2959 word Core 時機 shíjī
▶ 現在不是說這件事的時機。 xiàn zài bú shì shuō zhè jiàn shì de shí jī。
Now isn't the moment to raise it.
▶ 他一直在等時機。 tā yì zhí zài děng shí jī。
He's been waiting for the right moment.
Work ▶ 時機很重要。 shí jī hěn zhòng yào。
Timing matters.
Work the right moment; timing ▶
2960 word Core 當中 dāngzhōng
▶ 他站在大家當中。 tā zhàn zài dà jiā dāng zhōng。
He stood in the middle of the group.
▶ 這些照片當中，我最喜歡這張。 zhè xiē zhào piān dāng zhōng， wǒ zuì xǐ huān zhè zhāng。
Of these photos, this is my favourite.
At home ▶ 儀式當中不可以說話。 yí shì dāng zhōng bù kě yǐ shuō huà。
You mustn't talk during the ceremony.
Out and about in the middle of; among them ▶
2962 word Core 忘 wàng
▶ 我忘了他的名字。 wǒ wàng le tā de míng zi。
I've forgotten his name.
▶ 別忘了帶鑰匙。 bié wàng le dài yào shi。
Don't forget your keys.
At home ▶ 這件事我一生都不會忘。 zhè jiàn shì wǒ yī shēng dōu bù huì wàng。
I'll never forget it.
At home to forget ▶
2963 pattern N2 他忙起工作來就忘了吃飯。 tā máng qǐ gōng zuò lái jiù wàng le chī fàn。
V 起 + N + 來
V 起 + object + 來 splits 起來 round the object: 下起雨來, 做起菜來, 聊起天來. The sense is the same 'start and carry on'; only the word order changes.
Once he gets stuck into work he forgets to eat. ▶
2964 pattern N2 小孩玩起玩具來，什麼都忘了。 xiǎo hái wán qǐ wán jù lái， shén me dōu wàng le。
V 起 + N + 來
V 起 + object + 來 splits 起來 round the object: 下起雨來, 做起菜來, 聊起天來. The sense is the same 'start and carry on'; only the word order changes.
Once the children get playing they forget everything else. ▶
2965 pattern N2 都說了三次了，他還是忘。 dōu shuō le sān cì le， tā hái shì wàng。
都 + 時間 / 數量 + 了
This 都 in front of a time or an amount means 'already, as much as that', and it always carries a sigh: 都幾點了！ It is not the 都 that means 'all'.
Told him three times and he still forgets. ▶
2966 pattern N2 我忘了帶錢，怎麼辦？ wǒ wàng le dài qián， zěn me bàn？
…… 怎麼辦？
怎麼辦 asks what to DO about a problem; 怎麼樣 asks for an opinion about a thing. 怎麼辦 never takes an object — the problem is stated first, then 怎麼辦 on its own.
I forgot to bring money — what now? ▶
2967 pattern N2 千萬不要忘了帶錢。 qiān wàn bú yào wàng le dài qián。
千萬 + 不要 / 要 ……
千萬 is an urgent plea, not a quantity, and only ever attaches to an instruction: 千萬別, 千萬要. It cannot describe a statement — 他千萬很好 is wrong.
Whatever you do, don't forget the money. ▶
2968 pattern N2 把東西放在門口，這樣一來不會忘。 bǎ dōng xi fàng zài mén kǒu， zhè yàng yī lái bù huì wàng。
……，這樣一來 ……
這樣一來 reports what follows from what was just done, so something concrete has to come before it. It opens the second clause, never the first, and takes no 就 of its own — though 就 often turns up inside that clause.
Put it by the door, and then you won't forget. ▶
2969 word Core 留下 liúxià
▶ 他留下一封信就走了。 tā liú xià yī fēng xìn jiù zǒu le。
He left a letter behind and went.
▶ 客人都走了，只有他留下。 kè rén dōu zǒu le， zhǐ yǒu tā liú xià。
The guests all left; only he stayed behind.
At home ▶ 這張照片我要留下。 zhè zhāng zhào piān wǒ yào liú xià。
I want to keep this photo.
At home to leave behind; to stay behind; to keep ▶
2970 pattern N2 他多少留下了一點錢。 tā duō shǎo liú xià le yī diǎn qián。
多少 + V + 一點
多少 in front of a verb means 'to some degree, at least a bit': 多少知道一點. It is not the question 'how much' — that 多少 goes in front of a measure word.
He left at least a little money. ▶
2971 word Core 早晨 zǎochén
▶ 早晨的空氣很好。 zǎo chén de kōng qì hěn hǎo。
The air is lovely first thing.
▶ 他每天早晨六點起床。 tā měi tiān zǎo chén liù diǎn qǐ chuáng。
He gets up at six every morning.
At home ▶ 早晨的街上很安靜。 zǎo chén de jiē shàng hěn ān jìng。
The street is quiet in the early morning.
Out and about early morning ▶
2972 pattern N2 一般來說，早晨的空氣比較好。 yì bān lái shuō， zǎo chén de kōng qì bǐ jiào hǎo。
一般來說，……
一般來說 opens the sentence and states a rule that allows exceptions — which is why a 可是 often follows a line or two later.
The air is generally better first thing. ▶
2973 word Core 三明治 sānmíngzhì
▶ 我早餐吃了一個三明治。 wǒ zǎo cān chī le yī ge sān míng zhì。
I had a sandwich for breakfast.
▶ 這家店的三明治很大。 zhè jiā diàn de sān míng zhì hěn dà。
The sandwiches at this place are huge.
Food and drink ▶ 我做了兩個三明治帶去公司。 wǒ zuò le liǎng ge sān míng zhì dài qù gōng sī。
I made two sandwiches to take to work.
Food and drink a sandwich ▶
2974 pattern N2 這家店賣三明治、麵包什麼的。 zhè jiā diàn mài sān míng zhì、 miàn bāo shén me de。
像 A、B 什麼的
像 A、B 什麼的 gives a couple of examples and leaves the rest open. It is spoken, and the 的 at the end cannot be dropped.
This shop sells sandwiches, bread and so on. ▶
2975 word Core 蔬菜 shūcài
▶ 多吃蔬菜對身體好。 duō chī shū cài duì shēn tǐ hǎo。
Eating plenty of vegetables is good for you.
▶ 這家店的蔬菜很新鮮。 zhè jiā diàn de shū cài hěn xīn xiān。
The vegetables here are fresh.
Shopping ▶ 他不喜歡吃蔬菜。 tā bù xǐ huān chī shū cài。
He doesn't like vegetables.
Food and drink vegetables ▶
2976 word Core 試 shì
▶ 這件衣服我可以試嗎？ zhè jiàn yī fú wǒ kě yǐ shì ma？
May I try this on?
▶ 你試試這個三明治，很好吃。 nǐ shì shì zhè ge sān míng zhì， hěn hǎo chī。
Try this sandwich — it's good.
Food and drink ▶ 他試了三次都沒成功。 tā shì le sān cì dōu méi chéng gōng。
He tried three times without success.
Work to try; to try on; to test ▶
2977 word Core 夜 yè
▶ 那一夜他沒有回家。 nà yī yè tā méi yǒu huí jiā。
He didn't come home that night.
▶ 一夜就過去了。 yī yè jiù guò qù le。
The night went by in no time.
At home ▶ 夜裡很安靜。 yè lǐ hěn ān jìng。
It's quiet in the night.
At home night ▶
2978 word Core 假日 jiàrì
▶ 假日我不上班。 jià rì wǒ bù shàng bān。
I don't work on my days off.
▶ 假日的夜市很多人。 jià rì de yè shì hěn duō rén。
The night market is packed on a holiday.
Out and about ▶ 這個假日我想在家休息。 zhè ge jià rì wǒ xiǎng zài jiā xiū xí。
I want to rest at home this holiday.
At home a holiday; a day off ▶
2979 pattern N2 一般來說，假日的人比較多。 yì bān lái shuō， jià rì de rén bǐ jiào duō。
一般來說，……
一般來說 opens the sentence and states a rule that allows exceptions — which is why a 可是 often follows a line or two later.
Generally speaking there are more people on a holiday. ▶
2980 pattern N2 拿假日來說，這裡的人比平常多很多。 ná jià rì lái shuō， zhè lǐ de rén bǐ píng cháng duō hěn duō。
拿 …… 來說
拿 X 來說 = take X as an example, with a pause after 說 and the comment following. Without 來 it is just the ordinary verb 'take'.
Take a holiday: there are far more people here than usual. ▶
2981 word Core 提前 tíqián
▶ 我們提前到九點開始。 wǒ men tí qián dào jiǔ diǎn kāi shǐ。
We've brought the start forward to nine.
▶ 他提前一個星期回來。 tā tí qián yī ge xīng qí huí lái。
He came back a week early.
Out and about ▶ 這件事可以提前辦嗎？ zhè jiàn shì kě yǐ tí qián bàn ma？
Could this be dealt with sooner?
Work to bring it forward; to do it earlier than planned ▶
2982 word Core 浪漫 làngmàn
▶ 他們的婚禮很浪漫。 tā men de hūn lǐ hěn làng màn。
Their wedding was romantic.
▶ 在花園裡吃早餐很浪漫。 zài huā yuán lǐ chī zǎo cān hěn làng màn。
Breakfast in the garden is romantic.
At home ▶ 他不是一個浪漫的人。 tā bú shì yī ge làng màn de rén。
He isn't a romantic sort.
At home romantic ▶
2984 word Core 說明 shuōmíng
▶ 請你說明一下。 qǐng nǐ shuō míng yī xià。
Could you explain?
▶ 這張紙說明了怎麼用。 zhè zhāng zhǐ shuō míng le zěn me yòng。
This sheet explains how to use it.
Work ▶ 他說明了三次，我還是不懂。 tā shuō míng le sān cì， wǒ hái shì bù dǒng。
He explained three times and I still don't follow.
School to explain; to set out clearly ▶
2985 word Core 表示 biǎoshì
▶ 他表示他反對。 tā biǎo shì tā fǎn duì。
He stated that he was against it.
▶ 公司沒有表示什麼。 gōng sī méi yǒu biǎo shì shén me。
The company has said nothing either way.
Work ▶ 這個結果表示我們的辦法對了。 zhè ge jié guǒ biǎo shì wǒ men de bàn fǎ duì le。
The result shows our method was right.
Work to state; to indicate; to show (what you think) ▶
2986 word Core 承認 chéngrèn
▶ 他承認自己錯了。 tā chéng rèn zì jǐ cuò le。
He admitted he was wrong.
▶ 她不想承認。 tā bù xiǎng chéng rèn。
She doesn't want to admit it.
At home ▶ 我承認我當時很怕。 wǒ chéng rèn wǒ dāng shí hěn pà。
I admit I was frightened at the time.
At home to admit; to own up to ▶
2987 pattern N2 你說他為什麼不承認？ nǐ shuō tā wèi shén me bù chéng rèn？
你說，……？
你說 at the front hands the judgement to the listener: 你說這樣對嗎？ It is not 'you say' — that would need 你說的.
Why do you suppose he won't admit it? ▶
2988 pattern N2 這件事他就是不承認。 zhè jiàn shì tā jiù shì bù chéng rèn。
就是 + 不 / 沒 ……
An emphatic 就是 means 'flatly, and there is nothing more to say': 他就是不聽. It usually takes a negative after it and refuses to give a reason.
He simply will not admit it. ▶
2989 pattern N2 即使有證據，他也不承認。 jí shǐ yǒu zhèng jù， tā yě bù chéng rèn。
即使 ……，也 ……
即使 A，也 B = even if A, still B. 即使 opens the first clause and the 也 in the second cannot be dropped. 就算 means the same and is more spoken.
Even with the evidence he won't admit it. ▶
2990 word Core 誤會 wùhuì
▶ 這只是一個誤會。 zhè zhǐ shì yī ge wù huì。
It was just a misunderstanding.
▶ 你誤會我的意思了。 nǐ wù huì wǒ de yì si le。
You've taken my meaning the wrong way.
Work ▶ 他們因為一件小事誤會了三年。 tā men yīn wèi yī jiàn xiǎo shì wù huì le sān nián。
A small thing left them at cross purposes for three years.
At home to misunderstand; a misunderstanding ▶
2991 pattern N2 那次的事算是一個誤會。 nà cì de shì suàn shì yī ge wù huì。
算（是）……
算（是）= counts as, can be called. It is a judgement with a little room left in it, which is exactly what a flat 是 does not give you.
What happened that time counts as a misunderstanding. ▶
2992 word Core 坦白 tǎnbái
▶ 我跟你坦白說。 wǒ gēn nǐ tǎn bái shuō。
I'll be frank with you.
▶ 他很坦白，什麼都告訴我。 tā hěn tǎn bái， shén me dōu gào sù wǒ。
He was completely open and told me everything.
At home ▶ 坦白以後，他的心就鬆了。 tǎn bái yǐ hòu， tā de xīn jiù sōng le。
Once he'd come clean he felt lighter.
At home frank, open; to come clean ▶
2993 word Core 老實 lǎoshí
台灣說 老實 Taiwan reads 老實 lǎoshí with a full second tone; mainland neutralises it to lǎoshi. ▶ 他是一個很老實的人。 tā shì yī ge hěn lǎo shí de rén。
He's an honest man.
▶ 老實說，我不想去。 lǎo shí shuō， wǒ bù xiǎng qù。
Honestly, I don't want to go.
At home ▶ 老實的人不會騙你。 lǎo shí de rén bù huì piàn nǐ。
An honest man won't cheat you.
Out and about honest; straight (of a person) ▶
2994 pattern N2 他算是一個老實人。 tā suàn shì yī ge lǎo shí rén。
算（是）……
算（是）= counts as, can be called. It is a judgement with a little room left in it, which is exactly what a flat 是 does not give you.
You'd call him an honest man. ▶
2995 pattern N2 老實說，這太貴了。 lǎo shí shuō， zhè tài guì le。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
Frankly, it's too dear. ▶
2996 pattern N2 老實說，我早就想走了。 lǎo shí shuō， wǒ zǎo jiù xiǎng zǒu le。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
To be blunt, I've wanted to leave for a long time. ▶
2997 pattern N2 老實說，那個房子不值得。 lǎo shí shuō， nà ge fáng zi bù zhí de。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
Honestly, that house isn't worth it. ▶
2998 word Core 實在 shízài
▶ 這件事實在太難了。 zhè jiàn shì shí zài tài nán le。
This really is too difficult.
▶ 我實在不知道怎麼辦。 wǒ shí zài bù zhī dào zěn me bàn。
I honestly don't know what to do.
Work ▶ 他實在很努力。 tā shí zài hěn nǔ lì。
He really does work hard.
Work really; honestly, I have to say ▶
2999 word Core 的確 díquè
▶ 你說的的確對。 nǐ shuō de de què duì。
What you say is quite right.
▶ 這家店的東西的確很貴。 zhè jiā diàn de dōng xi de què hěn guì。
Things here are indeed expensive.
Shopping ▶ 他的確沒有說過這種話。 tā de què méi yǒu shuō guò zhè zhǒng huà。
He genuinely never said any such thing.
Work indeed; it's true that ▶
3000 word N2 說服 shuìfú
台灣說 說服 Taiwan (TBCL) reads 說服 shuìfú; mainland reads shuōfú. ▶ 我說服了他跟我們一起去。 wǒ shuō fú le tā gēn wǒ men yī qǐ qù。
I talked him into coming with us.
▶ 這件事很難說服別人。 zhè jiàn shì hěn nán shuō fú bié rén。
This is a hard thing to persuade anyone of.
Work ▶ 他被太太說服了。 tā bèi tài tai shuō fú le。
His wife talked him round.
At home to persuade; to talk someone round ▶
3001 word N2 真相 zhēnxiàng
▶ 大家都想知道真相。 dà jiā dōu xiǎng zhī dào zhēn xiàng。
Everyone wants to know the truth.
▶ 調查以後，真相才出來。 diào chá yǐ hòu， zhēn xiàng cái chū lái。
The truth only came out after the investigation.
Work ▶ 真相有時候讓人傷心。 zhēn xiàng yǒu shí hòu ràng rén shāng xīn。
The truth is sometimes upsetting.
At home the truth (of what actually happened) ▶
3003 pattern N2 老實說，我也不知道真相。 lǎo shí shuō， wǒ yě bù zhī dào zhēn xiàng。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
Honestly, I don't know the truth either. ▶
3004 word Core 選 xuǎn
▶ 這兩個你選一個。 zhè liǎng ge nǐ xuǎn yī ge。
Pick one of these two.
▶ 他選了最便宜的。 tā xuǎn le zuì pián yí de。
He chose the cheapest one.
Shopping ▶ 選什麼都可以。 xuǎn shén me dōu kě yǐ。
Choose whichever you like.
Out and about to choose; to pick; to elect ▶
3005 word Core 查 chá
▶ 這個字我要查一下。 zhè ge zì wǒ yào chá yī xià。
I need to look this character up.
▶ 警察在查這件事。 jǐng chá zài chá zhè jiàn shì。
The police are looking into it.
Out and about ▶ 你查過了嗎？ nǐ chá guò le ma？
Have you checked?
Work to check; to look up; to look into ▶
3006 word Core 數 shǔ
▶ 你數一數這裡有幾個人。 nǐ shù yī shù zhè lǐ yǒu jǐ ge rén。
Count how many people there are.
▶ 他數了三次，每次都不一樣。 tā shù le sān cì， měi cì dōu bù yī yàng。
He counted three times and got three answers.
Work ▶ 小孩已經會數到一百了。 xiǎo hái yǐ jīng huì shù dào yì bǎi le。
The child can count to a hundred now.
School to count (one by one) ▶
3007 pattern N2 這個數字不見得對。 zhè ge shù zì bù jiàn de duì。
不見得
不見得 denies that the obvious conclusion follows: 貴的不見得好. It stands directly in front of whatever is being doubted.
This figure may not be right. ▶
3008 pattern N2 我看這個數字不對。 wǒ kàn zhè ge shù zì bù duì。
我看，……
我看 offers a judgement, not eyesight: 我看他不會來了 = if you ask me, he isn't coming. It is softer than 我覺得 and very common in speech.
That figure looks wrong to me. ▶
3009 word N2 集 jí
▶ 這個節目我只看了第一集。 zhè ge jié mù wǒ zhǐ kàn le dì yī jí。
I've only seen the first episode.
▶ 這本書一共有三集。 zhè běn shū yī gòng yǒu sān jí。
This book comes in three volumes.
School ▶ 下一集是下個星期。 xià yī jí shì xià ge xīng qí。
The next episode is next week.
At home an episode; a volume of a series ▶
3010 word Core 思考 sīkǎo
▶ 這個問題要好好思考。 zhè ge wèn tí yào hǎo hǎo sī kǎo。
This needs thinking over properly.
▶ 他思考了一個晚上。 tā sī kǎo le yī ge wǎn shàng。
He thought about it all evening.
Work ▶ 思考以前，先把情況查清楚。 sī kǎo yǐ qián， xiān bǎ qíng kuàng chá qīng chǔ。
Before you think it through, get the facts straight.
Work to think it over; to reflect on ▶
3011 pattern N2 拿我弟弟來說，他從來不思考就做。 ná wǒ dì di lái shuō， tā cóng lái bù sī kǎo jiù zuò。
拿 …… 來說
拿 X 來說 = take X as an example, with a pause after 說 and the comment following. Without 來 it is just the ordinary verb 'take'.
Take my brother: he never thinks before acting. ▶
3012 word Core 記憶 jìyì
▶ 他的記憶很好。 tā de jì yì hěn hǎo。
He has a good memory.
▶ 以前的記憶已經不太清楚了。 yǐ qián de jì yì yǐ jīng bù tài qīng chǔ le。
My memories of the old days are blurred now.
At home ▶ 那次旅行的記憶我一生都記得。 nà cì lǚ xíng de jì yì wǒ yī shēng dōu jì de。
I'll remember that trip all my life.
Out and about memory; to remember ▶
3013 pattern N2 拿他的記憶來說，比我好太多了。 ná tā de jì yì lái shuō， bǐ wǒ hǎo tài duō le。
拿 …… 來說
拿 X 來說 = take X as an example, with a pause after 說 and the comment following. Without 來 it is just the ordinary verb 'take'.
Take his memory — far better than mine. ▶
3014 word Core 測試 cèshì
▶ 他們在測試那台新機器。 tā men zài cè shì nà tái xīn jī qì。
They're testing the new machine.
▶ 這個測試很簡單。 zhè ge cè shì hěn jiǎn dān。
This test is easy.
School ▶ 測試的結果很好。 cè shì de jié guǒ hěn hǎo。
The test results are good.
Work to test; a test ▶
3015 pattern N2 我們拿這個測試來查問題在哪裡。 wǒ men ná zhè ge cè shì lái chá wèn tí zài nǎ lǐ。
拿 + X + 來 + V
拿 X 來 V = use X as the means: 拿自己的經歷來說明. The 來 is compulsory. X is what you are bringing to bear, not something you are physically picking up.
We use this test to find where the problem is. ▶
3016 pattern N2 拿這個測試來說，很多人都沒過。 ná zhè ge cè shì lái shuō， hěn duō rén dōu méi guò。
拿 …… 來說
拿 X 來說 = take X as an example, with a pause after 說 and the comment following. Without 來 it is just the ordinary verb 'take'.
Take this test: a lot of people failed it. ▶
3017 word Core 經歷 jīnglì
▶ 他經歷過很多事。 tā jīng lì guò hěn duō shì。
He's been through a lot.
▶ 這種經歷不是每個人都有。 zhè zhǒng jīng lì bú shì měi ge rén dōu yǒu。
Not everyone has an experience like that.
Out and about ▶ 有了那次事故的經歷，他做事很小心。 yǒu le nà cì shì gù de jīng lì， tā zuò shì hěn xiǎo xīn。
After going through that accident he's careful about everything.
Out and about to go through; an experience ▶
3018 pattern N2 老師常常拿自己的經歷來說明。 lǎo shī cháng cháng ná zì jǐ de jīng lì lái shuō míng。
拿 + X + 來 + V
拿 X 來 V = use X as the means: 拿自己的經歷來說明. The 來 is compulsory. X is what you are bringing to bear, not something you are physically picking up.
The teacher often explains things from his own experience. ▶
3019 word N2 智慧 zhìhuì
▶ 老人的智慧很重要。 lǎo rén de zhì huì hěn zhòng yào。
The wisdom of the old matters.
▶ 這需要智慧，不只是努力。 zhè xū yào zhì huì， bù zhǐ shì nǔ lì。
This takes wisdom, not just hard work.
Work ▶ 書裡的智慧要自己找。 shū lǐ de zhì huì yào zì jǐ zhǎo。
You have to find the wisdom in a book yourself.
School wisdom ▶
3020 pattern N2 成績好的學生不見得有智慧。 chéng jī hǎo de xué shēng bù jiàn de yǒu zhì huì。
不見得
不見得 denies that the obvious conclusion follows: 貴的不見得好. It stands directly in front of whatever is being doubted.
A student with good marks isn't necessarily wise. ▶
3021 word N2 天賦 tiānfù
▶ 他有唱歌的天賦。 tā yǒu chàng gē de tiān fù。
He has a gift for singing.
▶ 有天賦的人也要練習。 yǒu tiān fù de rén yě yào liàn xí。
Even the gifted have to practise.
School ▶ 這是天賦，學不來的。 zhè shì tiān fù， xué bù lái de。
It's a gift — you can't learn it.
School a natural gift; talent ▶
3023 word Core 圖 tú
▶ 這張圖很清楚。 zhè zhāng tú hěn qīng chǔ。
This diagram is clear.
▶ 他畫了一張圖說明。 tā huà le yī zhāng tú shuō míng。
He drew a diagram to explain.
Work ▶ 書裡的圖很好看。 shū lǐ de tú hěn hǎo kàn。
The pictures in the book are lovely.
School a picture, a drawing; a diagram ▶
3024 word Core 線 xiàn
▶ 他在紙上畫了一條線。 tā zài zhǐ shàng huà le yī tiáo xiàn。
He drew a line on the paper.
▶ 這條線太長了。 zhè tiáo xiàn tài cháng le。
This line is too long.
Work ▶ 電話的線壞了。 diàn huà de xiàn huài le。
The telephone wire has gone.
At home a line; thread, wire ▶
3025 word N2 格 gé
▶ 這張紙上有很多格。 zhè zhāng zhǐ shàng yǒu hěn duō gé。
This sheet has a lot of squares on it.
▶ 每一個格裡寫一個字。 měi yī ge gé lǐ xiě yī ge zì。
Write one character in each square.
School ▶ 櫃子裡有六個格。 guì zi lǐ yǒu liù ge gé。
There are six compartments in the cupboard.
At home a square (on paper); a slot, a compartment ▶
3026 word Core 設計 shèjì
▶ 這台機器是他設計的。 zhè tái jī qì shì tā shè jì de。
He designed this machine.
▶ 這個設計很有意思。 zhè ge shè jì hěn yǒu yì si。
It's an interesting design.
Work ▶ 他學的是設計。 tā xué de shì shè jì。
He studied design.
School to design; a design ▶
3027 pattern N2 他會的東西很多，像設計、畫圖什麼的。 tā huì de dōng xi hěn duō， xiàng shè jì、 huà tú shén me de。
像 A、B 什麼的
像 A、B 什麼的 gives a couple of examples and leaves the rest open. It is spoken, and the 的 at the end cannot be dropped.
He can do all sorts — design, drawing, things like that. ▶
3028 pattern N2 他靠著那本書學會了設計。 tā kào zhe nà běn shū xué huì le shè jì。
靠 / 靠著 ……
靠 + what you depend on: 靠自己, 靠運氣. 靠著 is the same with more of a 'by means of' feel; used physically it means leaning against something.
He learnt design from that one book. ▶
3029 pattern N2 老實說，這個設計我不喜歡。 lǎo shí shuō， zhè ge shè jì wǒ bù xǐ huān。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
Honestly, I don't like this design. ▶
3030 word N2 作品 zuòpǐn
▶ 這是他最好的作品。 zhè shì tā zuì hǎo de zuò pǐn。
This is his finest work.
▶ 那些作品都很美。 nà xiē zuò pǐn dōu hěn měi。
Those pieces are all beautiful.
Out and about ▶ 他的作品在圖書館可以看到。 tā de zuò pǐn zài tú shū guǎn kě yǐ kàn dào。
You can see his work at the library.
School a work (of art, writing or music) ▶
3031 pattern N2 他的作品，沒有一張我不喜歡的。 tā de zuò pǐn， méi yǒu yī zhāng wǒ bù xǐ huān de。
沒有一 M（N）不 / 沒 …… 的
A double negative meaning 'every single one': 沒有一個不說好的 = nobody has a bad word for it. The 的 at the end is compulsory and the measure word must match the noun.
There isn't one of his pictures I don't like. ▶
3032 word Core 內容 nèiróng
▶ 這本書的內容很難。 zhè běn shū de nèi róng hěn nán。
The content of this book is difficult.
▶ 信的內容我不能說。 xìn de nèi róng wǒ bù néng shuō。
I can't say what was in the letter.
Work ▶ 節目的內容跟名字不一樣。 jié mù de nèi róng gēn míng zi bù yī yàng。
The programme isn't about what its title says.
At home the content; what's in it ▶
3033 word Core 創造 chuàngzào
▶ 他創造了一種新的音樂。 tā chuàng zào le yī zhǒng xīn de yīn lè。
He created a new kind of music.
▶ 創造比學習難。 chuàng zào bǐ xué xí nán。
Creating is harder than learning.
School ▶ 這個設計創造了一種新的生活。 zhè ge shè jì chuàng zào le yī zhǒng xīn de shēng huó。
This design created a new way of living.
Work to create; to bring into being ▶
3034 word Core 發明 fāmíng
▶ 誰發明了電話？ shéi fā míng le diàn huà？
Who invented the telephone?
▶ 這是一個很好的發明。 zhè shì yī ge hěn hǎo de fā míng。
It's a fine invention.
Work ▶ 他發明了一台小機器。 tā fā míng le yī tái xiǎo jī qì。
He invented a small machine.
Work to invent; an invention ▶
3035 word N2 展示 zhǎnshì
▶ 他們在店裡展示新的作品。 tā men zài diàn lǐ zhǎn shì xīn de zuò pǐn。
They're showing the new work in the shop.
▶ 這些圖會展示三個月。 zhè xiē tú huì zhǎn shì sān ge yuè。
These drawings will be on display for three months.
Out and about ▶ 他把設計展示給大家看。 tā bǎ shè jì zhǎn shì gěi dà jiā kàn。
He showed the design to everyone.
Work to display; to put on show ▶
3036 word Core 留言 liúyán
▶ 他不在，你要留言嗎？ tā bù zài， nǐ yào liú yán ma？
He's not here — would you like to leave a message?
▶ 我給他留言了。 wǒ gěi tā liú yán le。
I've left him a message.
Work ▶ 這個留言是誰寫的？ zhè ge liú yán shì shéi xiě de？
Who wrote this message?
Work to leave a message; a message ▶
3038 word Core 會議 huìyì
▶ 下午三點有一個會議。 xià wǔ sān diǎn yǒu yī ge huì yì。
There's a meeting at three.
▶ 會議完畢以後我再打電話給你。 huì yì wán bì yǐ hòu wǒ zài dǎ diàn huà gěi nǐ。
I'll ring you once the meeting's over.
Work ▶ 這個會議開了兩個小時。 zhè ge huì yì kāi le liǎng ge xiǎo shí。
The meeting ran for two hours.
Work a meeting; a conference ▶
3039 pattern N2 都幾點了，會議還沒開始。 dōu jǐ diǎn le， huì yì hái méi kāi shǐ。
都 + 時間 / 數量 + 了
This 都 in front of a time or an amount means 'already, as much as that', and it always carries a sigh: 都幾點了！ It is not the 都 that means 'all'.
Look at the time — the meeting still hasn't started. ▶
3040 pattern N2 那些會議，沒有一次他沒來的。 nà xiē huì yì， méi yǒu yī cì tā méi lái de。
沒有一 M（N）不 / 沒 …… 的
A double negative meaning 'every single one': 沒有一個不說好的 = nobody has a bad word for it. The 的 at the end is compulsory and the measure word must match the noun.
He hasn't missed a single one of those meetings. ▶
3041 pattern N2 會議中請不要打電話。 huì yì zhōng qǐng bú yào dǎ diàn huà。
V 中
V 中 marks something as ongoing and belongs on signs and notices: 調查中, 會議中. It is written register — in speech you would say 正在調查 — and only a small set of verbs takes it.
Please don't make calls during the meeting. ▶
3042 word N2 檔案 dǎng'àn
台灣說 檔案 Taiwan reads 檔 as dǎng — dǎng'àn; mainland reads dàng'àn. ▶ 這個檔案在電腦裡。 zhè ge dàng àn zài diàn nǎo lǐ。
That file is on the computer.
▶ 他把檔案放在公司了。 tā bǎ dàng àn fàng zài gōng sī le。
He left the file at the office.
Work ▶ 這些檔案已經有二十年了。 zhè xiē dàng àn yǐ jīng yǒu r4 shí nián le。
These records are twenty years old.
Work a file; a record ▶
3043 pattern N2 我都到公司了，才發現檔案在家裡。 wǒ dōu dào gōng sī le， cái fā xiàn dàng àn zài jiā lǐ。
都 + 時間 / 數量 + 了
This 都 in front of a time or an amount means 'already, as much as that', and it always carries a sigh: 都幾點了！ It is not the 都 that means 'all'.
I'd got all the way to work before I realised the file was at home. ▶
3044 word Core 單 dān
▶ 這張單要給經理。 zhè zhāng dān yào gěi jīng lǐ。
This form has to go to the manager.
▶ 他把單放在桌上。 tā bǎ dān fàng zài zhuō shàng。
He left the bill on the table.
Work ▶ 這個單上的名字不對。 zhè ge dān shàng de míng zi bù duì。
The name on this form is wrong.
Work a form, a slip, a bill; single ▶
3045 word Core 級 jí
▶ 我弟弟今年三年級。 wǒ dì di jīn nián sān nián jí。
My brother is in the third year.
▶ 這種工作要高一級的人才能做。 zhè zhǒng gōng zuò yào gāo yī jí de rén cái néng zuò。
This job needs someone a grade higher.
Work ▶ 他們公司分五級。 tā men gōng sī fēn wǔ jí。
Their company has five grades.
Work a level, a grade; a year at school ▶
3046 word Core 申請 shēnqǐng
▶ 我申請了那個工作。 wǒ shēn qǐng le nà ge gōng zuò。
I've applied for that job.
▶ 申請的時候要一張照片。 shēn qǐng de shí hòu yào yī zhāng zhào piān。
You need a photo when you apply.
Work ▶ 他的申請公司同意了。 tā de shēn qǐng gōng sī tóng yì le。
The company approved his application.
Work to apply for ▶
3047 word Core 負責 fùzé
▶ 這件事誰負責？ zhè jiàn shì shéi fù zé？
Who's responsible for this?
▶ 他負責這一區的客戶。 tā fù zé zhè yī qū de kè hù。
He looks after the clients in this district.
Work ▶ 我不負責這個部分。 wǒ bù fù zé zhè ge bù fèn。
That part isn't mine.
Work to be responsible for; to be in charge of ▶
3048 word Core 管理 guǎnlǐ
▶ 他管理這家店三年了。 tā guǎn lǐ zhè jiā diàn sān nián le。
He's managed this shop for three years.
▶ 管理一家公司不容易。 guǎn lǐ yī jiā gōng sī bù róng yì。
Running a company isn't easy.
Work ▶ 這些檔案誰管理？ zhè xiē dàng àn shéi guǎn lǐ？
Who looks after these files?
Work to manage; to run; management ▶
3049 word Core 集中 jízhōng
▶ 請把檔案集中在這裡。 qǐng bǎ dàng àn jí zhōng zài zhè lǐ。
Please put all the files together here.
▶ 他上課的時候不能集中。 tā shàng kè de shí hòu bù néng jí zhōng。
He can't concentrate in class.
School ▶ 我們把時間集中在最重要的事上。 wǒ men bǎ shí jiān jí zhōng zài zuì zhòng yào de shì shàng。
We're putting our time into what matters most.
Work to concentrate; to gather in one place ▶
3050 word Core 主要 zhǔyào
▶ 這是我們主要的工作。 zhè shì wǒ men zhǔ yào de gōng zuò。
This is our main job.
▶ 他主要負責管理。 tā zhǔ yào fù zé guǎn lǐ。
He's chiefly in charge of management.
Work ▶ 主要的問題不是錢。 zhǔ yào de wèn tí bú shì qián。
The main problem isn't money.
Work main; chiefly ▶
3051 word Core 公開 gōngkāi
▶ 這個會議不公開。 zhè ge huì yì bù gōng kāi。
This meeting isn't open.
▶ 公司公開了調查的結果。 gōng sī gōng kāi le diào chá de jié guǒ。
The company published the findings.
Work ▶ 這件事已經公開了。 zhè jiàn shì yǐ jīng gōng kāi le。
It's public knowledge now.
Work open, public; to make public ▶
3053 word Core 價值 jiàzhí
▶ 這張舊照片的價值很高。 zhè zhāng jiù zhào piān de jià zhí hěn gāo。
That old photograph is worth a lot.
▶ 這台機器沒有價值了。 zhè tái jī qì méi yǒu jià zhí le。
This machine is worth nothing now.
Work ▶ 他的話很有價值。 tā de huà hěn yǒu jià zhí。
What he says is worth hearing.
Work value; worth ▶
3054 pattern N2 老的東西不見得沒有價值。 lǎo de dōng xi bù jiàn de méi yǒu jià zhí。
不見得
不見得 denies that the obvious conclusion follows: 貴的不見得好. It stands directly in front of whatever is being doubted.
An old thing isn't necessarily worthless. ▶
3055 word N2 代價 dàijià
▶ 成功的代價很大。 chéng gōng de dài jià hěn dà。
Success comes at a price.
▶ 這件事他付了很大的代價。 zhè jiàn shì tā fù le hěn dà de dài jià。
He paid dearly for it.
At home ▶ 什麼事都有代價。 shén me shì dōu yǒu dài jià。
Everything has its price.
Out and about a price you pay for something; the cost of it ▶
3056 word Core 數字 shùzì
▶ 這個數字不對。 zhè ge shù zì bù duì。
This figure is wrong.
▶ 他對數字的記憶很好。 tā duì shù zì de jì yì hěn hǎo。
He has a good memory for numbers.
Work ▶ 報告上的數字要查清楚。 bào gào shàng de shù zì yào chá qīng chǔ。
The figures in the report need checking.
Work a number; a figure ▶
3057 word N2 億 yì
▶ 這家公司一年賺十億。 zhè jiā gōng sī yī nián zhuàn shí yì。
That company makes a billion a year.
▶ 世界上有七十多億人。 shì jiè shàng yǒu qī shí duō yì rén。
There are over seven billion people in the world.
School ▶ 一億是一萬個一萬。 yī yì shì yī wàn ge yī wàn。
A hundred million is ten thousand ten-thousands.
School a hundred million ▶
3058 word N2 利 lì
▶ 這件事對我們有利。 zhè jiàn shì duì wǒ men yǒu lì。
This works in our favour.
▶ 他只想自己的利。 tā zhǐ xiǎng zì jǐ de lì。
He only thinks of his own advantage.
Work ▶ 有利也有不利。 yǒu lì yě yǒu bù lì。
There are advantages and disadvantages.
Work advantage, benefit; sharp ▶
3059 word Core 保險 bǎoxiǎn
▶ 我買了一個保險。 wǒ mǎi le yī ge bǎo xiǎn。
I've taken out an insurance policy.
▶ 這台車有沒有保險？ zhè tái chē yǒu méi yǒu bǎo xiǎn？
Is this car insured?
Out and about ▶ 保險一年要兩萬塊。 bǎo xiǎn yī nián yào liǎng wàn kuài。
The insurance is twenty thousand a year.
Work insurance ▶
3060 word Core 浪費 làngfèi
▶ 別浪費水。 bié làng fèi shuǐ。
Don't waste water.
▶ 這樣做太浪費時間了。 zhè yàng zuò tài làng fèi shí jiān le。
Doing it this way wastes far too much time.
Work ▶ 他一生都沒有浪費過錢。 tā yī shēng dōu méi yǒu làng fèi guò qián。
He never wasted money in his life.
At home to waste; to squander ▶
3061 word Core 足夠 zúgòu
▶ 這些錢足夠了。 zhè xiē qián zú gòu le。
This money is enough.
▶ 時間不足夠。 shí jiān bù zú gòu。
There isn't enough time.
Work ▶ 我們有足夠的人。 wǒ men yǒu zú gòu de rén。
We have enough people.
Work enough; sufficient ▶
3062 word Core 大量 dàliàng
▶ 他們買了大量的米。 tā men mǎi le dà liàng de mǐ。
They bought rice in bulk.
▶ 這家店大量賣蔬菜。 zhè jiā diàn dà liàng mài shū cài。
This shop sells vegetables wholesale.
Shopping ▶ 大量的水從山上下來。 dà liàng de shuǐ cóng shān shàng xià lái。
A great deal of water came down off the mountain.
Out and about a large amount of; in bulk ▶
3063 word Core 稍微 shāowéi
台灣說 稍微 Taiwan reads 微 as wéi — shāowéi; mainland reads shāowēi. ▶ 這件衣服稍微大了一點。 zhè jiàn yī fú shāo wēi dà le yī diǎn。
This is slightly too big.
▶ 請稍微等一下。 qǐng shāo wēi děng yí xià。
Please wait just a moment.
Out and about ▶ 他的中文稍微好一點了。 tā de zhōng wén shāo wēi hǎo yī diǎn le。
His Chinese is a shade better.
School slightly; a little ▶
3065 word Core 海 hǎi
▶ 我們開車去看海。 wǒ men kāi chē qù kàn hǎi。
We drove out to see the sea.
▶ 台灣的海很漂亮。 tái wān de hǎi hěn piào liàng。
The sea around Taiwan is beautiful.
Out and about ▶ 他家在海的旁邊。 tā jiā zài hǎi de páng biān。
His house is right by the sea.
At home the sea ▶
3066 word Core 海灘 hǎitān
▶ 假日的海灘很多人。 jià rì de hǎi tān hěn duō rén。
The beach is packed on a holiday.
▶ 小孩在海灘上玩。 xiǎo hái zài hǎi tān shàng wán。
The children are playing on the beach.
Out and about ▶ 這個海灘很長。 zhè ge hǎi tān hěn cháng。
This beach is a long one.
Out and about a beach ▶
3067 pattern N2 那次以後，他再也沒去過那個海灘。 nà cì yǐ hòu， tā zài yě méi qù guò nà ge hǎi tān。
再也（不 / 沒）……
再也不 / 再也沒 = never again from that point on. Band 2's 不再……了 is the plainer 'not any more'; 再也 is the emphatic version and must be followed by 不 or 沒.
He never went back to that beach after that. ▶
3068 word Core 森林 sēnlín
▶ 山上有很大的森林。 shān shàng yǒu hěn dà de sēn lín。
There's a great deal of forest up the mountain.
▶ 森林裡有很多動物。 sēn lín lǐ yǒu hěn duō dòng wù。
There are a lot of animals in the forest.
Out and about ▶ 他們在森林裡走了一天。 tā men zài sēn lín lǐ zǒu le yī tiān。
They walked in the forest all day.
Out and about a forest ▶
3069 word Core 沙漠 shāmò
▶ 沙漠裡很少下雨。 shā mò lǐ hěn shǎo xià yǔ。
It rarely rains in the desert.
▶ 他一個人走過那個沙漠。 tā yī ge rén zǒu guò nà ge shā mò。
He crossed that desert alone.
Out and about ▶ 沙漠的晚上很冷。 shā mò de wǎn shàng hěn lěng。
Desert nights are cold.
Out and about a desert ▶
3070 word Core 洞 dòng
▶ 路上有一個很大的洞。 lù shàng yǒu yī ge hěn dà de dòng。
There's a big hole in the road.
▶ 老鼠住在洞裡。 lǎo shǔ zhù zài dòng lǐ。
Mice live in holes.
At home ▶ 他們在森林裡找到一個洞。 tā men zài sēn lín lǐ zhǎo dào yī ge dòng。
They found a cave in the forest.
Out and about a hole; a cave ▶
3071 word Core 陽光 yángguāng
▶ 今天的陽光很好。 jīn tiān de yáng guāng hěn hǎo。
There's lovely sunshine today.
▶ 海灘上的陽光很大。 hǎi tān shàng de yáng guāng hěn dà。
The sun is fierce on the beach.
Out and about ▶ 他喜歡在陽光下走路。 tā xǐ huān zài yáng guāng xià zǒu lù。
He likes walking in the sun.
Health sunshine ▶
3072 word Core 遠 yuǎn
▶ 他家很遠。 tā jiā hěn yuǎn。
He lives a long way off.
▶ 從這裡到海灘不遠。 cóng zhè lǐ dào hǎi tān bù yuǎn。
It isn't far from here to the beach.
Out and about ▶ 那個沙漠比我想的遠。 nà ge shā mò bǐ wǒ xiǎng de yuǎn。
That desert is further than I thought.
Out and about far; distant ▶
3073 pattern N2 這麼遠，我看還是坐火車。 zhè me yuǎn， wǒ kàn hái shì zuò huǒ chē。
我看，……
我看 offers a judgement, not eyesight: 我看他不會來了 = if you ask me, he isn't coming. It is softer than 我覺得 and very common in speech.
It's a long way — better take the train, I'd say. ▶
3074 pattern N2 即使很遠，他也每個星期回家。 jí shǐ hěn yuǎn， tā yě měi ge xīng qí huí jiā。
即使 ……，也 ……
即使 A，也 B = even if A, still B. 即使 opens the first clause and the 也 in the second cannot be dropped. 就算 means the same and is more spoken.
However far it is, he goes home every week. ▶
3075 pattern N2 就算很遠，我也每年回去拜拜。 jiù suàn hěn yuǎn， wǒ yě měi nián huí qù bài bài。
就算 ……，也 ……
就算 A，也 B = even if A, B all the same. It is the everyday spoken twin of 即使……也……, and the 也 cannot be dropped.
However far it is, I go back every year to pay my respects. ▶
3076 word N2 奔 bēn
▶ 他的馬在海灘上奔。 tā de mǎ zài hǎi tān shàng bēn。
His horse was running hard along the beach.
▶ 他一聽到消息就奔回家。 tā yī tīng dào xiāo xī jiù bēn huí jiā。
He rushed home the moment he heard.
At home ▶ 小孩看見海就奔過去。 xiǎo hái kàn jian hǎi jiù bēn guò qù。
The children saw the sea and ran straight for it.
Out and about to run hard; to rush, to make for ▶
3077 word Core 冒險 màoxiǎn
▶ 一個人去沙漠很冒險。 yī ge rén qù shā mò hěn mào xiǎn。
Going into the desert alone is risky.
▶ 他喜歡冒險。 tā xǐ huān mào xiǎn。
He likes taking chances.
Out and about ▶ 這是一次很大的冒險。 zhè shì yī cì hěn dà de mào xiǎn。
It was quite an adventure.
Out and about to take a risk; an adventure ▶
3078 pattern N2 我看你別去了，太冒險。 wǒ kàn nǐ bié qù le， tài mào xiǎn。
我看，……
我看 offers a judgement, not eyesight: 我看他不會來了 = if you ask me, he isn't coming. It is softer than 我覺得 and very common in speech.
I'd not go, if I were you — too risky. ▶
3079 pattern N2 即使很冒險，他也要試。 jí shǐ hěn mào xiǎn， tā yě yào shì。
即使 ……，也 ……
即使 A，也 B = even if A, still B. 即使 opens the first clause and the 也 in the second cannot be dropped. 就算 means the same and is more spoken.
Risky as it is, he wants to try. ▶
3080 word Core 古老 gǔlǎo
▶ 這個城很古老。 zhè ge chéng hěn gǔ lǎo。
It's a very old town.
▶ 森林裡有一棵很古老的樹。 sēn lín lǐ yǒu yī kē hěn gǔ lǎo de shù。
There's an ancient tree in the forest.
Out and about ▶ 這是一個古老的故事。 zhè shì yī ge gǔ lǎo de gù shì。
It's an old story.
Out and about ancient; age-old ▶
3082 word Core 指 zhǐ
▶ 他指著那張圖。 tā zhǐ zhe nà zhāng tú。
He pointed at the diagram.
▶ 別用手指人。 bié yòng shǒu zhǐ rén。
Don't point at people.
At home ▶ 他指的地方我沒看見。 tā zhǐ de dì fāng wǒ méi kàn jian。
I didn't see the spot he pointed to.
Out and about to point at; a finger ▶
3083 word Core 證明 zhèngmíng
▶ 他證明了自己沒有錯。 tā zhèng míng le zì jǐ méi yǒu cuò。
He proved he'd done nothing wrong.
▶ 這張紙可以證明我是學生。 zhè zhāng zhǐ kě yǐ zhèng míng wǒ shì xué shēng。
This slip proves I'm a student.
School ▶ 沒有人能證明這件事。 méi yǒu rén néng zhèng míng zhè jiàn shì。
Nobody can prove it.
Work to prove; proof, a certificate ▶
3084 word N2 確認 quèrèn
▶ 請你確認一下這個數字。 qǐng nǐ què rèn yī xià zhè ge shù zì。
Could you confirm this figure?
▶ 我已經跟他確認過了。 wǒ yǐ jīng gēn tā què rèn guò le。
I've already confirmed it with him.
Work ▶ 確認以後我再告訴你。 què rèn yǐ hòu wǒ zài gào sù nǐ。
I'll tell you once it's confirmed.
Work to confirm; to verify ▶
3085 word N2 觀察 guānchá
▶ 醫生要觀察他三天。 yī shēng yào guān chá tā sān tiān。
The doctor wants to keep him under observation for three days.
▶ 他很會觀察別人。 tā hěn huì guān chá bié rén。
He's a shrewd observer of people.
Work ▶ 觀察了一個星期才有結果。 guān chá le yī ge xīng qí cái yǒu jié guǒ。
It took a week's watching to get an answer.
Work to observe; to watch closely ▶
3086 word Core 仔細 zǐxì
▶ 他做事很仔細。 tā zuò shì hěn zǎi xì。
He's thorough in what he does.
▶ 請仔細看這張圖。 qǐng zǎi xì kàn zhè zhāng tú。
Look at this diagram carefully.
School ▶ 仔細想一想再回答。 zǎi xì xiǎng yī xiǎng zài huí dá。
Think it over properly before you answer.
School careful; thorough, in detail ▶
3087 pattern N2 老實說，我沒有仔細看。 lǎo shí shuō， wǒ méi yǒu zǎi xì kàn。
老實說，……
老實說 opens the sentence and warns that what follows is blunter than politeness would usually allow. 說老實話 is the same thing said at greater length.
To be honest, I didn't look properly. ▶
3088 pattern N2 他做事像老師一樣仔細。 tā zuò shì xiàng lǎo shī yī yàng zǎi xì。
A 像 B 一樣 ……
像 B 一樣 + describing word gives the comparison: 像他一樣高. Drop 一樣 and 像 B 高 is wrong. For 'not as … as', negate 像: 不像昨天一樣冷 — or use 沒有 B 那麼 …….
He works as carefully as the teacher. ▶
3089 word N2 明顯 míngxiǎn
▶ 這是一個很明顯的錯。 zhè shì yī ge hěn míng xiǎn de cuò。
That's an obvious mistake.
▶ 他的情緒很明顯。 tā de qíng xù hěn míng xiǎn。
You can read his mood a mile off.
Work ▶ 問題很明顯，就是錢不夠。 wèn tí hěn míng xiǎn， jiù shì qián bù gòu。
The problem is plain enough: not enough money.
Work clear; obvious ▶
3090 word N2 偵探 zhēntàn
▶ 他是一個偵探。 tā shì yī ge zhēn tàn。
He's a detective.
▶ 偵探的工作要很仔細。 zhēn tàn de gōng zuò yào hěn zǎi xì。
Detective work has to be thorough.
Work ▶ 這本書寫的是一個偵探的故事。 zhè běn shū xiě de shì yī ge zhēn tàn de gù shì。
This book is a detective story.
School a detective ▶
3091 pattern N2 我們再也沒見過那個偵探。 wǒ men zài yě méi jiàn guò nà ge zhēn tàn。
再也（不 / 沒）……
再也不 / 再也沒 = never again from that point on. Band 2's 不再……了 is the plainer 'not any more'; 再也 is the emphatic version and must be followed by 不 or 沒.
We never saw that detective again. ▶
3092 word N2 面具 miànjù
▶ 那個人戴著面具。 nà ge rén dài zhe miàn jù。
The man was wearing a mask.
▶ 小孩很喜歡玩面具。 xiǎo hái hěn xǐ huān wán miàn jù。
Children love playing with masks.
At home ▶ 他的面具就在現場。 tā de miàn jù jiù zài xiàn chǎng。
His mask was right there at the scene.
Out and about a mask ▶
3093 word N2 毒品 dúpǐn
▶ 警察在查毒品的事。 jǐng chá zài chá dú pǐn de shì。
The police are investigating drugs.
▶ 毒品讓很多家庭壞掉。 dú pǐn ràng hěn duō jiā tíng huài diào。
Drugs have wrecked a lot of families.
Health ▶ 那個人因為毒品被抓了。 nà ge rén yīn wèi dú pǐn bèi zhuā le。
He was arrested over drugs.
Out and about drugs; narcotics ▶
3094 word N2 遭到 zāodào
▶ 他遭到很大的壓力。 tā zāo dào hěn dà de yā lì。
He came under enormous pressure.
▶ 那家店遭到很多人的抱怨。 nà jiā diàn zāo dào hěn duō rén de bào yuàn。
That shop met with a lot of complaints.
Work ▶ 他的作品遭到反對。 tā de zuò pǐn zāo dào fǎn duì。
His work met with opposition.
Work to suffer; to meet with (something bad) ▶
3096 word Core 廟 miào
▶ 這個城裡有很多廟。 zhè ge chéng lǐ yǒu hěn duō miào。
There are a lot of temples in this town.
▶ 那個廟很古老。 nà ge miào hěn gǔ lǎo。
That temple is very old.
Out and about ▶ 廟前面有很多小吃。 miào qián miàn yǒu hěn duō xiǎo chī。
There's a lot of street food in front of the temple.
Food and drink a temple ▶
3097 pattern N2 就算下雨，廟前面也很多人。 jiù suàn xià yǔ， miào qián miàn yě hěn duō rén。
就算 ……，也 ……
就算 A，也 B = even if A, B all the same. It is the everyday spoken twin of 即使……也……, and the 也 cannot be dropped.
Even in the rain there are crowds in front of the temple. ▶
3098 word Core 拜拜 bàibài
台灣說 拜拜 In Taiwan 拜拜 bàibài is worshipping at a temple; CC-CEDICT's báibái is the English 'bye-bye'. ▶ 過年的時候我們去廟裡拜拜。 guò nián de shí hòu wǒ men qù miào lǐ bài bài。
At New Year we go to the temple to make offerings.
▶ 她每個月都去拜拜。 tā měi ge yuè dōu qù bài bài。
She goes to worship every month.
Out and about ▶ 拜拜以前要先洗手。 bài bài yǐ qián yào xiān xǐ shǒu。
You wash your hands before you worship.
Out and about to worship at a temple; to make an offering ▶
3099 word Core 祝 zhù
▶ 祝你生日快樂。 zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè。
Happy birthday.
▶ 我祝他們一生快樂。 wǒ zhù tā men yī shēng kuài lè。
I wish them happiness all their lives.
Out and about ▶ 大家都祝她成功。 dà jiā dōu zhù tā chéng gōng。
Everyone wished her well.
Work to wish (someone) something ▶
3100 word Core 祝福 zhùfú
▶ 謝謝大家的祝福。 xiè xie dà jiā de zhù fú。
Thank you all for your good wishes.
▶ 婚禮上有很多祝福。 hūn lǐ shàng yǒu hěn duō zhù fú。
There were a lot of good wishes at the wedding.
Out and about ▶ 這是爸媽的祝福。 zhè shì bà mā de zhù fú。
These are my parents' blessings.
At home blessings; good wishes ▶
3101 word Core 禮拜 lǐbài
▶ 他們星期天去教堂禮拜。 tā men xīng qí tiān qù jiāo táng xīng qí。
They go to church on Sundays.
▶ 我下個禮拜要出去。 wǒ xià ge xīng qí yào chū qù。
I'm away next week.
Work ▶ 禮拜的時候不可以說話。 xīng qí de shí hòu bù kě yǐ shuō huà。
You mustn't talk during the service.
Out and about to attend a religious service; (coll.) a week ▶
3102 word Core 規矩 guījǔ
台灣說 規矩 Taiwan reads 規矩 guījǔ with a full third tone; mainland neutralises 矩. ▶ 這家店有很多規矩。 zhè jiā diàn yǒu hěn duō guī jǔ。
This place has a lot of rules.
▶ 拜拜的規矩我不太懂。 bài bài de guī jǔ wǒ bù tài dǒng。
I don't really know the rules for worshipping.
Out and about ▶ 他做事很有規矩。 tā zuò shì hěn yǒu guī jǔ。
He does things properly.
Work the rules; the way things are done ▶
3103 word Core 傳統 chuántǒng
▶ 這是我們的傳統。 zhè shì wǒ men de chuán tǒng。
This is our tradition.
▶ 傳統的婚禮很長。 chuán tǒng de hūn lǐ hěn cháng。
A traditional wedding is a long affair.
Out and about ▶ 很多傳統已經不見了。 hěn duō chuán tǒng yǐ jīng bù jiàn le。
A lot of the old ways have gone.
Out and about tradition; traditional ▶
3104 pattern N2 就算是傳統，也不是每個人都做。 jiù suàn shì chuán tǒng， yě bú shì měi ge rén dōu zuò。
就算 ……，也 ……
就算 A，也 B = even if A, B all the same. It is the everyday spoken twin of 即使……也……, and the 也 cannot be dropped.
Tradition or not, not everybody does it. ▶
3105 word Core 文化 wénhuà
▶ 台灣的文化很有意思。 tái wān de wén huà hěn yǒu yì si。
Taiwanese culture is fascinating.
▶ 廟是文化的一部分。 miào shì wén huà de yī bù fèn。
Temples are part of the culture.
Out and about ▶ 他在研究中國文化。 tā zài yán jiū zhōng guó wén huà。
He's researching Chinese culture.
School culture ▶
3106 word Core 正式 zhèngshì
▶ 這是一個很正式的儀式。 zhè shì yī ge hěn zhèng shì de yí shì。
It's a very formal ceremony.
▶ 正式的信要這樣寫。 zhèng shì de xìn yào zhè yàng xiě。
A formal letter is written like this.
Work ▶ 他們還沒正式結婚。 tā men hái méi zhèng shì jié hūn。
They aren't officially married yet.
At home formal; official ▶
3107 word Core 按照 ànzhào
▶ 按照傳統，我們要先拜拜。 àn zhào chuán tǒng， wǒ men yào xiān bài bài。
By tradition, we make our offerings first.
▶ 請按照這張紙上的說明做。 qǐng àn zhào zhè zhāng zhǐ shàng de shuō míng zuò。
Please follow the instructions on this sheet.
Work ▶ 按照規矩，客人要先坐。 àn zhào guī jǔ， kè rén yào xiān zuò。
By the rules, guests sit down first.
At home according to; in accordance with ▶
3109 pattern N2 他們按照傳統辦了婚禮。 tā men àn zhào chuán tǒng bàn le hūn lǐ。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
They held the wedding according to tradition. ▶
3110 pattern N2 按照公司的規矩，這件事要先說明。 àn zhào gōng sī de guī jǔ， zhè jiàn shì yào xiān shuō míng。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
Company rules say this has to be explained first. ▶
3111 pattern N2 按照這張圖，你就找得到。 àn zhào zhè zhāng tú， nǐ jiù zhǎo de dào。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
Go by this diagram and you'll find it. ▶
3112 pattern N2 請按照時間到。 qǐng àn zhào shí jiān dào。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
Please arrive at the stated time. ▶
3113 pattern N2 按照醫生說的做，你會好得比較快。 àn zhào yī shēng shuō de zuò， nǐ huì hǎo de bǐ jiào kuài。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
Do as the doctor says and you'll get better faster. ▶
3114 pattern N2 他不按照規矩做事。 tā bù àn zhào guī jǔ zuò shì。
按照 ……
按照 + a rule, a plan or an instruction, then the action that follows it: 按照傳統, 按照規矩. It opens the clause; 照 on its own is the shorter, more spoken form.
He doesn't do things by the book. ▶
3115 word Core 位置 wèizhì
台灣說 位置 Taiwan reads 位置 wèizhì with a full fourth tone; mainland neutralises 置. ▶ 這個位置很好。 zhè ge wèi zhì hěn hǎo。
This is a good spot.
▶ 他的位置在門旁邊。 tā de wèi zhì zài mén páng biān。
His place is next to the door.
Work ▶ 把櫃子放在原來的位置。 bǎ guì zi fàng zài yuán lái de wèi zhì。
Put the cupboard back where it was.
At home a position; a place, a spot ▶
3116 pattern N2 這個位置算是最好的。 zhè ge wèi zhì suàn shì zuì hǎo de。
算（是）……
算（是）= counts as, can be called. It is a judgement with a little room left in it, which is exactly what a flat 是 does not give you.
This spot is about as good as it gets. ▶
3117 pattern N2 這本來不是我的位置。 zhè běn lái bú shì wǒ de wèi zhì。
本來 ……，後來 ……
本來 sets up how things were before they changed, and usually pairs with 後來 or 現在. 本來就 is different: it means 'that was always the case', with no change at all.
This wasn't my seat to begin with. ▶
3118 word Core 座位 zuòwèi
▶ 這個座位有人坐嗎？ zhè ge zuò wèi yǒu rén zuò ma？
Is this seat taken?
▶ 他的座位在最後面。 tā de zuò wèi zài zuì hòu miàn。
His seat is right at the back.
Out and about ▶ 車上沒有座位了。 chē shàng méi yǒu zuò wèi le。
There are no seats left on the bus.
Out and about a seat ▶
3119 word N2 角落 jiǎoluò
▶ 貓在角落裡睡覺。 māo zài jiǎo luò lǐ shuì jiào。
The cat is asleep in the corner.
▶ 他坐在最後面的角落。 tā zuò zài zuì hòu miàn de jiǎo luò。
He sat in the far corner.
Out and about ▶ 角落裡放著一個箱子。 jiǎo luò lǐ fàng zhe yī ge xiāng zi。
There's a box in the corner.
At home a corner (of a room); a nook ▶
3120 word Core 地板 dìbǎn
▶ 地板很髒，要擦一下。 dì bǎn hěn zāng， yào cā yī xià。
The floor is dirty — it needs a wipe.
▶ 小孩在地板上玩。 xiǎo hái zài dì bǎn shàng wán。
The children are playing on the floor.
At home ▶ 這個地板很新。 zhè ge dì bǎn hěn xīn。
This floor is new.
At home the floor ▶
3121 word Core 屋頂 wūdǐng
▶ 屋頂上有一隻貓。 wū dǐng shàng yǒu yī zhī māo。
There's a cat on the roof.
▶ 下雨的時候屋頂會有聲音。 xià yǔ de shí hòu wū dǐng huì yǒu shēng yīn。
The roof makes a noise when it rains.
At home ▶ 他們在修屋頂。 tā men zài xiū wū dǐng。
They're repairing the roof.
At home a roof ▶
3122 word N2 地下室 dìxiàshì
▶ 他們家有一個地下室。 tā men jiā yǒu yī ge dì xià shì。
Their house has a basement.
▶ 地下室很暗。 dì xià shì hěn àn。
The cellar is dark.
At home ▶ 舊的東西都放在地下室。 jiù de dōng xi dōu fàng zài dì xià shì。
All the old things are kept in the cellar.
At home a basement; a cellar ▶
3123 word Core 靠近 kàojìn
▶ 他家靠近車站。 tā jiā kào jìn chē zhàn。
He lives near the station.
▶ 別靠近那隻狗。 bié kào jìn nà zhī gǒu。
Don't go near that dog.
Out and about ▶ 我的座位靠近門。 wǒ de zuò wèi kào jìn mén。
My seat is near the door.
Out and about to be close to; to move closer to ▶
3124 word Core 接近 jiējìn
▶ 他慢慢接近那隻鳥。 tā màn màn jiē jìn nà zhī niǎo。
He edged towards the bird.
▶ 時間已經接近十二點。 shí jiān yǐ jīng jiē jìn shí r4 diǎn。
It's getting on for twelve.
Out and about ▶ 他不想讓別人接近他。 tā bù xiǎng ràng bié rén jiē jìn tā。
He doesn't let people get close to him.
At home to approach; to get close to ▶
3125 word Core 移動 yídòng
▶ 請把椅子移動一下。 qǐng bǎ yǐ zi yí dòng yī xià。
Could you move the chair a little?
▶ 這個櫃子很大，一個人不能移動。 zhè ge guì zi hěn dà， yī ge rén bù néng yí dòng。
This cupboard is too big for one person to shift.
At home ▶ 那隻貓一直沒有移動。 nà zhī māo yì zhí méi yǒu yí dòng。
That cat hasn't shifted at all.
At home to move; to shift ▶
3126 word N2 隔 gé
▶ 我們的座位隔了三個人。 wǒ men de zuò wèi gé le sān ge rén。
There were three people between our seats.
▶ 他家跟我家只隔一條街。 tā jiā gēn wǒ jiā zhǐ gé yī tiáo jiē。
His house is just one street from mine.
At home ▶ 隔了十年，他才回來。 gé le shí nián， tā cái huí lái。
Ten years went by before he came back.
At home to separate; to be apart by (a distance or a gap) ▶
3128 word Core 光 guāng
▶ 早晨的光從窗戶進來。 zǎo chén de guāng cóng chuāng hù jìn lái。
The morning light comes in at the window.
▶ 燈壞了，房間裡沒有光。 dēng huài le， fáng jiān lǐ méi yǒu guāng。
The lamp's broken and there's no light in the room.
At home ▶ 這個地方的光不夠。 zhè ge dì fāng de guāng bù gòu。
There isn't enough light in here.
Work light; (as an adverb) only, nothing but ▶
3129 pattern N2 家裡的麵包都吃光了。 jiā lǐ de miàn bāo dōu chī guāng le。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
The bread at home is all gone. ▶
3130 pattern N2 錢用光了。 qián yòng guāng le。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
The money's run out. ▶
3131 pattern N2 那家店的票賣光了。 nà jiā diàn de piào mài guāng le。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
That shop has sold out of tickets. ▶
3132 pattern N2 水喝光了，我們去買。 shuǐ hē guāng le， wǒ men qù mǎi。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
We've drunk all the water — let's buy more. ▶
3133 pattern N2 他把蔬菜都吃光了。 tā bǎ shū cài dōu chī guāng le。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
He finished off all the vegetables. ▶
3134 pattern N2 三明治一下就被吃光了。 sān míng zhì yī xià jiù bèi chī guāng le。
V 光
V 光 means used up so that nothing is left: 吃光, 賣光, 用光. This 光 is 'not a scrap remaining' — nothing to do with light.
The sandwiches went in no time. ▶
3135 pattern N2 光這條街就有十家小吃店。 guāng zhè tiáo jiē jiù yǒu shí jiā xiǎo chī diàn。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
This one street alone has ten food shops. ▶
3136 pattern N2 光看名字就知道是什麼。 guāng kàn míng zi jiù zhī dào shì shén me。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
One look at the name tells you what it is. ▶
3137 pattern N2 光那個檔案就有三百張紙。 guāng nà ge dàng àn jiù yǒu sān bǎi zhāng zhǐ。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
That file alone runs to three hundred sheets. ▶
3138 pattern N2 光聽他說話就知道他很累。 guāng tīng tā shuō huà jiù zhī dào tā hěn lèi。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
You can hear how tired he is just from his voice. ▶
3139 pattern N2 光這個月就下了十天雨。 guāng zhè ge yuè jiù xià le shí tiān yǔ。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
This month alone we've had ten days of rain. ▶
3140 pattern N2 光他一個人就吃了三個三明治。 guāng tā yī ge rén jiù chī le sān ge sān míng zhì。
光 + N / V（O）+ 就 ……
光 + noun or verb phrase + 就 means 'just that much already comes to this': 光這條街就有十家. Here 光 is 'merely, this alone' — different again from V 光.
He on his own got through three sandwiches. ▶
3141 word Core 月亮 yuèliàng
台灣說 月亮 Taiwan reads 月亮 yuèliàng with a full fourth tone; mainland neutralises 亮. ▶ 今天晚上的月亮很大。 jīn tiān wǎn shàng de yuè liàng hěn dà。
The moon is big tonight.
▶ 月亮的光比太陽小。 yuè liàng de guāng bǐ tài yáng xiǎo。
Moonlight is weaker than sunlight.
Out and about ▶ 小孩指著月亮問我那是什麼。 xiǎo hái zhǐ zhe yuè liàng wèn wǒ nà shì shén me。
The child pointed at the moon and asked what it was.
At home the moon ▶
3142 word Core 星星 xīngxing
▶ 山上的星星很多。 shān shàng de xīng xīng hěn duō。
There are a lot of stars up the mountain.
▶ 城裡看不到星星。 chéng lǐ kàn bú dào xīng xīng。
You can't see the stars in town.
Out and about ▶ 他一個人看了一夜的星星。 tā yī ge rén kàn le yī yè de xīng xīng。
He watched the stars alone all night.
Out and about a star; the stars ▶
3143 word Core 夜晚 yèwǎn
▶ 夜晚的海灘很安靜。 yè wǎn de hǎi tān hěn ān jìng。
The beach is quiet at night.
▶ 他喜歡在夜晚工作。 tā xǐ huān zài yè wǎn gōng zuò。
He likes working at night.
Work ▶ 夏天的夜晚很熱。 xià tiān de yè wǎn hěn rè。
Summer nights are hot.
At home night; night-time ▶
3144 word Core 空中 kōngzhōng
▶ 空中有很多鳥。 kōng zhōng yǒu hěn duō niǎo。
There are a lot of birds in the air.
▶ 他把球打到空中。 tā bǎ qiú dǎ dào kōng zhōng。
He hit the ball up into the air.
Out and about ▶ 飛機在空中飛了十個小時。 fēi jī zài kōng zhōng fēi le shí ge xiǎo shí。
The plane was in the air for ten hours.
Out and about in the air; up in the sky ▶
3145 word N2 黑色 hēisè
▶ 他穿了一件黑色的衣服。 tā chuān le yī jiàn hēi sè de yī fú。
He was wearing black.
▶ 那隻貓是黑色的。 nà zhī māo shì hēi sè de。
That cat is black.
At home ▶ 夜晚的海是黑色的。 yè wǎn de hǎi shì hēi sè de。
The sea at night is black.
Out and about black ▶
3146 word Core 藍 lán
▶ 今天的天空很藍。 jīn tiān de tiān kōng hěn lán。
The sky is very blue today.
▶ 他喜歡藍的東西。 tā xǐ huān lán de dōng xi。
He likes blue things.
Shopping ▶ 海的顏色是藍的。 hǎi de yán sè shì lán de。
The sea is blue.
Out and about blue ▶
3147 word N2 飛行 fēixíng
▶ 這次飛行要十二個小時。 zhè cì fēi xíng yào shí r4 ge xiǎo shí。
The flight takes twelve hours.
▶ 他的工作是飛行。 tā de gōng zuò shì fēi xíng。
His job is flying.
Work ▶ 飛行的時候不可以用手機。 fēi xíng de shí hòu bù kě yǐ yòng shǒu jī。
You mustn't use a phone in flight.
Out and about flight; flying (of aircraft) ▶
3148 word N2 美妙 měimiào
▶ 那個夜晚很美妙。 nà ge yè wǎn hěn měi miào。
It was a wonderful night.
▶ 她的聲音很美妙。 tā de shēng yīn hěn měi miào。
Her voice is exquisite.
Out and about ▶ 這是一個美妙的故事。 zhè shì yī ge měi miào de gù shì。
It's a lovely story.
School wonderful; exquisite ▶
3149 word Core 稍 shāo
▶ 請稍等一下。 qǐng shāo děng yí xià。
Just a moment, please.
▶ 今天稍冷。 jīn tiān shāo lěng。
It's slightly cold today.
Out and about ▶ 這件衣服稍大了一點。 zhè jiàn yī fú shāo dà le yī diǎn。
This is a shade too big.
Shopping slightly; just a little ▶
3151 word Core 牆 qiáng
▶ 牆上有一張圖。 qiáng shàng yǒu yī zhāng tú。
There's a picture on the wall.
▶ 這個牆很高。 zhè ge qiáng hěn gāo。
This wall is high.
At home ▶ 小孩在牆上畫了東西。 xiǎo hái zài qiáng shàng huà le dōng xi。
The children have drawn on the wall.
At home a wall ▶
3152 word Core 廳 tīng
▶ 這個廳很大，可以坐五十個人。 zhè ge tīng hěn dà， kě yǐ zuò wǔ shí ge rén。
This hall is big enough for fifty people.
▶ 客人都在廳裡。 kè rén dōu zài tīng lǐ。
The guests are all in the front room.
At home ▶ 廳的地板是新的。 tīng de dì bǎn shì xīn de。
The floor in the hall is new.
At home a hall; the living room (客廳); a government department ▶
3153 word Core 房 fáng
▶ 他家是三房一廳。 tā jiā shì sān fáng yī tīng。
Their place has three bedrooms and a living room.
▶ 這個房很小，可是很乾淨。 zhè ge fáng hěn xiǎo， kě shì hěn qián jìng。
This room is small but clean.
At home ▶ 他們買了一個兩房的房子。 tā men mǎi le yī ge liǎng fáng de fáng zi。
They bought a two-bedroom place.
At home a room; (in property talk) a bedroom ▶
3154 word N2 地面 dìmiàn
▶ 下雨以後地面很髒。 xià yǔ yǐ hòu dì miàn hěn zāng。
The ground is dirty after rain.
▶ 東西掉在地面上。 dōng xi diào zài dì miàn shàng。
It fell on the ground.
At home ▶ 地面上有很多水。 dì miàn shàng yǒu hěn duō shuǐ。
There's a lot of water on the ground.
Out and about the ground; the floor surface ▶
3155 word N2 地下 dìxià
▶ 捷運在地下。 jié yùn zài dì xià。
The MRT runs underground.
▶ 他們在地下挖了一條路。 tā men zài dì xià wā le yī tiáo lù。
They dug a road underground.
Out and about ▶ 地下的水很冷。 dì xià de shuǐ hěn lěng。
The water down there is cold.
Out and about underground; below ground ▶
3156 word Core 土地 tǔdì
▶ 他們家有很多土地。 tā men jiā yǒu hěn duō tǔ dì。
Their family owns a lot of land.
▶ 這塊土地要賣了。 zhè kuài tǔ dì yào mài le。
This plot is up for sale.
Work ▶ 台灣的土地不大，人很多。 tái wān de tǔ dì bù dà， rén hěn duō。
Taiwan hasn't much land and a great many people.
School land; soil; territory ▶
3157 word Core 造 zào
▶ 這個廟是三百年前造的。 zhè ge miào shì sān bǎi nián qián zào de。
This temple was built three hundred years ago.
▶ 他們在山上造了一條路。 tā men zài shān shàng zào le yī tiáo lù。
They built a road up the mountain.
Out and about ▶ 這台機器是台灣造的。 zhè tái jī qì shì tái wān zào de。
This machine was made in Taiwan.
Work to make; to build ▶
3158 word N2 建造 jiànzào
▶ 這個房子建造了三年。 zhè ge fáng zi jiàn zào le sān nián。
The house took three years to build.
▶ 他們要在這塊土地上建造一家醫院。 tā men yào zài zhè kuài tǔ dì shàng jiàn zào yī jiā yī yuàn。
They're going to build a hospital on this land.
Work ▶ 建造以前要先設計。 jiàn zào yǐ qián yào xiān shè jì。
You design it before you build it.
Work to construct; to build (something large) ▶
3159 word Core 獨立 dúlì
▶ 他很獨立，什麼事都自己做。 tā hěn dú lì， shén me shì dōu zì jǐ zuò。
He's very independent — he does everything himself.
▶ 小孩長大以後要獨立。 xiǎo hái cháng dà yǐ hòu yào dú lì。
Children have to stand on their own once they're grown.
At home ▶ 這是一個獨立的房間。 zhè shì yī ge dú lì de fáng jiān。
It's a room of its own.
At home independent; to stand on your own ▶
3160 word Core 高級 gāojí
▶ 這是一家很高級的餐廳。 zhè shì yī jiā hěn gāo jí de cān tīng。
It's a very upmarket restaurant.
▶ 高級的東西不一定好。 gāo jí de dōng xi bù yí dìng hǎo。
Expensive things aren't always good.
Shopping ▶ 他是公司裡比較高級的經理。 tā shì gōng sī lǐ bǐ jiào gāo jí de jīng lǐ。
He's one of the more senior managers.
Work high-end, upmarket; senior (in rank) ▶
3162 word Core 為何 wèihé
▶ 你為何不早點說？ nǐ wèi hé bù zǎo diǎn shuō？
Why didn't you say so earlier?
▶ 我不知道他為何這麼生氣。 wǒ bù zhī dào tā wèi hé zhè me shēng qì。
I don't know why he's this angry.
At home ▶ 為何有這麼多人在這裡等？ wèi hé yǒu zhè me duō rén zài zhè lǐ děng？
Why are so many people waiting here?
Out and about why (the written, more formal 為什麼) ▶
3163 word N2 幹什麼 gànshénme
▶ 你在幹什麼？ nǐ zài gàn shén me？
What are you doing?
▶ 他一個人在房間裡幹什麼？ tā yī ge rén zài fáng jiān lǐ gàn shén me？
What's he doing in his room on his own?
At home ▶ 買這麼多麵包幹什麼？ mǎi zhè me duō miàn bāo gàn shén me？
What do you want that much bread for?
Shopping what are you doing?; what for? ▶
3164 word N2 幹嘛 gànmá
▶ 你幹嘛不高興？ nǐ gàn ma bù gāo xìng？
What are you sulking about?
▶ 幹嘛買這麼貴的？ gàn ma mǎi zhè me guì de？
What did you buy such an expensive one for?
Shopping ▶ 你幹嘛一直看我？ nǐ gàn ma yì zhí kàn wǒ？
Why do you keep staring at me?
Out and about what for?; why on earth? (colloquial) ▶
3165 word N2 怎 zěn
▶ 你怎能這樣說他？ nǐ zěn néng zhè yàng shuō tā？
How can you say that about him?
▶ 他怎知道我在這裡？ tā zěn zhī dào wǒ zài zhè lǐ？
How did he know I was here?
Out and about ▶ 這麼晚了，怎還不回家？ zhè me wǎn le， zěn hái bù huí jiā？
It's this late — how are you still not going home?
At home how (the short written form of 怎麼) ▶
3166 word Core 哦 ó
▶ 哦，原來是你！ ó， yuán lái shì nǐ！
Oh — so it's you!
▶ 哦？他也去了嗎？ ó？ tā yě qù le ma？
Oh? He went too?
Out and about ▶ 哦，我知道了，謝謝。 ó， wǒ zhī dào le， xiè xie。
Oh, I see — thanks.
Work oh (surprise, or the penny dropping) ▶
3167 word Core 嗯 èn
▶ 嗯，我也這麼想。 ń， wǒ yě zhè me xiǎng。
Mm — that's what I think too.
▶ 嗯，好，那就這樣。 ń， hǎo， nà jiù zhè yàng。
Mm, fine, let's leave it there.
Work ▶ 嗯……讓我想一下。 ń …… ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xià。
Mm… let me think for a second.
Work mm; uh-huh (agreeing, or thinking) ▶
3168 word Core 喂 wéi
▶ 喂，你好，請問是陳先生嗎？ wèi， nǐ hǎo， qǐng wèn shì chén xiān shēng ma？
Hello? Is that Mr Chen?
▶ 喂！你的東西掉了！ wèi！ nǐ de dōng xi diào le！
Hey! You've dropped something!
Out and about ▶ 喂，我現在不方便講電話。 wèi， wǒ xiàn zài bù fāng biàn jiǎng diàn huà。
Hello — I can't really talk right now.
Work hello (on the phone); hey! (calling out) ▶
3169 word N2 嘛 ma
▶ 你自己說過的嘛！ nǐ zì jǐ shuō guò de ma！
But you said so yourself!
▶ 這不是很容易嘛！ zhè bú shì hěn róng yì ma！
Come on, it's easy!
School ▶ 好嘛，我去就是了。 hǎo ma， wǒ qù jiù shì le。
All right then, I'll go.
At home (particle) obviously; come on ▶
3170 word N2 沒什麼 méishénme
▶ 沒什麼，你別放在心上。 méi shén me， nǐ bié fàng zài xīn shàng。
It's nothing — don't take it to heart.
▶ 「你怎麼了？」「沒什麼。」 「nǐ zěn me le？」「méi shén me。」
"What's up?" "Nothing."
At home ▶ 這點小事沒什麼，我來就好。 zhè diǎn xiǎo shì méi shén me， wǒ lái jiù hǎo。
It's a small thing, don't worry — I'll do it.
Work it's nothing; never mind ▶
3171 word Core 某 mǒu
▶ 某天早上他就不見了。 mǒu tiān zǎo shàng tā jiù bù jiàn le。
One morning he was simply gone.
▶ 這是某個人留下的。 zhè shì mǒu ge rén liú xià de。
Somebody left this behind.
Work ▶ 他在某個地方等我們。 tā zài mǒu ge dì fāng děng wǒ men。
He's waiting for us somewhere.
Out and about a certain; some (某人, 某天) ▶