Processing keyword: 避免 (bìmiǎn) - To avoid

Mandarin Grammar Point: 避免 (bìmiǎn) - To avoid

避免 (bìmiǎn) - To Avoid

1. Introduction

The word 避免 (bìmiǎn) means "to avoid" in Mandarin. It is commonly used to indicate the act of steering clear of an action or situation, particularly one that is undesirable, harmful, or problematic.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• 避免 (bìmiǎn) is a verb that expresses the intention to prevent something from occurring.
• It is often used before actions or situations that one wishes to prevent.

Structure

• The general structure for using 避免 is:
  • 避免 + Verb/Action
  • This structure indicates what you are trying to avoid doing.

Formation Diagram

[ 主语 ] +  避免 + [ 要避免的动作/行为 ]
例：我避免去人多的地方。

• Example: 我避免去人多的地方。 (Wǒ bìmiǎn qù rén duō de dìfāng.) - I avoid going to crowded places.

3. Comparative Analysis

• 避免 focuses more on avoidance as a preventative measure.
• 防止 implies a proactive stance in preventing something from happening.
• 阻止 indicates actively stopping an action from occurring.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 为了避免失误，请仔细检查你的工作。(Wèi le bìmiǎn shīwù, qǐng zǐxì jiǎnchá nǐ de gōngzuò.)
   • To avoid making mistakes, please check your work carefully.
2. Informal:
   • 我尽量避免跟他争论。(Wǒ jǐnliàng bìmiǎn gēn tā zhēnglùn.)
   • I try to avoid arguing with him.
3. Written:
   • 此措施旨在避免对环境的破坏。(Cǐ cuòshī zhǐ zài bìmiǎn duì huánjìng de pòhuài.)
   • This measure aims to avoid environmental damage.
4. Spoken:
   • 我们要避免在晚上走路。(Wǒmen yào bìmiǎn zài wǎnshàng zǒulù.)
   • We should avoid walking at night.

5. Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, avoiding conflict and maintaining harmony is valued, which is reflected in the frequent use of the term 避免.
• Politeness can be associated with the frequency of using 避免 in social contexts. Using soft language when expressing avoidance can be seen as more polite.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 以避免不必要的麻烦 (yǐ bìmiǎn bù bìyào de máfan) - "To avoid unnecessary troubles."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is to use 避免 without the action, which can lead to confusion.
  • Incorrect: 我避免。 (Wǒ bìmiǎn.) - I avoid.
  • Correct: 我避免迟到。(Wǒ bìmiǎn chídào.) - I avoid being late.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 避免 (bìmiǎn) with the English word "omit", as both share a theme of preventing or avoiding something.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 避免 (bìmiǎn) means "to avoid" and is used to express the intention of steering clear of unwanted actions or situations.
• It follows a simple structure: 主语 + 避免 + 动作/行为.
• Context plays an important role in how avoidance is expressed in Chinese culture.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 避免 (bìmiǎn) mean?
2. Provide a sentence using 避免 in a formal context.
3. What is the difference between 避免 and 防止?
4. Is it polite to use soft language when expressing avoidance in Chinese culture, and why?