Learning how to express “in addition” in Chinese is an essential skill for effective communication. Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with the language, mastering this keyword will greatly enhance your ability to convey additional information in Chinese conversations. In this guide, you’ll discover both formal and informal ways to express “in addition” in Chinese, along with useful tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances of usage.
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Formal Ways to Say “In Addition” in Chinese
In formal contexts, Chinese speakers often rely on specific phrases to introduce additional information. Here are several commonly used phrases:
1. 除此之外 (chú cǐ zhī wài)
This phrase literally translates to “besides this.” It is a formal way to indicate “in addition” and is widely used in spoken and written Chinese. For example:
Example:
我喜欢喝咖啡，除此之外，我也喜欢喝茶。
(Wǒ xǐhuān hē kāfēi, chú cǐ zhī wài, wǒ yě xǐhuān hē chá.)
English: I like to drink coffee. In addition, I also like to drink tea.
2. 另外 (lìng wài)
另外 means “furthermore” or “moreover.” It is another common formal phrase used to introduce additional information. Consider the following example:
Example:
上周我去了北京，另外我还去了上海。
(Shàng zhōu wǒ qùle běijīng, lìng wài wǒ hái qùle shànghǎi.)
English: Last week, I went to Beijing. Furthermore, I also went to Shanghai.
Informal Ways to Say “In Addition” in Chinese
Informal conversations in Chinese often involve the use of more casual expressions to convey additional information. Below are some common informal ways to say “in addition” in Chinese:
1. 还有 (hái yǒu)
Conveying the meaning of “and also” or “moreover,” 还有 is a frequently used informal phrase. It is versatile and works well in various contexts. Have a look at this example:
Example:
我买了一些水果，还有零食。
(Wǒ mǎile yīxiē shuǐguǒ, hái yǒu língshí.)
English: I bought some fruits. In addition, I also have snacks.
2. 而且 (ér qiě)
Often used to introduce a positive and significant addition, 而且 can be translated as “also” or “moreover” in English. Observe the following example:
Example:
这家餐厅的菜很好吃，而且服务员很友好。
(Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài hěn hǎochī, ér qiě fúwùyuán hěn yǒuhǎo.)
English: The food in this restaurant is delicious. Moreover, the waiters are very friendly.
Additional Tips and Regional variations
It’s important to note that the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the Chinese-speaking world. However, regional variations can exist, so it’s beneficial to explore the specific expressions used in different Chinese dialects. For instance:
Mandarin:
- 此外 (cǐ wài) – an alternative formal way to say “in addition.”
- 而且 (ér qiě) – also used informally in Mandarin to express “in addition.”
Cantonese:
- 之外仲有 (jī ngoi jūng yáuh) – a common informal phrase to express “furthermore” or “in addition” in Cantonese.
- 仲有 (jūng yáuh) – a casual Cantonese phrase similar to “还有” (hái yǒu) in Mandarin.
Remember, it’s always advantageous to familiarize yourself with regional variations based on the specific Chinese dialect you are learning or encountering. This knowledge will help you connect with native speakers more effectively and better understand the subtleties of communication.
In conclusion, being able to express “in addition” in Chinese is crucial for both formal and informal conversations. By using phrases like “除此之外” (chú cǐ zhī wài) or “还有” (hái yǒu) in Mandarin, and “而且” (ér qiě) or “之外仲有” (jī ngoi jūng yáuh) in Cantonese, you’ll effortlessly convey your additional thoughts or information in various situations. So, practice using these phrases, pay attention to regional variations, and keep immersing yourself in the Chinese language to enhance your language skills further.
