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反之 (fǎn zhī) — (conjunction) conversely, on the other hand (used to introduce a contrasting proposition)

Definition

Written, formal 'conversely' used to introduce the opposite side of a statement. 相反 is more colloquial and can also work as an adjective ('the opposite'); 一边 is unrelated (marks simultaneous actions).

conjunction
converselyon the other hand (used to introduce a contrasting proposition)

Examples

  • ，反之。
    Nǔ lì xué xí jiù huì jìn bù, fǎn zhī zé kě néng tuì bù.
    If you study hard you'll improve; conversely, you might fall behind.
  • ，反之。
    Chéng shì lǐ jiāo tōng fāng biàn, fǎn zhī xiāng cūn lǐ kōng qì xīn xiān.
    In the city transportation is convenient; conversely, in the countryside the air is fresh.
  • ，反之。
    Shōu rù gāo de rén yā lì dà, fǎn zhī shōu rù dī de rén shí jiān duō.
    People with high income have more pressure; conversely, people with low income have more free time.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

反fǎnturn around
之zhīit

反, turn around, and 之, it, together mean turning a statement around, hence conversely.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
又又yòuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
厂
厂chǎng反fǎn
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

反 uses 又 (hand) for meaning and 厂 for sound. Its original shape showed a hand turning its palm over, giving the sense of return or reverse.

Open 反 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Cause, Effect & Logic

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