省得 (shěng de) — lest; so as to avoid (an undesirable situation)

Definition

A conjunction meaning 'so as to avoid' or 'lest' — links a first action to the unwanted outcome it prevents. Sets up the purpose of the action in the main clause; the second clause names what is being avoided.

conjunction
lestso as to avoid (an undesirable situation)

Examples

  • 省得
    Nǐ zuì hǎo zǎo diǎn chū fā, shěng de lù shang dǔ chē.
    You'd better leave early to avoid traffic jams on the road.
  • 省得
    Wǒ xiān dǎ diàn huà wèn yí xià, shěng de bái pǎo yí tàng.
    I'll call first so we don't make a wasted trip.
  • 省得
    Chū mén qián jiǎn chá yí xià yào shi, shěng de jìn bù liǎo jiā.
    Check your keys before leaving so you don't get locked out.

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