Chinese · C1 · Unit 19
Shades of meaning
细微的差别
By the end you can
- Choose the precise word for a subtle difference
- Soften and qualify what you say
- Understand what is implied but not said
Words and phrases
| Chinese | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 措辞 | (cuòcí) wording | 这封邮件的措辞要再改改。 |
| 斟酌 | (zhēnzhuó) weigh (words) carefully | 每一个字他都反复斟酌过。 |
| 似乎 | (sìhū) seem (softens a claim) | 这个方案似乎还有一些问题。 |
| 某种程度上 | (mǒu zhǒng chéngdù shang) to some extent | 某种程度上，你说得没错。 |
| 不尽然 | (bú jìnrán) not entirely so | 说年轻人都不努力，这也不尽然。 |
| 略显 | (lüè xiǎn) seem a little (a formal softener) | 这个结论略显仓促。 |
| 不太妥当 | (bú tài tuǒdang) not quite appropriate | 直接说“你错了”不太妥当。 |
| 含蓄 | (hánxù) reserved, implicit | 很多中国人表达感情比较含蓄。 |
| 暗示 | (ànshì) hint, imply | 她暗示我应该早点儿走。 |
| 话里有话 | (huà li yǒu huà) there's more to it than the words | 他刚才那句话里有话。 |
| 点到为止 | (diǎn dào wéi zhǐ) make the point and leave it there | 批评别人要点到为止。 |
| 一字之差 | (yí zì zhī chā) a difference of one word | “我们”和“你们”，一字之差，态度完全不同。 |
Then talk it through
Rewording a sensitive message together with a colleague. In the app you have this conversation out loud or typed, with the unit's goals to tick off and corrections at the end.