Definition
相当于 functions as a verb-like preposition meaning 'to be equivalent to' or 'to correspond to'. You use it to compare two things that are similar in value, rank, function, or meaning. The pattern is simply: Subject + 相当于 + Object. It is not separable (you cannot insert words between 相, 当, and 于). This word is common in formal and written Chinese when making comparisons or defining equivalence.
v.p.
to be equivalent toto correspond toto be comparable to
Examples
- 相当于。Zhège shùliàng xiāng yí gè yuè de gōngzī.This amount is equivalent to one month's salary.
- ，相当于。Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, zhège jiérì xiāng Xīfāng de Shèngdàn Jié.In Chinese culture, this festival is equivalent to Christmas in the West.
- 相当于。Zhè jiā gōngsī de zhège zhíwèi xiāng bùmén jīnglǐ.This position in this company is equivalent to a department manager.
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