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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'as if' with 仿佛 (fǎngfú)

    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    仿佛 + Clause

    Explanation

    仿佛 (fǎngfú) is an adverb meaning "as if," "as though," or "seemingly." It introduces a comparison or simile, suggesting that something resembles or feels like something else. It is more literary than 好像 and is often used in written or narrative Chinese.

    Examples

    • 月光洒在湖面上,仿佛铺了一层银纱。

      yuèguāng sǎ zài húmiàn shàng, fǎngfú pū le yī céng yínshā.

      Moonlight spilled over the lake surface, as if a layer of silver gauze had been spread.

    • 她微微一笑,仿佛什么事都没发生过。

      tā wēiwēi yī xiào, fǎngfú shénme shì dōu méi fāshēng guò.

      She smiled slightly, as if nothing had happened.

    • 那首歌让我仿佛回到了小时候。

      nà shǒu gē ràng wǒ fǎngfú huí dào le xiǎoshíhou.

      That song made me feel as if I had returned to my childhood.

    Expressing 'as if' with 仿佛 (fǎngfú) | Chinese Grammar