{"id":13865,"date":"2021-05-02T06:51:31","date_gmt":"2021-05-02T06:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/?p=13865"},"modified":"2023-08-31T05:00:12","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T05:00:12","slug":"three-words-for-almost-in-chinese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/three-words-for-almost-in-chinese.html","title":{"rendered":"\u201cAlmost\u201d The Same – A Comparison of \u5dee\u70b9\u513f, \u51e0\u4e4e, and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When delving into the world of Chinese language and texts, you’ll often come across different expressions that seemingly translate to the same word in English. But here’s the thing: every language has its own unique charm, and some expressions simply can’t be translated one-to-one. Chinese is no exception. In particular, three commonly used words – \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr), \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012bh\u016b), and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a (ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) – all convey the idea of “almost” or “nearly.” Today, we’re here to unravel the intricacies and differences between these three words, which can sometimes be puzzling. So, let’s dive in and shed some light on these commonly used, yet occasionally confusing, expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n

1. \u5dee\u70b9\u513f and \u51e0\u4e4e<\/h2>\n\n

(1) Close Calls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Big goals and achievements are often difficult to reach. Along the way, we may face failure and lose hope. Luckily, we can still make it and feel grateful for our good fortune. When expressing happiness and thankfulness for narrowly succeeding, we use \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) and \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012bh\u016b) with a negative form. Both words mean ‘almost,’ and the sentence conveys the idea of ‘almost failing to succeed.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ed6\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u6ca1\u8003\u4e0a\u5317\u4eac\u5927\u5b66\u3002(T\u0101 ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr\/ j\u012b h\u016b<\/strong> <\/strong>m\u00e9i k\u01ceo sh\u00e0n\u0261 B\u011bij\u012bn\u0261 d\u00e0 xu\u00e9.)
He almost failed to enter Peking University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u6ca1\u8d76\u4e0a\u706b\u8f66\u3002(W\u01d2 ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr\/ j\u012b h\u016b<\/strong> m\u00e9i \u0261\u01cen sh\u00e0n\u0261 hu\u01d2ch\u0113.)
I almost failed to catch the train.<\/p>\n\n\n

(2) Missed Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Sometimes we succeed, but other times we come so close yet unfortunately fail. In these situations, we add \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) and \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012bh\u016b) to make the sentence negative, expressing the idea that something almost happened but didn’t in the end. Such sentences often convey a sense of regret and disappointment. When describing something we wanted to happen, \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) is used more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u5dee\u70b9\u513f<\/u><\/strong>\u4e70\u5230\u90a3\u4e2a\u9650\u91cf\u6b3e\u624b\u8868\u3002(W\u01d2 ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr<\/strong> m\u01cei d\u00e0o n\u00e0 \u0261\u00e8 xi\u00e0nli\u00e0n\u0261 ku\u01cen sh\u00f3ubi\u01ceo.)
I almost bought that limited edition watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u4eec\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u8d62\u4e86\u8db3\u7403\u6bd4\u8d5b\u3002(W\u01d2men ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr<\/strong> y\u00edn\u0261 le z\u00faqi\u00fa b\u01d0s\u00e0i.)
We almost won the football match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4e8b\u60c5\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u6ca1\u529e\u6210\u3002(Sh\u00ecq\u00edn\u0261 ch\u00e0 di\u01cen r \/ j\u012bh\u016b<\/strong> m\u00e9i b\u00e0n ch\u00e9n\u0261.)
The thing almost failed.<\/p>\n\n\n

(3) Near Misses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

At times, we only narrowly avoid disaster and fortunately come out unscathed. In this case, both the affirmative and negative forms have the same meaning. That means \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr), \u5dee\u70b9\u513f\u6ca1 (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr m\u00e9i), \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012bh\u016b), and \u51e0\u4e4e\u6ca1 (j\u012bh\u016b m\u00e9i) all convey the same idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e(\u6ca1)<\/u><\/strong>\u4e22\u4e86\u94b1\u5305\u3002(W\u01d2 ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr \/ j\u012b h\u016b<\/strong> m\u00e9i di\u016b le qi\u00e1nb\u0101o.)
I almost lost my wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5979\u5dee\u70b9\u513f\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u8fdf\u5230\u4e86\u3002(T\u0101 ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr \/ j\u012b h\u016b<\/strong> ch\u00edd\u00e0o le.)
She was almost late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) and \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012bh\u016b) can be used interchangeably to mean ‘almost.’ However, in everyday conversations, \u5dee\u70b9\u513f (ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) is more commonly used.<\/p>\n\n\n

2. \u51e0\u4e4e and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/h2>\n\n\n

We can use \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012b h\u016b) or \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a (ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) to talk about something that is very close to a certain amount or degree. They both mean ‘almost’ or ‘nearly,’ but there are subtle differences between them. Let’s explore their meanings and usage.<\/p>\n\n\n

(1) Minor Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n

As adverbs, \u51e0\u4e4e (j\u012b h\u016b) and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a (ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) indicate a small difference or something quite close. They can be combined with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a\/\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u7761\u4e86\u4e24\u4e2a\u5c0f\u65f6\u3002(W\u01d2 ch\u00e0b\u00f9du\u014d \/ j\u012bh\u016b<\/strong> shu\u00ec le li\u01cen\u0261 \u0261\u00e8 xi\u01ceosh\u00ed.)<\/em>
I’ve slept for almost two hours. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

i.<\/strong> Please note that when the quantity is small, the degree is low, or the time is short, use \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a, not \u51e0\u4e4e.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u98de\u673a\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u8981\u8d77\u98de\u4e86\u3002(F\u0113ij\u012b ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong> y\u00e0o q\u01d0f\u0113i le.)
The plane is about to take off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ii. <\/strong>In addition, when indicating a quantity, \u51e0\u4e4e expresses subjective feelings, while \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a is more objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u8fd9\u6b21\u805a\u4f1a\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u6709\u4e09\u5341\u4e2a\u4eba\u3002(Zh\u00e8 c\u00ec j\u00f9hu\u00ec ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong> y\u01d2u s\u0101n sh\u00ed \u0261\u00e8 r\u00e9n.) There were almost thirty people at the party.
-><\/strong> This is an objective estimation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ed6\u4e0a\u5927\u5b66\u7684\u65f6\u5019\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>30\u5c81\u4e86\u3002(T\u0101 sh\u00e0n\u0261 d\u00e0xu\u00e9 de sh\u00edhou j\u012bh\u016b<\/strong> 30 su\u00ec le.) He was almost 30 when he was in college.
-><\/strong> Here his age is a little bit old from a subjective perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iii.<\/strong> When combined with adjectives or adjective phrases, \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a is more flexible than \u51e0\u4e4e. \u51e0\u4e4e has more restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two books are about the same thickness.
\u2714 \u8fd9\u4e24\u672c\u4e66\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u539a\u3002(Zh\u00e8 li\u01cen\u0261 b\u011bn sh\u016b ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong> h\u00f2u.)
\u2718 \u8fd9\u4e24\u672c\u4e66\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u><\/strong>\u539a\u3002(Zh\u00e8 li\u01cen\u0261 b\u011bn sh\u016b j\u012b h\u016b <\/strong>h\u00f2u.)
\u2714 \u8fd9\u4e24\u672c\u4e66\u51e0\u4e4e<\/u>\u4e00\u6837<\/strong>\u539a\u3002(Zh\u00e8 li\u01cen\u0261 b\u011bn sh\u016b j\u012b h\u016b<\/strong> y\u00edy\u00e0n\u0261 h\u00f2u.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iv.<\/strong> \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a can be a complete sentence by itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: \u4f60\u7684\u4f5c\u4e1a\u5199\u5b8c\u4e86\u5417\uff1f(N\u01d0 de zu\u00f2y\u00e8 xi\u011b w\u00e1n le m\u0251?)
Have you finished your homework?

B: \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/strong>\u4e86\u3002(Ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong> le.)
Almost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To summarize, \u51e0\u4e4e(j\u012b h\u016b) and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a(ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) can be used as adverbs with nouns as well as adjectives and verbs that contain quantifiers. But when the degree is low, the time is short or the number is small, we only use \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(2)<\/strong> \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a as an adjective<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a(ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) can also be used as an adjective to indicate that the difference between two things is very small, but \u51e0\u4e4e(j\u012b h\u016b) cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4eca\u5e74\u7684\u6536\u5165\u548c\u53bb\u5e74\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u3002(J\u012bnni\u00e1n de sh\u014dur\u00f9 h\u00e9 q\u00f9ni\u00e1n ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong>.)
This year’s income is about the same as last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u996d\u505a\u5f97\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u4e86\uff0c\u53ef\u4ee5\u6d17\u624b\u51c6\u5907\u5403\u996d\u4e86\u3002(F\u00e0n zu\u00f2 d\u00e9 ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d<\/strong> le, k\u011b y\u01d0 x\u01d0sh\u01d2u zh\u01d4nb\u00e8i ch\u012bf\u00e0n le.)
The meal is almost ready. Wash your hands and get ready to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a(ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) also means ‘generally,’ ‘mostly,’ or ‘the majority.’ Simply add \u7684(de) to modify nouns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u7684\u5e7f\u4e1c\u83dc\u4ed6\u90fd\u4f1a\u505a\u3002(Ch\u00e0b\u00f9du\u014d de \u0261u\u01cen\u0261d\u014dn\u0261 c\u00e0i t\u0101 d\u014du hu\u00ec zu\u00f2.)
He can cook most Cantonese dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5dee\u4e0d\u591a<\/u><\/strong>\u7684\u4eba\u90fd\u77e5\u9053\u660e\u5929\u653e\u5047\u3002(Ch\u00e0b\u00f9du\u014d de r\u00e9n d\u014du zh\u012bd\u00e0o m\u00edn\u0261ti\u0101n f\u00e0n\u0261ji\u00e0.)
Most people know that there will be a holiday tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n

In conclusion, mastering the various translations of “almost” in Chinese is a valuable skill for any language learner. By understanding the distinctions between \u5dee\u70b9\u513f(ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr), \u51e0\u4e4e(j\u012b h\u016b), and \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a(ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d), you can effectively convey different nuances of “almost” in different contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, whether you’re expressing relief for narrowly avoiding a failure, expressing regret for a missed opportunity, or describing a close approximation, these three words will serve you well. Remember, \u5dee\u70b9\u513f(ch\u00e0 di\u01cenr) and \u51e0\u4e4e(j\u012b h\u016b) share similar meanings when expressing, while \u5dee\u4e0d\u591a(ch\u00e0 b\u00f9 du\u014d) adds a touch of flexibility and can even be used as an adjective to describe similarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now armed with this knowledge, go forth and keep practicing and refining your usage. Soon you’ll find yourself effortlessly incorporating these expressions into your everyday conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n