Meanings of 姑且
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Podcast: 姑且
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AI study notes for 姑且
暂且 (zànqiě) - use 姑且 when implying a more informal or tentative acceptance compared to 暂且, which suggests a more neutral or formal temporary state.
Avoid using 姑且 in overly formal contexts, as it carries a casual tone. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the first tone and the third tone must be distinguished clearly. Common collocations include '姑且考虑' (consider for the time being) and '姑且接受' (tentatively accept).
As an HSK 6 word, 姑且 can be connected to other advanced expressions of temporariness or conditions. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express provisional ideas, enhancing your fluency at this level.
Learners often confuse 姑且 with 仅仅 (jǐn jǐn), which means 'only.' For example, saying '我只是姑且想' (I just temporarily think) is incorrect; it should be '我只是想' (I just think) to avoid redundancy.
Pronunciation of 姑且
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Component characters
How to say temporarily in Chinese
“temporarily” in Chinese is姑且
姑且 (gu1 qie3) means 'temporarily' or 'for the time being.' It is often used to suggest that something is acceptable or feasible only in the present circumstances but may change later. This term is commonly used in discussions about plans, decisions, or situations that are not yet finalized.
When to use 姑且
Avoid using 姑且 in overly formal contexts, as it carries a casual tone. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the first tone and the third tone must be distinguished clearly. Common collocations include '姑且考虑' (consider for the time being) and '姑且接受' (tentatively accept).
姑且 or something close to it
暂且 (zànqiě) - use 姑且 when implying a more informal or tentative acceptance compared to 暂且, which suggests a more neutral or formal temporary state.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 姑且 with 仅仅 (jǐn jǐn), which means 'only.' For example, saying '我只是姑且想' (I just temporarily think) is incorrect; it should be '我只是想' (I just think) to avoid redundancy.
Write 姑且
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Grammar patterns of 姑且
姑且 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 6 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.
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看见林先生急苦了,寿生____安慰着, 忍不住也叹了一口气.
Shousheng tried to comfort Mr. Lin, though he couldn't help sighing himself.
Example sentences for 姑且 (1)
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Frequently asked questions about 姑且
It's generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts; for formal writing, consider alternatives like 暂时.
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