#hsk-6
综述 (zōngshù) — to synthesize; review article
综述 (zōngshù) 综述 means to synthesize or provide a comprehensive review, especially of existing research or developments in a field. As a noun, it refers to a review article or literature review — a scholarly work that surveys and synthesizes the existing body of research on a topic. It is a fundamental term in Chinese academic writing and research methodology. Meanings [v] to synthesize; to provide a comprehensive review of...
Lesson 15: Advanced Speaking — Debate
Overview Formal debate in Chinese is a discipline with its own conventions, vocabulary, and structural requirements that differ substantially from casual argumentation or academic essay writing. The CCTV-style university debate format, which has had enormous influence on how educated Chinese speakers conceive of formal argumentation, emphasizes logical construction, rebuttals that target the opponent's specific reasoning, and closing statements that synthesize the debate's key exchanges. At C1, the goal is not...
秩序 (zhìxù) — order
秩序 (zhìxù) 秩序 refers to order — the organized, regulated, and stable state of affairs in society, institutions, or nature. It can describe social order, world order, legal order, or the order of a meeting. It contrasts with chaos (混乱) and is a central concept in political philosophy, governance, and social theory. Meanings [n] order (a stable, organized state of society or affairs) [n] order, procedure (the proper arrangement or...
论点 (lùndiǎn) — argument, thesis
论点 (lùndiǎn) 论点 is the central claim or thesis put forward in an argument, essay, or debate. It is the position being defended or proved, as distinct from 论据 (the evidence supporting it) and 论证 (the process of argumentation). It is essential vocabulary for academic writing, debate, and critical analysis at C1 level. Meanings [n] argument, thesis, main point (in an essay or debate) [n] proposition, claim (a position advanced...
阐释 (chǎnshì) — to interpret, to explain in depth
阐释 (chǎnshì) 阐释 means to interpret and explain something in depth, especially texts, cultural phenomena, or philosophical concepts. It goes beyond simple explanation to involve the interpreter's understanding and perspective. It is closely related to hermeneutics and is commonly used in literary criticism, cultural studies, and philosophical discourse. Meanings [v] to interpret; to explain the meaning of [v] to offer an interpretive account of a text, theory, or cultural phenomenon...
理念 (lǐniàn) — idea, concept, philosophy
理念 (lǐniàn) 理念 refers to a guiding idea, philosophical concept, or foundational belief that underpins a system, approach, or institution. It is more principled and abstract than 想法 (idea/thought) and more concrete than 哲学 (philosophy). It is a high-frequency word in policy documents, institutional discourse, and intellectual commentary. Meanings [n] concept, guiding idea (a foundational principle behind practice) [n] philosophy, belief (a deep-seated conviction shaping one's approach) Example Sentences "以人为本"的发展理念要求政策制定者将公民福祉置于经济增长之上。...
Lesson 21: Advanced Grammar — Formal Patterns
Overview Certain formal grammatical patterns in Modern Chinese derive directly from classical Chinese or have been so thoroughly stabilized in formal register that they operate almost as fixed constructions. At C1, command of these patterns is a marker of genuine written fluency — they appear in legal texts, official speeches, literary prose, and formal commentary in ways that carry both grammatical and rhetorical weight. This lesson focuses on four high-frequency...
架构 (jiàgòu) — framework; to structure
架构 (jiàgòu) 架构 refers to a framework or the structural design of something — the way its components are organized and interconnected. As a verb, it means to build or design a framework. It is widely used in technology (software architecture), business (organizational structure), and academic discourse (theoretical framework). It emphasizes the structural skeleton that holds a system together. Meanings [n] framework; architecture; structural design [v] to structure; to design...
假设 (jiǎshè) — to assume, to hypothesize; hypothesis
假设 (jiǎshè) 假设 means to assume or hypothesize — to posit something as true for the purposes of argument or investigation. As a noun, it means a hypothesis or assumption. It is central to scientific research, philosophical argumentation, and mathematical proof. It implies a provisional claim that needs to be tested or proven rather than a stated fact. Meanings [v] to assume; to suppose; to hypothesize [n] hypothesis; assumption; supposition...
利益 (lìyì) — interest, benefit
利益 (lìyì) 利益 refers to interests, benefits, or gains — particularly in political, economic, legal, or social contexts where competing or shared interests are at stake. It is broader than 好处 (advantage/benefit in everyday speech) and is the standard formal term for interests in political science, law, and economics. Meanings [n] interest, interests (especially shared or competing interests among parties) [n] benefit, gain (material or immaterial advantage) Example Sentences 国家利益是外交政策的最终驱动力，尽管各方对其内涵的界定不尽相同。...
逻辑 (luóji) — logic
逻辑 (luóji) 逻辑 is a loanword from "logic" and covers both the formal discipline of logic (the study of valid inference) and the informal sense of the internal coherence or reasoning behind a statement, plan, or situation. It is indispensable in academic, philosophical, and analytical Chinese. Meanings [n] logic (the formal study of valid reasoning) [n] logic, internal coherence (the reasoning or rationale behind something) Example Sentences 形式逻辑是哲学和数学的共同基础，也是批判性思维的核心工具。 Xíngshì luóji...
Lesson 23: Critical Analysis
Overview Critical analysis in Chinese requires not merely the ability to identify flaws in arguments but a sophisticated command of the vocabulary and structural patterns through which analytical judgment is expressed, justified, and communicated to an informed audience. At C1, the challenge is to produce analysis that goes beyond surface-level critique to engage with underlying assumptions, logical structure, and evidential quality — and to do this in a formal Chinese...
阐明 (chǎnmíng) — to clarify, to elucidate
阐明 (chǎnmíng) 阐明 means to clarify or elucidate, particularly to make an obscure or complex concept clear and understandable. It suggests bringing light to something that was previously unclear or misunderstood. The word is formal and is most commonly used in academic, political, and professional discourse when explaining principles, positions, or arguments. Meanings [v] to clarify; to elucidate; to make clear [v] to illuminate; to shed light on (a concept...
进程 (jìnchéng) — process, progress
进程 (jìnchéng) 进程 refers to the course or unfolding of a process, particularly large-scale historical, political, or social processes that advance over time. It is more formal and grand-scale than 过程 (guòchéng, process/course) and implies a forward-moving trajectory. It is common in historical narrative, political analysis, and academic writing. Meanings [n] process, course (the unfolding of a historical or large-scale development) [n] progress, advancement (the degree of progress made in...
Lesson 8: Legal Language
Overview Legal Chinese is one of the most demanding registers for advanced learners, combining the density of classical Chinese with modern technical terminology and the logical precision of codified law. Even native Chinese speakers who have not studied law find legal texts opaque, which means that at C1, the goal is not full legal literacy but functional command: the ability to read standard contract provisions, understand the structure of legal...
辨析 (biànxī) — to analyze and differentiate
辨析 (biànxī) 辨析 means to analyze and differentiate through careful examination, particularly when distinguishing between similar or easily confused items. It is the standard term used in linguistics and language education for explaining the differences between near-synonyms. The word implies both the act of distinguishing and the process of analytical reasoning that supports that distinction. Meanings [v] to analyze and differentiate; to examine closely and distinguish [v] to discriminate between...
Lesson 14: Translation Skills (II) — English to Chinese
Overview Translation from English into Chinese presents a distinct set of challenges from the reverse direction, requiring the translator to compress English's typically explicit, right-branching syntax into Chinese's pre-nominal modification system, to select appropriate registers for different text types, and to navigate the challenge of English concepts that either have standard Chinese equivalents or require creative localization. At C1, the goal is not merely grammatical accuracy but the production of...
Lesson 11: Cross-cultural Communication
Overview Cross-cultural communication is not merely a theme for cultural studies courses — it is a practical competency that near-native speakers of Chinese must operationalize in professional, social, and academic contexts. At C1, the challenge is to move beyond stereotypical contrasts (East vs. West, individual vs. collective) toward nuanced analysis of how cultural frames shape communicative acts, how misunderstandings arise from differential pragmatic expectations, and how skilled communicators adapt without...
规律 (guīlǜ) — law, rule, regularity
规律 (guīlǜ) 规律 refers to a regular pattern, law, or principle that governs natural phenomena or social processes. Unlike 规则 (a specific rule one follows), 规律 is an objective pattern that exists whether or not it is articulated. It is frequently used in scientific, philosophical, and academic writing to describe invariant principles. Meanings [n] law, regularity (an objective pattern in nature or society) [n] rule, principle (a systematic pattern of...
前沿 (qiányán) — frontier, cutting edge
前沿 (qiányán) 前沿 literally means "front edge" and is used both in military contexts (front line) and, more commonly in modern usage, to describe the cutting edge or forefront of a field of knowledge, technology, or culture. It conveys a sense of being at the most advanced, uncharted territory of a discipline. Meanings [n] frontier, cutting edge, forefront (of a field or discipline) [n] front line, forward position (military) Example...
民主 (mínzhǔ) — democracy; democratic
民主 (mínzhǔ) 民主 means democracy as a political system and democratic as an adjective. In Chinese discourse, it carries both the universally recognized political meaning (rule by the people through elections and representation) and a broader sense of openness and equality in decision-making. It is a core term in political science, history, and social commentary. Meanings [n] democracy (a system of government by the people) [adj] democratic, open, egalitarian (characterized...
Lesson 3: Advanced Idioms (成语 III)
Overview By HSK 6, learners have encountered hundreds of chengyu, but the ability to deploy them with precision in formal writing remains a distinct and demanding competency. Chengyu are not merely vocabulary items — they are compressed narratives, cultural references, and rhetorical instruments whose full force depends on knowledge of their classical origins. This lesson focuses on five chengyu whose misuse is particularly common among advanced learners and whose correct...
Lesson 22: Professional Communication
Overview Professional Chinese communication encompasses a wide range of registers and genres, from the indirect negotiations of 商务谈判 to the formal language of contracts and board resolutions to the interpersonal choreography of business dinners and gift-giving protocol. For the near-native learner operating in Chinese professional environments, the gap between linguistic fluency and genuine professional communication competency is often largest precisely in these high-stakes contexts, where register errors or cultural miscues...
演绎 (yǎnyì) — to deduce; to perform, to adapt
演绎 (yǎnyì) 演绎 has two major senses. In logic and academia, it means to deduce — to derive specific conclusions from general principles (deductive reasoning). In arts and performance, it means to perform, enact, or adapt — to bring a story, role, or theme to life. This duality makes it a versatile word used in both intellectual and creative contexts. Meanings [v] to deduce; to reason deductively from general to...
思维 (sīwéi) — thinking, thought
思维 (sīwéi) 思维 refers to thinking as a cognitive activity or faculty, and to the characteristic modes or patterns in which thinking operates. It is more abstract and encompassing than 思路 (a specific train of thought) and is used in psychology, education, philosophy, and everyday discourse about the mind. Meanings [n] thinking, thought (the cognitive process or faculty) [n] mode of thinking, mindset (a characteristic pattern of thought) Example Sentences...
框架 (kuàngjià) — framework, structure
框架 (kuàngjià) 框架 refers to a framework, structure, or skeleton — the essential structural elements that define and support a system, plan, argument, or building. In intellectual and policy discourse, it often refers to conceptual frameworks, theoretical structures, or institutional arrangements. It is metaphorically extended from the physical meaning (frame of a building or picture). Meanings [n] framework, structure (the organizational skeleton of a system or argument) [n] frame, skeleton...
Lesson 4: Political & Social Discourse
Overview Political and social discourse in Chinese operates within a set of registers that differ substantially from both everyday speech and academic prose: official Party-state documents, news commentary, policy analysis, and public intellectual debate each have their own lexical fields, connective logic, and rhetorical conventions. For the near-native learner, the challenge is not merely vocabulary but the ability to recognize the genre-specific framing devices, the ideologically weighted phrases, and the...
Lesson 20: Comparative Culture
Overview Comparative cultural analysis is one of the most intellectually demanding genres in advanced Chinese, requiring the learner to deploy specialized vocabulary for multiple philosophical traditions simultaneously, to use contrastive structures with precision, and to avoid the trap of cultural essentialism while still making analytically meaningful distinctions. At C1, the goal is not merely to describe differences but to analyze them: to explain their philosophical roots, trace their historical development,...
Lesson 25: HSK 6 Final Review
Overview This final lesson provides a systematic review of the grammatical patterns, vocabulary sets, and rhetorical strategies developed across the preceding twenty-four lessons, organized around the four core competencies assessed at C1 level: reading comprehension of dense formal texts, listening comprehension of extended discourse with subtext, written production in formal registers, and oral production with appropriate coherence and register. The lesson also provides a self-assessment framework for identifying remaining gaps...
含义 (hányì) — meaning, connotation
含义 (hányì) 含义 refers to the meaning or significance that is contained within or implied by a word, phrase, action, or symbol — often with a sense of depth or layers not immediately obvious. It is slightly more abstract and literary than 意思 and tends to appear in critical analysis, literary commentary, and philosophical writing. Meanings [n] meaning, sense, significance (especially implicit or layered) [n] connotation, implication (what something suggests...
Lesson 24: Oral Proficiency (HSKK Advanced)
Overview Oral proficiency at C1 in Chinese requires more than the ability to speak grammatically — it demands a command of the spoken register that differs from written Chinese in systematic ways, the ability to sustain extended coherent discourse under real-time conditions, and the pragmatic awareness to calibrate register, pace, and structure to audience and context. The HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi) Advanced level tests precisely these competencies. This lesson...
颁布 (bānbù) — to promulgate, to issue
颁布 (bānbù) 颁布 means to promulgate or officially issue something — specifically laws, regulations, policies, standards, or official documents. It implies formal, authoritative publication by a government or governing body. The word carries an official, institutional character and is almost exclusively used for the formal issuance of binding documents. Meanings [v] to promulgate; to officially issue or enact (a law, regulation, policy, or decree) Example Sentences 全国人民代表大会颁布了新修订的《数据安全法》，填补了立法空白。 Quánguó rénmín dàibiǎo...
格局 (géjú) — pattern, structure, situation
格局 (géjú) 格局 refers to the overall pattern, configuration, or distribution of elements in a situation — whether geopolitical, social, or spatial. When applied to people, it describes breadth of mind or magnanimity (大格局). It conveys a sense of the grand structure or configuration as seen from a high vantage point. Meanings [n] pattern, configuration, layout (the overall structure of a situation) [n] breadth of vision, magnanimity (a person's scope...
融合 (rónghé) — fusion, integration
融合 (rónghé) 融合 refers to the process of blending, merging, or integrating different elements — cultures, technologies, ideas, or communities — into a unified whole. It emphasizes mutual assimilation and the creation of something new from the combination, rather than mere coexistence. Meanings [v] to fuse, to integrate, to blend (elements into a unified whole) [n] fusion, integration (the state or process of merging) Example Sentences 中西医学的融合是现代医学发展中最具挑战性、也最具潜力的方向之一。 Zhōng xī yīxué...
论据 (lùnjù) — evidence, grounds
论据 (lùnjù) 论据 refers to the evidence, grounds, or supporting material used to prove or substantiate a 论点 (argument/thesis). It encompasses factual evidence, statistics, examples, expert opinion, and logical reasoning. In formal Chinese argumentation, strong 论据 is considered as important as the 论点 itself. Meanings [n] evidence, grounds (material used to support an argument) [n] basis, justification (the factual or logical foundation of a claim) Example Sentences 一篇优秀的议论文不仅需要鲜明的论点，更需要翔实的论据。 Yī piān...
验证 (yànzhèng) — to verify, to validate
验证 (yànzhèng) 验证 means to verify or validate — to test something empirically or logically to confirm that it is true, correct, or effective. It implies a systematic process of checking, testing, or confirming, and is central to scientific method, technology, and academic research. It is also used in everyday contexts such as identity verification. Meanings [v] to verify; to validate; to confirm through testing or evidence [v] to prove...
整合 (zhěnghé) — to integrate, to consolidate
整合 (zhěnghé) 整合 means to integrate or consolidate — to bring together separate, possibly diverse elements and combine them into a unified, coherent whole. It implies more than just gathering; it suggests reorganizing and optimizing the combined result. It is widely used in business (mergers), education (curriculum integration), and policy (resource consolidation). Meanings [v] to integrate; to consolidate; to merge into a unified whole [v] to reorganize and optimize by...
诚然 (chéngrán) — admittedly, of course
诚然 (chéngrán) 诚然 is a formal adverb used to concede a point or acknowledge that something is true before introducing a qualification, counterargument, or nuance. It is equivalent to "admittedly," "it is true that," or "to be sure" in English and is a hallmark of sophisticated argumentation in written Chinese. Meanings [adv] admittedly, it is true that (conceding a point) [adv] of course, certainly (affirming something as undeniably true) Example...
Lesson 17: Chinese Media Landscape
Overview The Chinese media landscape is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving in the world, shaped by the intersection of state editorial control, commercial incentives, platform algorithmic curation, and a highly engaged online public. For the near-native learner, developing the ability to read Chinese media critically — to identify institutional voice, recognize framing choices, situate a report within its editorial context, and understand the dynamics of Chinese public...
Lesson 12: Advanced Listening Analysis
Overview Advanced Chinese listening comprehension at C1 is not merely a matter of decoding words at speed — it is the ability to process what is not said, to read tonal and prosodic signals for emotional and pragmatic content, and to situate an utterance within its broader discursive context. The distinction between 字面意思 (literal meaning) and 言外之意 (implied meaning) is particularly sharp in Chinese communicative culture, where indirect expression, coded...
倡议 (chàngyì) — to propose, to initiate; proposal
倡议 (chàngyì) 倡议 means to propose or initiate something — to be the first to suggest or call for a collective action, especially in a public, formal, or international context. As a noun, it refers to the proposal or initiative itself. It is particularly associated with diplomatic initiatives, international cooperation, and social movements. Meanings [v] to propose; to initiate; to call for (a collective action or new approach) [n] a...
构建 (gòujiàn) — to construct, to build
构建 (gòujiàn) 构建 means to construct or build, particularly in a deliberate, planned, and often abstract sense. It is used for building systems, frameworks, theories, institutions, and relationships — not primarily for physical construction. The word implies intentional design and systematic building, making it common in policy discourse, academic writing, and development planning. Meanings [v] to construct; to build; to establish (a system, framework, or structure) [v] to create; to...
Lesson 2: Complex Clause Structures
Overview Chinese syntax is frequently described as left-branching: modifiers, including entire clauses, precede the nouns they modify. This architectural principle, while learnable at intermediate levels in its simple forms, reaches formidable complexity in advanced writing, where noun phrases can accumulate multiple nested modifying clauses before the head noun appears. For the near-native learner, the challenge is not just parsing such structures when reading, but producing them with grammatical coherence and...
Lesson 6: Literary Analysis
Overview Literary analysis in Chinese requires not only literary knowledge but command of a specialized critical vocabulary and a set of structural patterns that are rarely taught explicitly in language programs. The gap between reading literary fiction and writing literary criticism in Chinese is wider than in many languages, because Chinese critical prose — shaped by both classical essay traditions and twentieth-century Marxist literary theory — has its own genre...
Lesson 10: Philosophy & Ethics Deep Dive
Overview Philosophical discourse in Chinese draws on multiple traditions simultaneously: classical Confucian and Daoist frameworks, twentieth-century Marxist-Leninist materialist philosophy (which became the official philosophical language of the PRC), and engagement with Western analytic and continental philosophy. For the near-native learner, navigating philosophical texts in Chinese requires not only vocabulary but an understanding of these competing frameworks and how they interact in contemporary academic and intellectual discourse. This lesson focuses on...
阐述 (chǎnshù) — to elaborate, to expound
阐述 (chǎnshù) 阐述 means to elaborate or expound on something at length, presenting ideas systematically and in detail. Unlike 阐明 which focuses on achieving clarity, 阐述 emphasizes the process of detailed explanation. It is a highly formal term used in academic writing, speeches, and official presentations where thorough exposition is expected. Meanings [v] to elaborate; to expound; to set forth in detail [v] to explain thoroughly; to present (a viewpoint...
Lesson 19: Technology & Society
Overview China's technology sector has developed a distinctive vocabulary that reflects both global technological trends and China-specific institutional and policy frameworks. Terms like 新基建 (new infrastructure), 平台经济 (platform economy), and 共享经济 (sharing economy) are not merely business jargon — they are embedded in policy documents, academic analysis, and public debate in ways that require contextual understanding beyond their surface meaning. For the near-native learner engaging with Chinese business, policy, or...
使命 (shǐmìng) — mission
使命 (shǐmìng) 使命 refers to a mission or calling — a duty of great significance that one is entrusted with or feels compelled to fulfill. It carries a sense of gravity and purpose beyond mere tasks or assignments, often appearing in contexts of historical responsibility, institutional purpose, or personal vocation. Meanings [n] mission, calling (a solemn duty of high significance) [n] mandate, charge (an official duty entrusted to a person...
批判 (pīpàn) — to criticize, to critique
批判 (pīpàn) 批判 means to criticize or critique, especially in a thorough, principled, or ideological manner. It implies a deeper, more systematic form of criticism than 批评 (pīpíng), often targeting fundamental flaws in thinking, ideology, or systems. In academic contexts, it translates as "critique" and carries the analytical weight of critical theory. In political contexts, it can mean denunciation. Meanings [v] to criticize fundamentally; to subject to critique [v] to...
Lesson 13: Translation Skills (I) — Chinese to English
Overview Translation between Chinese and English is among the most cognitively demanding tasks an advanced Chinese learner can undertake, precisely because the two languages differ not only in lexis and grammar but in their fundamental organization of information, their rhetorical conventions, and their relationships between explicit and implicit meaning. At C1, the translation task is not mechanical transfer but a creative and critical process requiring the translator to make hundreds...
凝练 (nínliàn) — to distill; refined and concise
凝练 (nínliàn) 凝练 describes language or expression that is both concise and dense with meaning — each word carrying concentrated depth. As a verb, it means to distill or condense ideas into compact form. As an adjective, it describes writing that is not merely brief but rich with compressed meaning. It is a high praise in Chinese literary criticism, suggesting both economy and profundity. Meanings [adj] concise and profound; refined...
文脉 (wénmài) — cultural lineage, textual thread
文脉 (wénmài) 文脉 uses the metaphor of a "vein" (脉) to describe the continuous thread of cultural tradition, the internal coherence of a text, or the living transmission of literary and intellectual heritage. It can refer to the cultural continuity of a civilization, the thematic thread running through a body of work, or the contextual logic of a passage. Meanings [n] cultural lineage, cultural vein (the continuous thread of a...
思路 (sīlù) — train of thought, approach
思路 (sīlù) 思路 literally means "the road of thought" and refers to one's train of thought, the line of reasoning one follows, or a specific approach or angle for tackling a problem. It is used in academic, professional, and everyday intellectual contexts to describe how someone thinks through an issue. Meanings [n] train of thought, line of reasoning [n] approach, way of thinking about a problem Example Sentences 他在发表演讲之前，习惯于用思维导图整理自己的思路。 Tā...
归纳 (guīnà) — to summarize, to generalize
归纳 (guīnà) 归纳 means to summarize or generalize, particularly by collecting specific instances and drawing general conclusions from them. It corresponds to the logical process of inductive reasoning — moving from particular facts to general principles. It is widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts when synthesizing information or drawing conclusions. Meanings [v] to summarize; to compile and organize [v] to generalize; to reason inductively from specific examples Example...
Lesson 7: News & Journalism Style
Overview Chinese journalism operates within a distinctive set of genre conventions that combine professional newswriting practices with the institutional context of Chinese media. The near-native learner who can read literary prose fluently may still struggle with the compressed information density of a 导语 (news lead), the formulaic structures of official news releases, or the analytical register of long-form investigative journalism. This lesson addresses the structural and lexical features of Chinese...
底线 (dǐxiàn) — bottom line, minimum standard
底线 (dǐxiàn) 底线 literally means "bottom line" and refers to the minimum acceptable standard, threshold, or principle that must not be crossed. It can apply to ethics (moral bottom line), negotiations (minimum acceptable terms), governance (red lines), or personal values. It is widely used in political, diplomatic, legal, and ethical discourse. Meanings [n] bottom line, minimum standard (the lowest acceptable limit) [n] red line, non-negotiable principle (a line that must...
Lesson 16: Formal Written Essays
Overview The formal Chinese argumentative essay (议论文) occupies a central place in Chinese educational and professional culture, from the high-stakes 高考 composition to academic papers to journalistic commentary. At C1, the learner is expected to have moved beyond basic thesis-support structures and to command the full formal essay apparatus: nuanced thesis formulation, multi-type evidence deployment, transitional logic that foregrounds the argumentative architecture, and the concluding move of 升华 (elevation) that...
固然 (gùrán) — of course, admittedly
固然 (gùrán) 固然 is a formal adverb used to concede a point — acknowledging that something is undeniably true — before introducing a qualification, contrast, or counterargument. It is structurally equivalent to "it is true that" or "granted that" in English. Like 诚然, it is a hallmark of nuanced, sophisticated argumentation in formal Chinese. Meanings [adv] of course, granted, admittedly (concessive, acknowledging truth before a qualification) [adv] naturally, undeniably (affirming...
权威 (quánwēi) — authority; authoritative
权威 (quánwēi) 权威 refers to authority, either as an abstract quality (the power to be believed or obeyed) or as a concrete noun (an authoritative person or institution). Used as an adjective before a noun, it means "authoritative." It appears in academic, journalistic, and institutional discourse where the credibility of a source or expert is at issue. Meanings [n] authority (the power to command belief or obedience) [n] authority, expert...
弘扬 (hóngyáng) — to promote, to carry forward
弘扬 (hóngyáng) 弘扬 means to promote and carry forward something positive — especially traditions, values, culture, or spirit. It implies active promotion with the purpose of letting something flourish and spread. It is strongly associated with Chinese political and cultural discourse, particularly in contexts of cultural heritage, patriotism, and national spirit. Meanings [v] to promote; to carry forward and develop (positive values, culture, or spirit) [v] to advocate; to champion...
剖析 (pōuxī) — to dissect, to analyze thoroughly
剖析 (pōuxī) 剖析 means to dissect and analyze thoroughly, going beneath the surface to reveal inner structure, causes, or mechanisms. Like a surgeon dissecting a body, 剖析 implies breaking something apart to understand how it works from the inside. It is used for analyzing complex phenomena, social problems, psychological states, or literary works. Meanings [v] to dissect; to analyze thoroughly; to lay bare the inner workings of [v] to examine...
规范 (guīfàn) — norm, standard; to standardize
规范 (guīfàn) 规范 functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun it means a norm, standard, or specification — the accepted model of correct or proper behavior, language, or procedure. As a verb it means to standardize or regulate, bringing something into conformity with an established norm. It is widely used in institutional, legal, and academic discourse. Meanings [n] norm, standard, specification [v] to standardize, to regulate,...
不妨 (bùfáng) — might as well, there is no harm in
不妨 (bùfáng) 不妨 is an adverb meaning "there is no harm in (doing something)" or "might as well." It suggests that an action is worth trying, is harmless, or is a reasonable option. It often conveys a tentative suggestion, an open invitation, or a mild recommendation without strong obligation. Meanings [adv] might as well, why not (suggesting an action is worth attempting) [adv] there is no harm in, it would...
推断 (tuīduàn) — to infer, to deduce
推断 (tuīduàn) 推断 means to infer or deduce — to arrive at a conclusion through logical reasoning from available evidence or information. It implies that the conclusion is not directly observed but derived through inference. It is used in academic analysis, legal reasoning, detective work, and everyday problem-solving when conclusions must be drawn from incomplete information. Meanings [v] to infer; to deduce; to draw conclusions through reasoning [v] to surmise;...
共识 (gòngshí) — consensus
共识 (gòngshí) 共识 means consensus — a shared understanding, agreement, or common ground reached among two or more parties. It is a high-frequency term in diplomatic, political, academic, and deliberative contexts, where the process of building or breaking consensus is significant. Meanings [n] consensus, common ground (a shared view or agreement among multiple parties) Example Sentences 经过数轮磋商，两国代表团终于就核心议题达成了初步共识。 Jīngguò shù lún cuōshāng, liǎng guó dàibiǎotuán zhōngyú jiù héxīn yìtí dáchéng le...
形态 (xíngtài) — form, shape, mode
形态 (xíngtài) 形态 refers to the outward form, configuration, or mode of existence of something — whether physical, social, ideological, or linguistic. It is the standard term for morphology in linguistics and biology, and in social science it refers to how something is organized or manifested. It is closely related to German "Gestalt" in its philosophical usage. Meanings [n] form, shape, configuration (outward appearance or structure) [n] mode, state (the...
语境 (yǔjìng) — context, linguistic environment
语境 (yǔjìng) 语境 refers to the context — linguistic, situational, social, or cultural — in which a word, sentence, or text is used. Understanding 语境 is essential for interpreting meaning correctly, since many Chinese words and expressions change significantly in meaning depending on context. It is a core concept in linguistics, translation, and language pedagogy. Meanings [n] linguistic context (the surrounding text that clarifies meaning) [n] situational/cultural context (the broader...
Lesson 1: Classical Chinese Influences
Overview Classical Chinese (文言文) did not die with the May Fourth Movement — it retreated into formal registers, official prose, idioms, and literary allusion, where it continues to shape how educated writers signal authority and cultural depth. For the near-native learner, recognizing these classical residues is essential to reading government documents, literary criticism, and editorial commentary without a sense of opacity. This lesson maps the most productive classical structures still...
诠释 (quánshì) — to interpret, to give a full explanation
诠释 (quánshì) 诠释 means to interpret something fully and authoritatively, giving a complete account of its meaning. It is more comprehensive than ordinary explanation and implies that the interpretation is thorough and definitive. It is used not only for texts but also for abstract concepts, artworks, roles, and life experiences. Uniquely, it can describe how a person "embodies" or "brings to life" something through their actions. Meanings [v] to interpret;...
审视 (shěnshì) — to scrutinize, to examine critically
审视 (shěnshì) 审视 means to scrutinize or examine something carefully, often with a critical or evaluative eye. It implies more than casual observation — the examiner is actively judging, assessing, or reconsidering. The word can be used for both physical examination (looking carefully at something) and intellectual scrutiny (critically reviewing an assumption or situation). Meanings [v] to scrutinize; to examine carefully and critically [v] to review; to reassess (an idea,...
辩证 (biànzhèng) — to analyze dialectically; dialectical
辩证 (biànzhèng) 辩证 refers to dialectical reasoning or analysis, examining things by considering contradictions, opposing forces, and their dynamic interplay. As an adjective, it describes a way of thinking that acknowledges both sides of an issue and the process of change. It is deeply rooted in Marxist philosophy in Chinese academia and is central to academic and political discourse. Meanings [adj] dialectical; relating to dialectics [v] to analyze dialectically; to...
概述 (gàishù) — to summarize, to give an overview
概述 (gàishù) 概述 means to summarize or give an overview — to describe something briefly but comprehensively, covering the essential points without going into detail. It is commonly used at the beginning of academic papers, reports, and presentations to provide a bird's-eye view before diving into specifics. As a noun, it refers to a summary or overview document. Meanings [v] to summarize; to give a general overview of [n] an...
Lesson 9: Economic Analysis
Overview Economic analysis in Chinese has developed a rich technical vocabulary, partly derived from classical Chinese, partly translated from Western economic theory, and partly coined in the policy discourse of post-reform China. For the near-native learner engaging with financial journalism, academic economics papers, or policy documents, the challenge is twofold: mastering the technical terminology and understanding how that terminology functions within the specific argumentation patterns of Chinese economic discourse. This...
Lesson 5: Scientific Writing
Overview Scientific writing in Chinese has developed a set of conventions that draw on both classical Chinese concision and Western academic prose structure, producing a hybrid register that advanced learners must be able to navigate for reading research papers, writing academic submissions, and interpreting technical reports. The challenge for C1 learners lies not only in technical vocabulary — which varies by field — but in the specific clause structures used...
根基 (gēnjī) — foundation, basis
根基 (gēnjī) 根基 combines the ideas of roots (根) and foundation (基) to refer to the deep, fundamental base upon which something rests. It is used both concretely (the structural foundation of a building) and metaphorically (the intellectual, moral, or social foundation of a system or person). It implies something deeply embedded and difficult to shake. Meanings [n] foundation, basis (the underlying support on which something depends) [n] roots, grounding...
分析 (fēnxī) — to analyze; analysis
分析 (fēnxī) 分析 is one of the most fundamental academic and professional words, meaning to analyze or conduct analysis. It involves breaking a complex subject down into its component parts to understand the whole. While it appears at lower HSK levels, its full range of sophisticated collocations, noun usage, and academic register belong at the C1 level. It is ubiquitous in research, business, policy, and journalism. Meanings [v] to analyze;...
况且 (kuàngqiě) — moreover, besides
况且 (kuàngqiě) 况且 is a conjunction used to introduce an additional reason or consideration that reinforces a previous statement. It is equivalent to "moreover," "besides," or "what is more" in English. It signals that another, often stronger, argument is being added to an already stated one. It is more formal than 而且 and is characteristic of written argumentation. Meanings [conj] moreover, besides, what is more (adding a further strengthening reason)...
乃至 (nǎizhì) — even, and even
乃至 (nǎizhì) 乃至 is a formal conjunction used to extend a range or progression to include a further, often extreme or unexpected, element. It is equivalent to "and even," "or even," or "up to and including" in English. It signals that the scope is wider than what has already been mentioned, often building to a climax. Meanings [conj] and even, or even (extending a range to include something extreme) [conj]...
智慧 (zhìhuì) — wisdom
智慧 (zhìhuì) 智慧 refers to wisdom — the highest synthesis of knowledge, experience, and moral insight that enables sound judgment and deep understanding. It transcends mere intelligence (聪明) or knowledge (知识) and carries philosophical and spiritual resonance across Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist traditions. Meanings [n] wisdom (profound insight combined with sound moral judgment) [n] intelligence, ingenuity (in more practical contexts, creative problem-solving) Example Sentences 真正的智慧不在于博闻强记，而在于能够在复杂情境中做出正确的判断。 Zhēnzhèng de zhìhuì bù zàiyú...
体现 (tǐxiàn) — embodiment; to embody
体现 (tǐxiàn) 体现 means to embody, reflect, or give concrete expression to an abstract quality, principle, or value. As a noun, it means an embodiment or manifestation. It bridges the abstract and the concrete, and is ubiquitous in analytical, evaluative, and argumentative Chinese writing. Meanings [v] to embody, to reflect, to give expression to (an abstract quality) [n] embodiment, manifestation, concrete expression Example Sentences 这部纪录片真实地体现了边远地区留守儿童的生存困境。 Zhè bù jìlùpiàn zhēnshí de...
承载 (chéngzài) — to carry, to bear
承载 (chéngzài) 承载 means to carry or bear a load — both physically (a bridge bearing weight) and metaphorically (a culture carrying history, a person bearing responsibility). The metaphorical use is particularly rich and common in Chinese literary and academic language, where objects, places, and institutions are said to 承载 historical memory, cultural meaning, or social expectations. Meanings [v] to carry; to bear (a physical load or weight) [v] to...
命题 (mìngtí) — proposition; to set a topic
命题 (mìngtí) 命题 has two related uses. As a noun, it means a proposition — a statement that can be evaluated as true or false (in logic) or a central thesis (in rhetoric). As a verb, it means to set or formulate a topic for an examination, essay, or debate. The word is used in logic, philosophy, education, and academic writing. Meanings [n] proposition (a statement evaluable as true or...
遏制 (èzhì) — to restrain, to curb
遏制 (èzhì) 遏制 means to restrain, curb, or check the growth or spread of something, especially something negative like inflation, disease, conflict, or undesirable behavior. It implies active effort to hold something back or keep it under control. It is a formal word used primarily in political, economic, and security discourse. Meanings [v] to restrain; to curb; to check; to hold back [v] to suppress the spread or growth of...
规避 (guībì) — to circumvent, to evade
规避 (guībì) 规避 means to evade or circumvent — to deliberately avoid something, especially risks, legal obligations, or regulations. It implies a strategic, planned avoidance rather than accidental evasion. In legal and financial contexts, it often refers to exploiting loopholes or using legitimate means to avoid obligations. It can be neutral (risk avoidance) or negative (evading responsibility). Meanings [v] to circumvent; to evade; to avoid (risks, rules, or obligations) strategically...
梳理 (shūlǐ) — to comb through, to organize
梳理 (shūlǐ) 梳理 literally means to comb (hair), and metaphorically means to sort through, organize, or untangle complex information, ideas, or issues systematically. It implies bringing order to something that is complex or messy. It is widely used in academic and professional contexts when reviewing literature, organizing thoughts, or analyzing a tangled situation. Meanings [v] to comb through; to sort and organize systematically [v] to untangle; to clarify (a complex...
提炼 (tíliàn) — to refine, to extract the essence
提炼 (tíliàn) 提炼 means to refine or extract — to process raw material (literal or figurative) to obtain the most valuable or essential elements, discarding the rest. Literally, it refers to refining metals or chemicals. Figuratively, it means to distill the essence of ideas, language, or experience into something pure and concentrated. Meanings [v] to refine; to extract the essence; to distill [v] to process and purify (material or abstract...
辨别 (biànbié) — to distinguish, to differentiate
辨别 (biànbié) 辨别 means to distinguish or differentiate between things, especially when they appear similar or when careful judgment is required. It implies an active cognitive process of discerning differences in quality, nature, or identity. It is used in both concrete contexts (distinguishing sounds or colors) and abstract ones (distinguishing right from wrong). Meanings [v] to distinguish; to differentiate; to tell apart [v] to discern; to identify through careful observation...
探讨 (tàntǎo) — to explore, to probe into
探讨 (tàntǎo) 探讨 means to explore or probe into a topic, typically through discussion, research, or inquiry. It suggests an open-ended, investigative approach rather than a definitive conclusion. The word implies intellectual curiosity and collaborative or scholarly investigation. It is commonly used in academic papers, seminar titles, and research proposals. Meanings [v] to explore; to investigate through inquiry or discussion [v] to probe into; to delve into a question or...
概括 (gàikuò) — to generalize, to summarize
概括 (gàikuò) 概括 means to generalize or summarize, capturing the essential features or key points of something in broad, concise terms. It implies distilling complexity into a clear, representative statement. The word is used both for summarizing content and for characterizing something in a few defining terms. It is slightly more interpretive than 概述, as it often involves identifying the most salient features. Meanings [v] to generalize; to summarize; to...
内涵 (nèihán) — connotation, inner meaning
内涵 (nèihán) 内涵 refers to the inner substance, depth of meaning, or connotative richness of a concept, text, or person. When applied to a person, it means intellectual depth or cultural cultivation. When applied to a text or concept, it refers to the full range of connotations or inherent qualities. It is a prestige term in Chinese intellectual and cultural discourse. Meanings [n] connotation, inherent meaning (of a concept or...
权衡 (quánhéng) — to weigh, to balance
权衡 (quánhéng) 权衡 means to weigh or balance competing options, interests, or factors carefully before making a decision. It comes from the image of a balance scale (权 is a unit of weight, 衡 is the beam of a scale), and implies careful, rational deliberation. It is used in decision-making contexts ranging from personal choices to policy analysis. Meanings [v] to weigh; to balance; to carefully consider multiple factors [v]...
精炼 (jīngliàn) — to refine; concise
精炼 (jīngliàn) 精炼 means both to refine (as a process) and to be concise/refined (as a quality of expression). As a verb, it refers to refining materials to a high degree of purity. As an adjective, it describes language, writing, or thinking that is concise, precise, and free of unnecessary elements — the opposite of verbose. It is a valued quality in Chinese rhetoric and literary criticism. Meanings [v] to...
系统 (xìtǒng) — systematic; system
系统 (xìtǒng) 系统 as an adjective means systematic — thorough, comprehensive, and organized according to a coherent structure. As a noun, it means a system — a set of interconnected parts functioning as a whole. At C1 level, the focus is on its adjectival use in academic and analytical contexts, as well as its role in compound nouns like 教育系统 (education system) and 系统分析 (systems analysis). Meanings [adj] systematic; comprehensive...
表述 (biǎoshù) — to describe, to formulate
表述 (biǎoshù) 表述 means to describe, express, or formulate something in words, particularly in a clear and systematic manner. It is more formal than 说 or 表达, and implies structured, deliberate articulation of ideas, positions, or facts. It is widely used in academic writing, legal documents, and official communication. Meanings [v] to describe; to articulate; to formulate in words [v] to state or present (an argument, position, or finding) Example...
Lesson 18: Historical Narrative
Overview Chinese historical writing has a tradition stretching back over two millennia, from the 史记 (Records of the Grand Historian) to the official dynastic histories to contemporary academic historiography. This tradition has established genre conventions, evaluative formulas, and ways of linking historical events to present significance that persist in modern Chinese historical writing, journalism, and public discourse. For the near-native learner, the ability to read historical texts and to produce...