随便地
suíbiàn de
The English word 'casually' is translated into Chinese as 随便地 (suíbiàn de).
随便地 is used to describe an action performed in a relaxed, unplanned or indifferent manner. Depending on the context, it can imply a positive sense of being 'relaxed/easygoing' or a negative sense of being 'careless/perfunctory'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 随便 (suíbiàn), which literally means to follow one's inclinations or to do as one pleases and the particle 地 (de), which turns an adjective into an adverb, functioning similarly to the English suffix '-ly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 地 (de) is used to turn an adjective into an adverb, functioning similarly to the English suffix '-ly'.
How do you pronounce it?
suíbiàn de
Did you know?
- Chinese has several words for 'casual', but 随便 (suíbiàn) specifically implies a lack of restriction. To describe 'casual' clothing, Chinese speakers use 休闲 (xiūxián), which literally means 'leisure'.
- Describing a person as 随便 (suíbiàn) can be a serious character judgment. It may imply they lack a moral compass or have no regard for social boundaries and discipline.
- When used as a command, 随便 (suíbiàn) can act as a social 'green light' for guests to ignore formal etiquette. It is the standard way to tell someone to 'help yourself' or 'make yourself at home'.
Examples in context
- 随意点菜Order as you like
- 我们吃饭去哪里都行，随兴吧！We can go anywhere for the meal, as you please!
- 你随意点菜，不用客气。Order as you like, no need to be polite.
- 周末你想干什么？随便吧！What do you want to do on the weekend? Whatever, as you please!
- 他随便地穿了一件衬衫。He casually put on a shirt.
- 她随便地回答了我的问题。Tā suíbiàn de huídále wǒ de wèntí.She casually answered my question.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to wear to a party.
- 浩然 Haoran我们要穿正装去吗？Wǒmen yào chuān zhèngzhuāng qù ma?Do we need to wear formal clothes?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen不用，随便地穿就可以了。Bùyòng, suíbiàn de chuān jiù kěyǐ le.No, you can just dress casually.
- 浩然 Haoran那我穿牛仔裤吧。Nà wǒ chuān niúzīkù ba.Then I'll wear jeans.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，那样很合适。Méi wèntí, nàyàng hěn héshì.No problem, that's very appropriate.
