Chapter 1, Lesson 1: The future roles of men and woman within the household (Grammar)

Question 1

就。。而言
“就全世界而言，保护环境是当务之急”

Answer 1

As far as.. Is concerned/in terms of
(就/对。。而言formal = 就/对。。来说informal)

Can be used to make a comment, to analyse a particular fact or event, or to demonstrate an opinion.

Structure:
就 + object/range/event + 而言 + comment

Question 2

之所以。。是由于/因为
“这家饭馆之所以非常受欢迎，是由于饭菜可口”

Answer 2

The reason that.. Is because..

Emphasises the consequence of an action, expressed causality.

Structure:
Subject + 之所以 + result +, 是由于/是因为 + cause.

Question 3

。。有利于/不利于。。
“经常参加户外活动有利于身心健康”

Answer 3

To be beneficial/detrimental to..
(有利于/不利于formal = 。。对。。有利/不利informal)

Indicates a beneficial or detrimental factor.

Question 4

假如。。就
“假如明天天氣，我们出去郊游”

Answer 4

If.. Then..
(假如formal = 如果/要是informal)

Is another way to express if A, then B.

Question 5

至于。。
“姐姐告诉我他明天回来，至于几点，我就不知道了。”

Answer 5

With regard to../as for..

Used when the speaker wants to comment on a topic related to the previously discussed one.

Structure:
至于 + topic + comment.

Question 6

操持 vs. 操劳

Answer 6

操持 (cāo chí)
to manage or take care of something, usually refers to managing household affairs, organising events, or handling daily tasks.

操劳 (cāo láo)
To work hard, often implying physical or mental toil and fatigue, focuses more on the effort and the hard work itself. Often implies overwork or exhaustion.

i.e. 他为了这个家操劳了一辈子。 - He has worked hard for this family his entire life.

Question 7

落后 vs. 后进

Answer 7

落后 (luò hòu)
Backwards or lagging behind, often in terms of development, technology, or ideas. Used to describe countries, regions, technologies, or individuals. (can carry negative connotations)

后进 (hòu jìn)
Refers to newcomers, or those who are less advanced in skill or experience compared to others. Typically used to describe people, especially students or young individuals, with an emphasis on potential for improvement.

i.e. 后进学生需要更多的关注和辅导。- Students who are lagging behind need more attention and guidance.

Question 8

维系 vs. 维持

Answer 8

维系 (wéi xì)
To maintain or sustain relationships, connections, or bonds. Focuses on keeping relationships or emotional ties intact, highlighting the emotional or interpersonal aspect.

i.e. 家庭成员之间需要通过沟通来维系感情。
(Family members need to maintain their relationships through communication.)

维持 (wéi chí)
To maintain or sustain a condition, state, or stability. Focuses on keeping things functional, stable, or unchanged, often with a neutral or practical tone.

i.e. 警察努力维持公共秩序。
(The police work hard to maintain public order.)

Question 9

支撑 vs. 支持

Answer 9

支撑 (zhī chēng)
To support or prop up physically or metaphorically, often implies effort to sustain something under strain. Used both for literal (e.g. supporting a structure) and figurative (e.g. maintaining morale or strength) meanings

支持 (zhī chí)
To support, often by providing help, approval, or encouragement. Usually refers to emotional, financial, or moral support rather than physical support.

i.e. 我们全家都支持他的决定。- Our entire family supports his decision.

Question 10

呼唤 vs. 呼吁

Answer 10

呼唤 (hū huàn)
To call out or summon, often expressing deep emotional appeal or longing. Implies a personal or heartfelt tone, often associated with hope, need, or yearning.

呼吁 (hū yù)
To appeal or call for action, often directed at the public, or authorities to address a pressing issue. More formal and action-oriented, used in advocacy or campaigns.

i.e. 环保组织呼吁大家减少塑料使用 - Environmental groups are appealing to everyone to reduce plastic usage.