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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to persuade' with 说服 (shuōfú)

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 说服 + Object + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    说服 (shuōfú) means "to persuade" or "to convince," combining 说 (to speak) and 服 (to submit/comply). It is used when someone uses words or reasoning to change another person's mind or course of action, as in 试图说服球迷返回 (tried to persuade the fans to return).

    Examples

    • 我花了半个小时才说服他来参加聚会。

      Wǒ huā le bàn gè xiǎoshí cái shuōfú tā lái cānjiā jùhuì.

      It took me half an hour to persuade him to come to the party.

    • 她怎么也说服不了妈妈让她养猫。

      Tā zěnme yě shuōfú bù liǎo māma ràng tā yǎng māo.

      She couldn't persuade her mom to let her keep a cat no matter what.

    • 老师说服了那个想退学的学生。

      Lǎoshī shuōfú le nàge xiǎng tuìxué de xuésheng.

      The teacher persuaded the student who wanted to drop out.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'to persuade' with 说服 (shuōfú) | Chinese Grammar