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.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.