HSK · Level 102
45 words
Chinese word
索性
Pronunciation
Pinyinsuǒ xìng
Meaning
- adverbmight as well
Example
既然这么晚，就索性明天再说。jì rán zhè me wǎn jiù suǒ xìng míng tiān zài shuō
Since it's so late, we might as well talk about it tomorrow.
More examples
多次试验都失败了，团队索性放弃了这个方案。duō cì shì yàn dōu shī bài le tuán duì suǒ xìng fàng qì le zhè ge fāng àn
After repeated failed experiments, the team might as well give up on this plan.
Core concept
When circumstances point in one direction, hesitation is dropped and the straightforward choice is taken.
Common phrases
索性放弃suǒ xìng fàng qì
might as well give up
索性算了suǒ xìng suàn le
might as well forget it
索性直接离开suǒ xìng zhí jiē lí kāi
might as well leave right away
Similar words
干脆gān cuì: Acting firmly and directly, without hesitation or unnecessary delay.
反正fǎn zhèng: Showing that the result is expected to stay the same regardless of what happens.
Definition in Chinese
用于表示既然情况如此，就干脆按某种办法去做，不再寻找折中或顾虑，属于口语副词，语气可直率或略带无奈。yòng yú biǎo shì jì rán qíng kuàng rú cǐ jiù gān cuì àn móu zhǒng bàn fǎ qù zuò bú zài xún zhǎo zhé zhōng huò gù lǜ shǔ yú kóu yǔ fù cí yǔ qì kě zhí shuài huò lüè dài wú nài
Word origin
The older sense of 索性 (suǒxìng, "might as well") concerned unreserved action in keeping with one's disposition, which later became its conversational sense of choosing a straightforward course.
Usage tips
- Unlike the often-reluctant tone of the English equivalent, this word can sound brisk and decisive, so it does not automatically suggest annoyance or defeat.