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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing understanding with 明白 (míngbai)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 明白 + Clause/Object

    Explanation

    The verb 明白 (míngbai) means "to understand" or "to be clear about," indicating that someone grasps or comprehends something. It combines 明 (bright/clear) and 白 (white/plain). It is used in both questions and statements to discuss whether something is understood.

    Examples

    • 你明白我的意思吗？

      Nǐ míngbai wǒ de yìsi ma?

      Do you understand what I mean?

    • 听了他的解释，我终于明白了。

      Tīng le tā de jiěshì, wǒ zhōngyú míngbai le.

      After hearing his explanation, I finally understood.

    • 这道题太难了，我怎么也不明白。

      Zhè dào tí tài nán le, wǒ zěnme yě bù míngbai.

      This problem is too hard; I can't understand it no matter what.

    Expressing understanding with 明白 (míngbai) | Chinese Grammar