HSK · Level 1
130 words
Chinese word
以
Pronunciation
Pinyinyǐ
Meaning
- prepositionas
Example
他以朋友的身份参加。tā yǐ péng yǒu de shēn fèn cān jiā
He participates as a friend.
More examples
以实际情况为准，出发时间可能会改变。yǐ shí jì qíng kuàng wèi zhǔn chū fā shí jiān kě néng huì gǎi biàn
The departure time may change based on the actual circumstances.
Core concept
A chosen means or standpoint frames an action and explains how or on what basis it happens.
Common phrases
以实际情况为准yǐ shí jì qíng kuàng wèi zhǔn
be guided by the actual circumstances
以身作则yǐ shēn zuò zé
lead by example
以此类推yí cǐ lèi tuī
draw an analogy from this
Similar words
作为zuò wéi: Marks a person or thing being treated in a particular role or capacity.
用yòng: Marks the tool, material, or means used to carry out an action.
通过tōng guò: Marks the method or route through which a goal is reached.
由yóu: Marks the person, source, or cause from which an action or result comes.
Definition in Chinese
表示借助、根据或用某种方式做事，也可作为原因或依据来说明事态，常见于固定的书面表达中。biǎo shì jiè zhù gēn jù huò yòng móu zhǒng fāng shì zuò shì yě kě zuò wéi yuán yīn huò yī jù lái shuō míng shì tài cháng jiàn yú gù dìng de shū miàn biǎo dá zhōng
Word origin
The older verb 以 (yǐ, "to use") was grammaticalized into a preposition that marks means, grounds, and roles in formal Chinese.
Usage tips
- When 以 (yǐ, "as/by") appears in a notice or official statement, it often marks a written register rather than an unusual meaning, which helps separate reading recognition from conversational usage.