízǎo huì hàile Zhàoguó.
If he becomes a general, he will sooner or later harm the State of Zhao.
随着网络技术的发展，这些问题迟早都会得到解决。
Suízhe wǎngluò jìshù de fāzhǎn, zhèxiē wèntí chízǎo dōu huì dédào jiějué.
With the development of internet technology, these problems will all be solved sooner or later.
如果不重视技术研究和产品开发，我们迟早会被别人挤出市场。
Rúguǒ bù zhòngshì jìshù yánjiū hé chǎnpǐn kāifā, wǒmen chízǎo huì bèi biérén jǐ chū shìchǎng.
If we don't value technical research and product development, we'll sooner or later be squeezed out of the market.

再三 (zàisān) - Again and again

再三 + Verb

'再三' is an adverb meaning 'again and again' or 'repeatedly', often used with verbs without objects.

赵括的母亲再三阻止赵王任命儿子为大将。
Zhào Kuò de mǔqīn zàisān zǔzhǐ Zhào Wáng rènmìng érzi wéi dàjiàng.
Zhao Kuo's mother repeatedly tried to stop the king from appointing her son as general.
我最近这段时间特别忙，实在没时间参加小王的活动，可他再三邀请，我只好答应了。
Wǒ zuìjìn zhè duàn shíjiān tèbié máng, shízài méi shíjiān cānjiā Xiǎo Wáng de huódòng, kě tā zàisān yāoqǐng, wǒ zhǐhǎo dāyìngle.
I've been really busy lately with no time to join Xiao Wang's activities, but he invited me again and again, so I had to agree.
朋友请他做公司的总经理，他考虑再三，最后还是客气地拒绝了。
Péngyou qǐng tā zuò gōngsī de zǒngjīnglǐ, tā kǎolǜ zàisān, zuìhòu háishì kèqì de jùjuéle.
Friends asked him to be the company's general manager; he considered it again and again, but finally politely refused.

Lesson 16 · Weight and Diet

即 (jí) - To be; namely

A，即 B (A is B / A namely B)

'即' is a formal word meaning 'to be' or 'namely', often used in written Chinese to explain or specify something.

'立'是象形字，即太阳从地平线上升起。
'Lì' shì xiàngxíngzì, jí tàiyáng cóng dìpíngxiàn shàng shēng qǐ.
'立' is a pictographic character, namely the sun rising from the horizon.
这些人的体重变化表现出清晰的模式，即周末之后体重升高，在工作日体重减轻（周五达到最低点）。
Zhèxiē rén de tǐzhòng biànhuà biǎoxiàn chū qīngxī de móshì, jí zhōumò zhīhòu tǐzhòng shēnggāo, zài gōngzuòrì tǐzhòng jiǎnqīng (Zhōuwǔ dádào zuìdīdiǎn).
These people's weight changes displayed a clear pattern - namely weight increased after the weekend and decreased on workdays (reaching the lowest point on Friday).
不懂即问是他最大的优点，也是他成功的主要原因。
Bù dǒng jí wèn shì tā zuìdà de yōudiǎn, yě shì tā chénggōng de zhǔyào yuányīn.
Asking immediately when not understanding is his greatest strength and the main reason for his success.

个别 (gèbié) - Individual / A few

个别 + Noun

'个别' as an adjective means 'individual' or 'a few', indicating a small number or exception from the group.

他经常采取个别谈话的方式了解情况和解决问题。
Tā jīngcháng cǎiqǔ gèbié tánhuà de fāngshì liǎojiě qíngkuàng hé jiějué wèntí.
He often adopts individual conversations to understand situations and solve problems.
教练针对他的技术特点进行了个别训练，达到了比较好的效果。
Jiàoliàn zhēnduì tā de jìshù tèdiǎn jìnxíngle gèbié xùnliàn, dádàole bǐjiào hǎo de xiàoguǒ.
The coach conducted individual training based on his technical characteristics and achieved good results.
除了个别人以外，多数人体重的增加会从周六开始。
Chúle gèbié rén yǐwài, duōshù rén tǐzhòng de zēngjiā huì cóng Zhōuliù kāishǐ.
Except for a few individuals, most people's weight gain starts from Saturday.

非 (fēi) - To be not / Must

非 + Noun/Verb (not be) OR 非 + Verb + 不可 (must)

'非' can be used as a verb meaning 'to be not' in formal contexts, or as an adverb meaning 'must' in the pattern '非...不可'.

工作日和周末体重的临时变化应该被视为正常现象，而非真正的体重增加。
Gōngzuòrì hé zhōumò tǐzhòng de línshí biànhuà yīnggāi bèi shì wéi zhèngcháng xiànxiàng, ér fēi zhēnzhèng de tǐzhòng zēngjiā.
Temporary weight changes on workdays and weekends should be viewed as normal phenomena, not actual weight gain.
成功有时候并非想象中那么难。
Chénggōng yǒushíhou bìngfēi xiǎngxiàng zhōng nàme nán.
Success is sometimes not as difficult as imagined.
他非要离婚，我们难挡老挡不住。
Tā fēi yào líhūn, wǒmen nán dǎng lǎo dǎng bù zhù.
He insists on getting a divorce; we can't stop him no matter what.

Lesson 17 · Ending at the Best Moment

以 (yǐ) - In order to

以 + 方式/手段 OR 以 + Purpose

'以' is a preposition commonly used in written language meaning 'with' or 'in order to'. It can also be used as a conjunction meaning 'so as to'.

同年4月，（微信）以英文名WeChat正式进入国际市场。
Tóngnián 4 yuè, (Wēixìn) yǐ yīngwén míng WeChat zhèngshì jìnrù guójì shìchǎng.
In April of the same year, (WeChat) officially entered the international market under the English name WeChat.
虽然我们已经老了，但还要坚持学习，以适应社会的发展。
Suīrán wǒmen yǐjīng lǎole, dàn hái yào jiānchí xuéxí, yǐ shìyìng shèhuì de fāzhǎn.
Although we're old, we still need to keep learning to adapt to social development.
比如说为了一场戏剧演出，我们会投入很多时间，准备服装、化妆、道具、舞台美术，以创造良好的效果。
Bǐrú shuō wèile yī chǎng xìjù yǎnchū, wǒmen huì tóurù hěnduō shíjiān, zhǔnbèi fúzhuāng, huàzhuāng, dàojù, wǔtái měishù, yǐ chuàngzào liánghǎo de xiàoguǒ.
For example, for a theater performance, we invest a lot of time preparing costumes, makeup, props, and stage design to create good effects.

平常 (píngcháng) - Ordinary / Usually

平常 + 的 + Noun OR 平常 + Verb

'平常' can be an adjective meaning 'ordinary, common' or an adverb meaning 'usually'. When used as an adverb, it's equivalent to '平时'.

对小王来说，今天是一个不平常的日子，因为他今天第一天上班。
Duì Xiǎo Wáng lái shuō, jīntiān shì yī ge bù píngcháng de rìzi, yīnwèi tā jīntiān dì yī tiān shàngbān.
For Xiao Wang, today is an unusual day because it's his first day at work.
一部电影，开始虽然剧情平平常常。
Yī bù diànyǐng, kāishǐ suīrán jùqíng píng píng cháng cháng.
A movie that starts with a very ordinary plot.
他平常总是来得很早，今天却迟到了。
Tā píngcháng zǒngshì lái de hěn zǎo, jīntiān què chídàole.
He usually comes very early, but he was late today.

宁可 (nìngkě) - Would rather

宁可 + A，也不/也要 + B

'宁可' is an adverb indicating a preference after comparison, meaning 'would rather' or 'prefer to'. It's often paired with '也不' or '也要'.

作为母亲，她宁可自己受一点儿，也不愿委屈了孩子。
Zuòwéi mǔqīn, tā nìngkě zìjǐ shòu yīdiǎnr, yě bù yuàn wěiqu le háizi.
As a mother, she would rather suffer herself than let her child be wronged.
为什么大家宁可挤（jǐ, to crowd）成一团，也不去没人的那边？
Wèishénme dàjiā nìngkě jǐ chéng yī tuán, yě bù qù méi rén de nà biān?
Why would everyone rather crowd together than go to the empty side?
做节目时，与开幕式相比，我们宁可把更多的精力集中在闭幕式上。
Zuò jiémù shí, yǔ kāimùshì xiāngbǐ, wǒmen nìngkě bǎ gèng duō de jīnglì jízhōng zài bìmùshì shàng.
When preparing programs, compared to the opening ceremony, we would rather focus more energy on the closing ceremony.

Lesson 18 · Abstract Art: Beautiful or Not?

极其 (jíqí) - Extremely

极其 + Multi-syllable Adjective

'极其' is an adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'exceptionally'. It can only modify adjectives with two or more syllables.

在中国，餐桌上放一把刀是极其少见的现象。
Zài Zhōngguó, cānzhuō shàng fàng yī bǎ dāo shì jíqí shǎojiàn de xiànxiàng.
In China, placing a knife on the dining table is an extremely rare phenomenon.
每天说'太糟糕了''太讨厌了''真倒霉(dǎoméi, unlucky)'的人，遇到的困难也格外多，运气（yùnqi, luck, fortune）也显得极其糟糕。
Měitiān shuō 'Tài zāogāole''Tài tǎoyànle''Zhēn dǎoméi' de rén, yùdào de kùnnán yě géwài duō, yùnqi yě xiǎnde jíqí zāogāo.
People who say 'How terrible!' 'How annoying!' 'Such bad luck!' every day also encounter more difficulties, and their luck seems extremely bad.
抽象派画家的作品中经常见到好像随便洒上颜料而形成的画作，在有人看来极其神秘甚至丑陋。
Chōuxiàng pài huàjiā de zuòpǐn zhōng jīngcháng jiàndào hǎoxiàng suíbiàn sǎ shàng yánliào ér xíngchéng de huàzuò, zài yǒurén kànlái jíqí shénmì shènzhì chǒulòu.
In abstract painters' works, you often see paintings that look like randomly splashed paint, which some people find extremely mysterious or even ugly.

其余 (qíyú) - The rest

其余 + (的) + Noun

'其余' is a pronoun meaning 'the rest' or 'the remaining part'. It refers to the remaining portion after something has been mentioned or removed.

怎么只有你们两个人？其余的同学呢？
Zěnme zhǐyǒu nǐmen liǎng ge rén? Qíyú de tóngxué ne?
How come there are only you two? Where are the rest of the classmates?
只有一个房间是着灯的，其余窗户都是黑的。
Zhǐyǒu yī ge fángjiān shì zhe dēng de, qíyú chuānghu dōu shì hēi de.
Only one room has lights on; the rest of the windows are dark.
其中三分之一的画作存在签名，而其余的则标明了身份。
Qízhōng sān fēn zhī yī de huàzuò cúnzài qiānmíng, ér qíyú de zé biāomíngle shēnfèn.
One-third of the paintings had signatures, while the rest only indicated identity status.

可见 (kějiàn) - It can be seen that...

Context，可见 + Conclusion

'可见' is a conjunction used to draw conclusions based on previous context. It means 'therefore', 'it can be seen that', or 'obviously'.

他已经住院好几天了，一直没断不出是什么问题，可见情况不太好。
Tā yǐjīng zhùyuàn hǎo jǐ tiān le, yīzhí méi duàn bù chū shì shénme wèntí, kějiàn qíngkuàng bù tài hǎo.
He's been hospitalized for several days and they still can't diagnose the problem. Obviously, the situation isn't good.
汉语中有个成语叫'自知之明'，把'自知'称为'明'，可见'自知'是一种智慧。
Hànyǔ zhōng yǒu ge chéngyǔ jiào 'zìzhī zhī míng', bǎ 'zìzhī' chēng wéi 'míng', kějiàn 'zìzhī' shì yī zhǒng zhìhuì.
In Chinese, there's an idiom 'self-awareness as wisdom'. Calling self-awareness 'wisdom' shows that self-awareness is a kind of wisdom.
由此可见，志愿者能够从画作中感知到艺术家的用心，哪怕他们不能够解释原因。
Yóucǐ kějiàn, zhìyuànzhě nénggòu cóng huàzuò zhōng gǎnzhī dào yìshùjiā de yòngxīn, nǎpà tāmen bù nénggòu jiěshì yuányīn.
From this, we can see that volunteers could perceive the artist's intention from the paintings, even if they couldn't explain why.

Lesson 19 · Turnip Pancakes in My Hometown

般 (bān) - Like / As if

A + 般 + Adjective/Verb

'般' is used after nouns to mean 'like' or 'similar to'. It's often used in written language to create comparisons.

紫的像山泉般清淡可口。
Zǐ de xiàng shānquán bān qīngdàn kěkǒu.
The purple ones are as light and delicious as mountain spring water.
你们到各地去旅游，一定会增加对中国的了解，老话说：百闻不如一见。
Nǐmen dào gèdì qù lǚyóu, yídìng huì zēngjiā duì Zhōngguó de liǎojiě, lǎohuà shuō: bǎiwén bùrú yījiàn.
If you travel around, you'll certainly increase your understanding of China. As the old saying goes: seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.
邻居们闹声起来，纷纷跳入水中救起了落水的小海。
Línjūmen nàoshēng qǐlái, fēnfēn tiàorù shuǐzhōng jiùqǐle luòshuǐ de xiǎohǎi.
The neighbors made noise and jumped into the water one after another to save the drowning child.

闻 (wén) - To smell / To hear

Subject + 闻 + Object

'闻' can mean both 'to smell' (with the nose) and 'to hear' (more formal/literary than 听). When used as a verb, it often indicates information or news.

能闻到香味时，便可开锅了。
Néng wéndào xiāngwèi shí, biàn kě kāiguō le.
When you can smell the fragrance, you can open the pot.
火最好用文火，能闻到香味时，便可开锅了。
Huǒ zuìhǎo yòng wénhuǒ, néng wéndào xiāngwèi shí, biàn kě kāiguō le.
It's best to use a gentle fire. When you can smell the fragrance, you can open the pot.
他把盖盖儿打开，闻了闻，开始吃菜。
Tā bǎ gàigàir dǎkāi, wénle wén, kāishǐ chī cài.
He opened the lid, took a sniff, and started eating.

趁 (chèn) - To take advantage of / While

趁 + (Time/Opportunity) + Verb

'趁' is a preposition meaning 'to take advantage of' or 'while'. It indicates doing something at an opportune moment.

萝卜饼要趁热吃。
Luóbo bǐng yào chèn rè chī.
Turnip pancakes should be eaten while hot.
趁这几天假期，我会尽量休息。
Chèn zhè jǐ tiān jiàqī, wǒ huì jǐnliàng xiūxi.
Taking advantage of these few days off, I'll rest as much as possible.
趁还年轻的时候，还来得及几个地方旅行。
Chèn hái niánqīng de shíhou, hái láidejí jǐ gè dìfang lǚxíng.
While still young, there's still time to travel to a few places.

Lesson 20 · Picture-story Book Stalls

毫无 (háowú) - Not at all / Without any

毫无 + Noun

'毫无' means 'not at all' or 'without any'. It's used before nouns to express complete absence.

只用很少的钱就能看一本，毫无疑问是件大好事。
Zhǐ yòng hěn shǎo de qián jiù néng kàn yì běn, háowú yíwèn shì jiàn dà hǎoshì.
Being able to read one for very little money is undoubtedly a great thing.
他对这件事毫无兴趣。
Tā duì zhè jiàn shì háowú xìngqù.
He has absolutely no interest in this matter.
这个计划毫无问题。
Zhège jìhuà háowú wèntí.
This plan has absolutely no problems.

假如 (jiǎrú) - If / In case

假如 + Condition, (就) + Result

'假如' is a conjunction meaning 'if' or 'suppose'. It introduces hypothetical situations, often paired with '就' in the result clause.

假如借书回家看，则每本每天2分钱。
Jiǎrú jiè shū huíjiā kàn, zé měi běn měi tiān 2 fēn qián.
If you borrow a book to read at home, it costs 2 cents per book per day.
假如明天下雨，我们就不去了。
Jiǎrú míngtiān xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù le.
If it rains tomorrow, we won't go.
假如你有时间，就来我家坐坐吧。
Jiǎrú nǐ yǒu shíjiān, jiù lái wǒ jiā zuòzuo ba.
If you have time, come sit at my place.

Lesson 21 · Uncle Hanzi: An American's Love of Chinese Characters

死记硬背 (sǐjì-yìngbèi) - To memorize mechanically

死记硬背 + (Object)

This idiom means to memorize something by rote, without understanding. It's often used negatively to describe an ineffective learning method.

汉字的一笔一画没有任何逻辑，只能死记硬背。
Hànzì de yì bǐ yí huà méiyǒu rènhé luójí, zhǐnéng sǐjì-yìngbèi.
The strokes of Chinese characters have no logic, they can only be memorized by rote.
学语言不能死记硬背，要多练习。
Xué yǔyán bù néng sǐjì-yìngbèi, yào duō liànxí.
Learning a language can't rely on rote memorization; you need to practice more.
他死记硬背了很多单词，但不会用。
Tā sǐjì-yìngbèi le hěn duō dāncí, dàn bú huì yòng.
He memorized many words by rote but doesn't know how to use them.

偶然 (ǒurán) - By chance / Accidentally

偶然 + Verb / 偶然的 + Noun

'偶然' can function as an adjective meaning 'accidental' or as an adverb meaning 'by chance'. It indicates something unexpected.

一个偶然的机会，他发现了解汉字的来源和演变过程很有帮助。
Yí ge ǒurán de jīhuì, tā fāxiàn liǎojiě Hànzì de láiyuán hé yǎnbiàn guòchéng hěn yǒu bāngzhù.
By chance, he discovered that understanding the origin and evolution of Chinese characters is very helpful.
我们偶然相遇在这个咖啡馆。
Wǒmen ǒurán xiāngyù zài zhège kāfēiguǎn.
We met by chance at this café.
这个发现完全是偶然的。
Zhège fāxiàn wánquán shì ǒurán de.
This discovery was completely accidental.

尽快 (jǐnkuài) - As soon as possible

尽快 + Verb

'尽快' is an adverb meaning 'as soon as possible' or 'as quickly as possible'. It emphasizes speed and urgency.

我要尽快完成这个项目。
Wǒ yào jǐnkuài wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
I want to complete this project as soon as possible.
请尽快回复这封邮件。
Qǐng jǐnkuài huífù zhè fēng yóujiàn.
Please reply to this email as soon as possible.
他希望尽快康复。
Tā xīwàng jǐnkuài kāngfù.
He hopes to recover as soon as possible.

Lesson 22 · Reading and Thinking

一旦

Once, when (expressing a condition that triggers a result)

一旦你明白了这个道理，就会觉得轻松了。
Yídàn nǐ míngbái le zhège dàolǐ, jiù huì juéde qīngsōng le.
Once you understand this principle, you'll feel relaxed.

难免

Hard to avoid, inevitable

作为一个母亲，难免会更疼爱自己亲生的女儿。
Zuòwéi yí gè mǔqīn, nánmiǎn huì gèng téng'ài zìjǐ qīnshēng de nǚ'ér.
As a mother, she inevitably loves her biological daughter more.

自从

Since, ever since (indicating a starting point in time)

自从我来到中国以后，我的观念转变了。
Zìcóng wǒ lái dào Zhōngguó yǐhòu, wǒ de guānniàn zhuǎnbiàn le.
Since I came to China, my mindset has changed.

Lesson 23 · Letting Go

一致

Identical, unanimous (agreement or consistency)

他们的意见不一致。
Tāmen de yìjiàn bù yízhì.
Their opinions are not in agreement.

某

Some, certain (indefinite reference)

在这个陌生的地方，妈妈感到她们好像交换了某种身份。
Zài zhège mòshēng de dìfang, māma gǎndào tāmen hǎoxiàng jiāohuàn le mǒu zhǒng shēnfèn.
In this unfamiliar place, mom felt as if they had exchanged certain identities.

幸亏

Fortunately, luckily

幸亏你提醒我，否则我就忘了。
Xìngkuī nǐ tíxǐng wǒ, fǒuzé wǒ jiù wàng le.
Fortunately you reminded me, otherwise I would have forgotten.

Lesson 24 · Volunteer Teaching

…来

Approximately (used after numbers/quantifiers)

来云南支教一年多。
Lái Yúnnán zhījiào yì nián duō.
Been volunteer teaching in Yunnan for over a year.

至于

As for, regarding (introducing a new topic)

我们先讨论这个问题，至于其他问题以后再说。
Wǒmen xiān tǎolùn zhège wèntí, zhìyú qítā wèntí yǐhòu zàishuō.
Let's discuss this issue first; as for other issues, we'll talk later.

Lesson 25 · Adding Up the Load on Yourself

哪怕

Even if (conjunction indicating concession)

哪怕遇到再大的困难，我们也要坚持下去。
Nǎpà yùdào zài dà de kùnnán, wǒmen yě yào jiānchí xiàqù.
Even if we encounter great difficulties, we must persist.

朝

Towards (preposition indicating direction)

即使劲儿朝里面放水。
Shǐjìnr cháo lǐmiàn fàng shuǐ.
Pump water into it with all their might (towards inside).

简直

Simply, virtually (adverb indicating exaggeration)

船长简直是疯了！
Chuánzhǎng jiǎnzhí shì fēng le!
The captain has simply gone mad!

Lesson 26 · Which kind of \

一连

In a row, in succession (adverb indicating continuous action)

一连三天，他们都很顺利地实现了原定的计划。
Yìlián sān tiān, tāmen dōu hěn shùnlì de shíxiàn le yuándìng de jìhuà.
For three days in a row, they successfully achieved the original plan.

总算

At last, finally (adverb indicating a result after effort)

经过沟通，大导演总算搞明白了。
Jīngguò gōutōng, dà dǎoyǎn zǒngsuàn gǎo míngbai le.
After communication, the director finally figured it out.

至于

As for (preposition introducing a new topic)

至于这部影片的投资人，可是一位大人物。
Zhìyú zhè bù yǐngpiàn de tóuzīrén, kě shì yí wèi dà rénwù.
As for the investor of this film, he is a big shot.

Lesson 27 · Playing Chess

眼睁睁

Looking on helplessly (adverb indicating inability to help)

眼睁睁看着父亲'将军'，我输了。
Yǎnzhēngzhēng kànzhe fùqīn 'jiāngjūn', wǒ shū le.
Helplessly watching my father checkmate, I lost.

未必

May not, not necessarily (adverb indicating uncertainty)

你就再下10年，也未必能赢。
Nǐ jiù zài xià 10 nián, yě wèibì néng yíng.
Even if you play for another 10 years, you may not necessarily win.

过于

Too, excessively (adverb indicating degree)

不能犯过于急躁的错误。
Bù néng fàn guòyú jízào de cuòwù.
Cannot make mistakes of being too impatient.

Lesson 28 · The Most Popular Graduate

宁可

Would rather (indicating preference after weighing pros and cons)

我宁可冒险，也不愿错过。
Wǒ nìngkě màoxiǎn, yě bú yuàn cuòguò.
I would rather take a risk than miss it.

乃至

And even, go so far as to (conjunction indicating extension or progression)

后续乃至法律问题都考虑到了。
Hòuxù nǎizhì fǎlǜ wèntí dōu kǎolǜ dào le.
Subsequent and even legal issues were all considered.

凭

Rely on, based on (preposition)

凭借出色的表现，他获得了机会。
Píngjiè chūsè de biǎoxiàn, tā huòdé le jīhuì.
Relying on his outstanding performance, he won the opportunity.

Lesson 29 · Training Your Rivals

干脆

Simply, just, straightforwardly (adverb indicating a decisive action)

许多亲朋好友便建议他干脆把另三家书店挤垮。
Xǔduō qīnpéng hǎoyǒu biàn jiànyì tā gāncuì bǎ lìng sān jiā shūdiàn jǐkuǎ.
Many relatives and friends suggested that he simply squeeze out the other three bookstores.

万一

In case, if by any chance (conjunction indicating an unlikely hypothesis)

万一即使失败了，也不后悔。
Wànyī jíshǐ shībài le, yě bù hòuhuǐ.
Even if by any chance I fail, I won't regret it.

不如

To be not as good as (verb indicating comparison)

三家的营业额加起来还不如他一家高。
Sān jiā de yíngyè'é jiā qǐlái hái bùrú tā yì jiā gāo.
The turnover of the three combined was not as high as his alone.

Lesson 30 · Competition makes the market more efficient

无意

Accidentally, inadvertently (adverb indicating lack of intention)

后来一位渔民无意中发现了一种奇妙而实用的方法。
Hòulái yí wèi yúmín wúyì zhōng fāxiàn le yì zhǒng qímiào ér shíyòng de fāngfǎ.
Later, a fisherman accidentally discovered a wonderful and practical method.

有利

Beneficial, advantageous (adjective)

适度的压力有利于我们保持良好的状态。
Shìdù de yālì yǒulì yú wǒmen bǎochí liánghǎo de zhuàngtài.
Moderate pressure is beneficial for us to maintain a good state.

至于

Go so far as to (adverb indicating extent)

在市场中积极参与竞争而不至于落后。
Zài shìchǎng zhōng jījí cānyù jìngzhēng ér bù zhìyú luòhòu.
Actively participate in competition in the market without going so far as to fall behind.

Lesson 31 · Foot-in-the-door effect

嗯

Interjection for agreement, questioning, or showing respect/attention.

嗯，如果您心情好，我就说件事。
ǹg, rúguǒ nín xīnqíng hǎo, wǒ jiù shuō jiàn shì.
Well, if you're in a good mood, I'll tell you something.

轻易

Adjective meaning easy; or Adverb meaning rashly/lightly (often in negative).

假，就这样轻易地请好了。
jià, jiù zhèyàng qīngyì de qǐng hǎo le.
The leave was granted easily just like that.
他这个人不轻易下结论。
tā zhège rén bù qīngyì xià jiélùn.
He doesn't reach conclusions rashly.

Lesson 32 · Protecting the environment around us

密切

Adjective or Verb. Close relationship or to make close.

还有一部分污染和我们的日常生活密切相关。
Hái yǒu yíbùfèn wūrǎn hé wǒmen de rìcháng shēnghuó mìqiè xiāngguān.
Another part of pollution is closely related to our daily lives.

尽量

Adverb. To the best of one's ability.

改变生活习惯，尽量减少生活垃圾。
Gǎibiàn shēnghuó xíguàn, jǐnliàng jiǎnshǎo shēnghuó lājī.
Change life habits and reduce waste as much as possible.

逐步

Adverb. Step by step.

调整能源消费结构，逐步向可再生能源转变。
Tiáozhěng néngyuán xiāofèi jiégòu, zhúbù xiàng kě zàishēng néngyuán zhuǎnbiàn.
Adjust the energy consumption structure and gradually transform to renewable energy.

Lesson 33 · Treating congestion with congestion: A smart way to relieve traffic burden

照常

Adverb or Verb. As usual.

詹森照常提前出门去交通部。
Zhānsēn zhàocháng tíqián chūmén qù jiāotōngbù.
Jensen went out early to the Department of Transportation as usual.

难怪

Verb or Adverb. No wonder, it's understandable.

这也难怪，与其堵在路上，倒不如乘公交出行。
Zhè yě nánguài, yǔqí dǔ zài lùshàng, dǎobùrú chéng gōngjiāo chūxíng.
This is not surprising. Rather than being stuck on the road, it is better to switch to public transport.

与其

Conjunction. Rather than...

与其说是采访，不如说是向他学习。
Yǔqí shuō shì cǎifǎng, bùrú shuō shì xiàng tā xuéxí.
Rather than calling it an interview, it's more like learning from him.

Lesson 34 · How birds take care of their feathers

总之

Conjunction. In short, in brief.

总之，在鸟儿的生活中，羽毛充当着十分重要的角色。
Zǒngzhī, zài niǎor de shēnghuó zhōng, yǔmáo chōngdāngzhe shífēn zhòngyào de juésè.
In short, feathers play a very important role in birds' lives.

Lesson 35 · Plants also sweat

赶快

Adverb. At once, hurriedly.

大脑就会指挥我们的身体赶快出汗。
Dànǎo jiù huì zhǐhuī wǒmen de shēntǐ gǎnkuài chūhàn.
The brain will command our body to sweat quickly.

片

Measure word. Used for flat and thin things, or stretches of land/water/scenery/sound/feeling.

大树出的“汗”，通常是从叶片的气孔里冒出来的。
Dàshù chū de “hàn”, tōngcháng shì cóng yèpiàn de qìkǒng lǐ mào chūlái de.
The "sweat" produced by big trees usually comes out from the stomata of the leaves.

根本

Adverb. At all, simply (often used in negative sentences).

根本无法把水分送到几十米高的地方。
Gēnběn wúfǎ bǎ shuǐfèn sòng dào jǐshí mǐ gāo de dìfang.
It is simply impossible to send water to a place dozens of meters high.

Lesson 36 · Lao She and his flowers

除非

Conjunction. Only if, unless. Usually indicates the only condition. Often used with '否则', '不然'.

可除非是那些好种易活、自己会奋斗的花草，否则他是不养的。
Kě chúfēi shì nàxiē hǎozhòng yìhuó, zìjǐ huì fèndòu de huācǎo, fǒuzé tā shì bù yǎng de.
But unless they are flowers and plants that are easy to grow and can struggle on their own, he will not grow them.

直

Adverb. Continuously, straight.

累得腰酸腿疼，热汗直流。
Lèi de yāosuān tuǐténg, rèhàn zhíliú.
So tired that his waist aches and legs hurt, and hot sweat flows straight down.

反正

Adverb. Anyway, no matter what. Indicates the same result despite different circumstances.

反正我要感谢它们。
Fǎnzhèng wǒ yào gǎnxiè tāmen.
Anyway, I want to thank them.

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