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Expressing 'to read aloud' or 'to recite' with 念 (niàn)
Actions & Events
Manner & Method
Structure
念 + Object
Explanation
The verb 念 (niàn) means 'to read aloud,' 'to recite,' or 'to study.' It emphasizes vocalization — reading something out loud rather than reading silently. It is commonly used for reading texts, reciting poems, or chanting scriptures.
Examples
老师让我们念课文，一个一个地念。
lǎoshī ràng wǒmen niàn kèwén, yí gè yí gè de niàn.
The teacher had us read the text aloud, one by one.
她每天早上都念一段英语文章练发音。
tā měitiān zǎoshang dōu niàn yí duàn yīngyǔ wénzhāng liàn fāyīn.
She reads a passage of English aloud every morning to practice pronunciation.
奶奶坐在窗边，小声地念着经文。
nǎinai zuò zài chuāng biān, xiǎo shēng de niàn zhe jīngwén.
Grandma sat by the window, softly reciting scriptures.