Meanings of 可想而知
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AI Study Notes for 可想而知
This idiom is often used in both spoken and written contexts. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal situations or pairing it incorrectly with negative contexts; remember, it implies a positive expectation. A typical collocation is '可想而知的后果' (the consequences that are obvious).
While this idiom is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to HSK 4 and above vocabulary related to reasoning and conclusions. Students should focus on understanding the structure of idiomatic expressions in Mandarin.
Learners often confuse 可想而知 with similar expressions; for example, saying '可想而知的困难' (the difficulties that are obvious) is incorrect, as it misrepresents the nuance. Instead, use it for outcomes, like '可想而知的结果' (the results that are obvious).
Pronunciation of 可想而知
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Component Characters
How to say it is obvious that... in Chinese
“it is obvious that...” in Chinese is可想而知
可想而知 is an idiom that means 'it is obvious that...' or 'as one can well imagine...'. It is used to express that the conclusion or result of a situation is clear and predictable based on the available information.
When to use 可想而知
This idiom is often used in both spoken and written contexts. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal situations or pairing it incorrectly with negative contexts; remember, it implies a positive expectation. A typical collocation is '可想而知的后果' (the consequences that are obvious).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 可想而知 with similar expressions; for example, saying '可想而知的困难' (the difficulties that are obvious) is incorrect, as it misrepresents the nuance. Instead, use it for outcomes, like '可想而知的结果' (the results that are obvious).
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Cultural Notes for 可想而知
In Western cultures, similar expressions like 'It's clear that...' might be used more casually, whereas in Chinese, the idiomatic form adds a layer of cultural context and formality.
Frequently Asked Questions about 可想而知
No, it is typically used to indicate a positive or expected outcome, so using it in a negative context would be incorrect.
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