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贪小失大

intermediate1 min read
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Translation

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Grammar Points

一来...二来...Multiple reasonsHSK 5

Use this paired structure to list two main reasons for something, often for decision-making or explanation; it mirrors “first... second...” in English.

"一来是因为那里有蜀兵驻军,二来秦蜀交界的地方是一片悬崖峭壁,没有通道。"

没有...就...Quick consequenceHSK 3

Indicates that once the first part happens (often a short duration or absence), the second part happens immediately; it’s good for telling fast outcomes.

"没有几天,消息就传到蜀国那边。"

把... (object) ...The 把 constructionHSK 2

Places focus on handling or transforming an object; the object follows 把 and the verb phrase describes the action taken on it.

"把石牛涂上金色,再在它的屁股后面放上一些黄金。"

当...的时候Time clauseHSK 3

Introduces the time when another action happens (“when …”); useful for setting scenes or simultaneous actions.

"当蜀侯非常高兴地迎接“金牛”的时候,秦国的大军也跟在“金牛”的后面开进了蜀国。"

因...而...Cause and resultHSK 5

Connects a cause to an outcome; this literary structure emphasizes that the result directly follows from the stated reason.

"因贪小利,而去大利!"

Key Vocabulary

deHSK1

really and truly

shǔ
leHSK1

to understand clearly (variant of 瞭|了[liao3])

蜀国shǔ guó
hóu
金牛jīn niú
秦惠王qín huì wáng
HSK3

handle

yǒuHSK1

(bound form) having; with; -ful; -ed; -al (as in 有意[you3 yi4] intentional)

zàiHSK1

(of sb or sth) to be (located) at

没有méi yǒuHSK1

to not be

几头jǐ tóu
HSK1

to get rid of

bèiHSK3

(literary) to suffer (a misfortune)

HSK1
那边nà biānHSK1

yonder

HSK1
高兴gāo xìngHSK1

glad

pàiHSK5

(preceded by 一[yi1]) classifier used in characterizing a scene, atmosphere, demeanor, sound, remark etc

érHSK4

(indicates change of state)

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