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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to mix in' with 掺 (chān)

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 掺 + Substance

    Explanation

    The verb 掺 (chān) means "to mix in," "to blend," or "to adulterate" and describes the action of adding one substance into another. It can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on context. Use 掺 before the substance being mixed in to describe the blending process.

    Examples

    • 这杯咖啡好像掺了太多水,味道很淡。

      Zhè bēi kāfēi hǎoxiàng chān le tài duō shuǐ, wèidao hěn dàn.

      This cup of coffee seems to have too much water mixed in; it tastes very weak.

    • 别在果汁里掺其他东西,我喜欢纯的。

      Bié zài guǒzhī lǐ chān qítā dōngxi, wǒ xǐhuan chún de.

      Don't mix anything else into the juice; I like it pure.

    • 他在水泥里掺了些沙子来降低成本。

      Tā zài shuǐní lǐ chān le xiē shāzi lái jiàngdī chéngběn.

      He mixed some sand into the cement to reduce costs.

    Expressing 'to mix in' with 掺 (chān) | Chinese Grammar