短语
The English word "phrases" is translated into Chinese as 短语.
Examples of specific phrases in Chinese include the formal 请 (Please) and 请问 (Excuse me, may I ask…), as well as the informal 你好啊 (Hi), 谢啦 (Thanks), 对不起啦 (Sorry), 请问一下 (May I ask…), and 不好意思啊 (Oops, excuse me).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 短语 is composed of 短 (short) and 语 (language/speech/words).
Did you know?
- While 短语 refers to linguistic phrases, the term 成语 (chéngyǔ) refers to a specific type of fixed four-character idiomatic phrase. These are treated as single lexical units rather than flexible combinations of words.
- The word 短 (short) is also used in the word for 'shortcomings' or 'weaknesses', a 短处, showing how 'short' can imply a lack of something.
- When typing on a Chinese keyboard, you often do not type the characters for 短语 one by one, but rather the pinyin 'duanyu' to let the software suggest the entire phrase at once.
Examples in context
- 短语是句法单位。Phrases are syntactical units.This sentence illustrates that 短语 are syntactical units.Tatoeba #4759996 by ryanwoo, translation #4768232 by garborg
- 这些短语非常有用。zhè xiē duǎnyǔ fēicháng yǒuyòng.These phrases are very useful.
- 请解释一下这个短语。qǐng jiěshì yīxià zhège duǎnyǔ.Please explain this phrase.
Example conversation
Two students are studying English together.
- 伟 Wei雨婷，这个短语是什么意思？Yǔtíng, zhège duǎnyǔ shì shénme yìsi?Yuting, what does this phrase mean?
- 雨婷 Yuting它的意思是“好主意”。Tā de yìsi shì “hǎo zhǔyì”.It means "good idea".
- 伟 Wei谢谢，我记住了。Xièxie, wǒ jìzhù le.Thanks, I've memorized it.
- 雨婷 Yuting没关系，伟。Méi guānxi, Wěi.No problem, Wei.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
