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March 24, 2026
顺便(順便)shùnbiàn(shun4bian4)
顺便 (shùnbiàn) is an adverb meaning 'conveniently' or 'in passing.' It is commonly used when someone does something as an additional or incidental action, often when it requires little extra effort. For example, you might say you will buy groceries while you are out for another errand.
Strokes18Frequency#1492DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In everyday Chinese culture, combining errands is common, reflecting the value of efficiency. Using 顺便 regularly in conversation shows a practical approach to multitasking, which is appreciated in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are on a smooth path (顺) and you take a side road (便) to grab something you need. The character 顺 suggests ease or convenience, while 便 adds the notion of something extra or incidental, helping you remember 'conveniently' as you imagine the smooth journey.
Meanings of 顺便
shùnbiàn(shun4bian4)
1conveniently
2in passing
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About 顺便
顺便Simplified
順便Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#1492Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 顺便
Podcast: 顺便
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AI Study Notes for 顺便
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you are on a smooth path (顺) and you take a side road (便) to grab something you need. The character 顺 suggests ease or convenience, while 便 adds the notion of something extra or incidental, helping you remember 'conveniently' as you imagine the smooth journey.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the placement of 顺便 in sentences; it usually appears after the subject and before the verb. It's informal, so while it’s common in conversation, avoid using it in very formal writing. A common collocation is '顺便问一下' (shùnbiàn wèn yīxià), meaning 'by the way, may I ask...'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 顺便 connects with other adverbs expressing manner or degree. Focus on how it modifies verbs in sentences to convey additional context. Practicing with phrases that include 顺便 will help reinforce your understanding of its usage.
Cultural Note
In everyday Chinese culture, combining errands is common, reflecting the value of efficiency. Using 顺便 regularly in conversation shows a practical approach to multitasking, which is appreciated in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 顺便 with 也. For example, saying '我顺便去商店' (Wǒ shùnbiàn qù shāngdiàn) might be incorrectly interpreted as 'I also went to the store.' The correct usage emphasizes that going to the store was an incidental action.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 顺便
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Grammar Patterns of 顺便
顺便 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I'm going to the supermarket to buy some things, and I'll buy milk for you in passing.
Cultural Notes for 顺便
🏮Cultural insight
In everyday Chinese culture, combining errands is common, reflecting the value of efficiency. Using 顺便 regularly in conversation shows a practical approach to multitasking, which is appreciated in social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 顺便
It's best to avoid using 顺便 in highly formal contexts, as it is more suited for casual conversation.
While 也 (yě) means 'also' and can be used in a wider range of contexts, 顺便 emphasizes convenience or incidental actions.
Generally, 顺便 should come after the subject and before the verb, so it's uncommon to start a sentence with it.
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