Meanings of 路人
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Podcast: 路人
Podcast: 路人
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AI study notes for 路人
路人 (passer-by) vs 旁观者 (bystander) — use 路人 when emphasizing the transient nature of someone merely passing through, while 旁观者 implies a person who is observing an event without participating.
路人 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in everyday conversations. A common mistake is using it to describe someone you know; instead, use it strictly for strangers or passers-by. Be cautious with the tones: 路 (lù) is the fourth tone and 人 (rén) is the second tone.
While 路人 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be linked to HSK Level 2 words like 路 (road) and 人 (person). Students should focus on the tones and the context in which the word is used, especially in sentences describing interactions with strangers.
Learners often mistakenly use 路人 to refer to acquaintances or friends, saying something like '我的路人朋友.' The correct term for a friend would be 朋友 (péng yǒu), not 路人.
Pronunciation of 路人
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Component characters
How to say passer-by in Chinese
“passer-by” in Chinese is路人
The term 路人 (lù rén) refers to a passer-by or a stranger, typically someone who is not familiar to you and is simply passing through a place. It is often used in contexts involving interactions with people in public spaces, highlighting the transient nature of such encounters.
When to use 路人
路人 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in everyday conversations. A common mistake is using it to describe someone you know; instead, use it strictly for strangers or passers-by. Be cautious with the tones: 路 (lù) is the fourth tone and 人 (rén) is the second tone.
路人 or something close to it
路人 (passer-by) vs 旁观者 (bystander) — use 路人 when emphasizing the transient nature of someone merely passing through, while 旁观者 implies a person who is observing an event without participating.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 路人 to refer to acquaintances or friends, saying something like '我的路人朋友.' The correct term for a friend would be 朋友 (péng yǒu), not 路人.
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Frequently asked questions about 路人
You can say, '我在路上遇到了一个路人。' (I met a passer-by on the road.)
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