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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "so-called" with 所谓 (suǒwèi)

    HSK 4
    Emphasis
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    所谓 + 的 + Noun + 是 + Explanation

    Explanation

    所谓 (suǒwèi) means "so-called" and is used to introduce a term or concept, sometimes with a neutral explanatory tone and sometimes with skepticism or sarcasm. It frames what follows as a label or designation that the speaker is defining or questioning.

    Examples

    • 所谓的"专家建议"其实没什么道理。

      Suǒwèi de "zhuānjiā jiànyì" qíshí méi shénme dàolǐ.

      The so-called "expert advice" doesn't really make much sense.

    • 所谓成功，就是不断从失败中学习。

      Suǒwèi chénggōng, jiùshì bùduàn cóng shībài zhōng xuéxí.

      So-called success is continuously learning from failure.

    • 他们所谓的改革只是换了个名字而已。

      Tāmen suǒwèi de gǎigé zhǐshì huàn le gè míngzì éryǐ.

      Their so-called reform just changed the name, nothing more.

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    Expressing "so-called" with 所谓 (suǒwèi) | Chinese Grammar