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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'slave' with 奴隶 (núlì)

    Existence & Possession

    Explanation

    The noun 奴隶 (núlì) means 'slave,' referring to a person who is owned by and forced to work for another. It is used in historical, social, and figurative contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is completely controlled by something, such as 金钱的奴隶 (slave to money).

    Examples

    • 在古代，奴隶没有任何自由。

      Zài gǔdài, núlì méiyǒu rènhé zìyóu.

      In ancient times, slaves had no freedom at all.

    • 别做手机的奴隶，放下来休息一会儿。

      Bié zuò shǒujī de núlì, fàng xiàlái xiūxi yíhuìr.

      Don't be a slave to your phone; put it down and rest for a while.

    • 这本书讲述了一个奴隶争取自由的故事。

      Zhè běn shū jiǎngshù le yí gè núlì zhēngqǔ zìyóu de gùshi.

      This book tells the story of a slave fighting for freedom.

    Expressing 'slave' with 奴隶 (núlì) | Chinese Grammar