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而言 (ér yán) — as far as (something) is concerned; with regard to

Definition

A formal written phrase meaning 'as far as X is concerned' or 'with regard to X' — always follows a topic (often after 就, 对) and never stands alone. Use it in essays and analysis, not in casual speech.

idiom
as far as (something) is concernedwith regard to

Examples

  • 而言，。
    Duì zhè ge wèn tí ér yán, dà jiā yǒu bù tóng de kàn fǎ.
    With regard to this issue, everyone has different opinions.
  • 而言，。
    Jiù wǒ gè rén ér yán, zhè shì yí gè hěn hǎo de jī huì.
    As far as I personally am concerned, this is a very good opportunity.
  • 而言，。
    Duì hái zi men ér yán, jiào yù shì zuì zhòng yào de.
    As far as children are concerned, education is the most important.

Origin

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 而 is a picture of a beard.

Open 而 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

The early form of 言 shows an opening and a mark indicating a location; the location is not described as the source of speech.

Open 言 →

Grammar

Appears in
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