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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'clear' or 'obvious' with 明 (míng)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Verb + 明 (as part of compound)

    Explanation

    The character 明 (míng) means 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'obvious,' and appears in many common compounds like 明白 (to understand), 说明 (to explain), and 证明 (to prove). As a component, it carries the core meaning of clarity and understanding. Recognizing 明 helps learners connect related vocabulary.

    Examples

    • 你听明白了吗？

      nǐ tīng míngbái le ma?

      Did you understand?

    • 请你把原因说明一下。

      qǐng nǐ bǎ yuányīn shuōmíng yīxià.

      Please explain the reason.

    • 这个道理很明显，不用多解释。

      zhège dàolǐ hěn míngxiǎn, bùyòng duō jiěshì.

      This principle is very obvious and needs no further explanation.

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    Expressing 'clear' or 'obvious' with 明 (míng) | Chinese Grammar