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    Chinese Grammar

    Emphasizing "make sure to" with 千万 (qiānwàn)

    HSK 4
    Emphasis
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    千万 + 别/要 + Verb

    Explanation

    千万 is an adverb used to add strong emphasis to a reminder or warning, meaning "be sure to" or "whatever you do." It is often used with 别 or 不要 to form urgent negative commands. For example, 千万别忘了 means "whatever you do, don't forget."

    Examples

    • 明天面试，千万别迟到。

      Míngtiān miànshì, qiānwàn bié chídào.

      You have an interview tomorrow — whatever you do, don't be late.

    • 这件事千万不要告诉别人。

      Zhè jiàn shì qiānwàn bùyào gàosù biérén.

      Whatever you do, don't tell anyone about this.

    • 出门千万记得带钥匙。

      Chūmén qiānwàn jìde dài yàoshi.

      When you go out, make sure you remember to bring your keys.

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    Emphasizing "make sure to" with 千万 (qiānwàn) | Chinese Grammar