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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to know clearly' with 明知 (míngzhī)

    Condition
    Emphasis

    Structure

    明知 + Clause + 还/却 + Action

    Explanation

    The verb 明知 (míngzhī) means 'to know clearly' or 'to be fully aware.' It emphasizes that someone acts despite knowing the truth, often implying blame or criticism. It is frequently used in the pattern 明知...还/却..., meaning 'even though one clearly knows...still...'

    Examples

    • 他明知这样做不对，还是做了。

      Tā míngzhī zhèyàng zuò bú duì, háishi zuò le.

      He knew full well it was wrong, but he did it anyway.

    • 她明知会迟到，却还在慢慢地收拾东西。

      Tā míngzhī huì chídào, què hái zài mànmàn de shōushi dōngxi.

      She knew she would be late, yet she was still slowly packing her things.

    • 明知前方有危险，他们还是决定继续前进。

      Míngzhī qiánfāng yǒu wēixiǎn, tāmen háishi juédìng jìxù qiánjìn.

      Knowing there was danger ahead, they still decided to press on.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'to know clearly' with 明知 (míngzhī) | Chinese Grammar