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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to choose' or 'to select' with 选 (xuǎn)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    选 + Object

    Explanation

    选 (xuǎn) means "to choose" or "to select" and is used when picking from among multiple options. It can take a direct object or be followed by a more complex clause describing what is being chosen. It is one of the most common verbs for expressing selection in everyday Chinese.

    Examples

    • 这么多颜色，你选哪个？

      zhème duō yánsè, nǐ xuǎn nǎ gè?

      With so many colors, which one do you choose?

    • 她花了很长时间才选好一条裙子。

      tā huā le hěn cháng shíjiān cái xuǎn hǎo yì tiáo qúnzi.

      It took her a long time to pick out a dress.

    • 你可以从菜单上选三道菜。

      nǐ kěyǐ cóng càidān shàng xuǎn sān dào cài.

      You can choose three dishes from the menu.

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    Expressing 'to choose' or 'to select' with 选 (xuǎn) | Chinese Grammar