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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'leaning' or 'tilted' with 偏 (piān)

    Description & Modification
    Emphasis

    Structure

    偏 + 不 + Verb

    Explanation

    The adjective 偏 (piān) means 'leaning,' 'tilted,' or '偏biased,' describing something that deviates from center or from the expected. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'insistently' or 'contrary to expectation,' as in 偏不 (piān bù), which expresses stubborn refusal. This adverbial use adds a tone of deliberate contrariness.

    Examples

    • 这幅画挂得有点偏，你调一下。

      zhè fú huà guà de yǒudiǎn piān, nǐ tiáo yíxià.

      This painting is hanging a bit crooked; adjust it a little.

    • 我叫他别去，他偏要去，真拿他没办法。

      wǒ jiào tā bié qù, tā piān yào qù, zhēn ná tā méi bànfǎ.

      I told him not to go, but he insisted on going — there's really no way to deal with him.

    • 你的理解有点偏，再想想看。

      nǐ de lǐjiě yǒudiǎn piān, zài xiǎngxiang kàn.

      Your understanding is a bit off; think about it again.

    Expressing 'leaning' or 'tilted' with 偏 (piān) | Chinese Grammar