Meanings of 约定俗成
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Podcast: 约定俗成
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AI Study Notes for 约定俗成
Use 约定俗成 in contexts discussing social norms, customs, or practices, especially in formal or academic discussions. A common mistake is to use it in informal settings where simpler phrases would suffice. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply formal agreements.
While 约定俗成 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to concepts of societal norms and agreements found in HSK Level 5 and above. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions and their usage in different contexts.
Learners often misuse 约定俗成 to refer to formal agreements, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我们有一个约定俗成的合同' (We have a customary contract) should be corrected to '我们有一个正式的合同' (We have a formal contract).
Pronunciation of 约定俗成
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Idiom Spotlight: 约定俗成
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How to say established by popular usage (idiom); common usage agreement in Chinese
“established by popular usage (idiom); common usage agreement” in Chinese is约定俗成
约定俗成 is an idiom that refers to practices or conventions that have become established through common usage and agreement over time. It emphasizes how certain behaviors, customs, or norms are accepted as standard within a culture due to widespread acceptance, rather than formal rules.
When to use 约定俗成
Use 约定俗成 in contexts discussing social norms, customs, or practices, especially in formal or academic discussions. A common mistake is to use it in informal settings where simpler phrases would suffice. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply formal agreements.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 约定俗成 to refer to formal agreements, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我们有一个约定俗成的合同' (We have a customary contract) should be corrected to '我们有一个正式的合同' (We have a formal contract).
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Frequently Asked Questions about 约定俗成
Yes, it is appropriate to use this idiom when discussing established practices within a company or industry.
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