Expression
B2
Based on data analysis
It's a way of saying your opinion or decision isn't just a hunch. You've actually looked at the hard facts and numbers before speaking.
Usage: This phrase is primarily used in formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, it is often used with a touch of irony or to emphasize that one has done thorough research before making a recommendation.
Expression
B2
Strengthen pillar industries
This phrase describes the process of growing and reinforcing the most important sectors of an economy or business. It's like making sure the main legs of a table are thick and sturdy so the whole thing stays stable.
Usage: This is a formal expression best suited for business or government contexts. Avoid using it for small personal matters unless you are being intentionally funny.
Expression
C1
Constant dripping wears away stone
This phrase describes how small, persistent efforts can eventually overcome even the most impossible obstacles. It is a beautiful way to say that consistency is more powerful than raw strength.
Usage: The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. When using it, ensure the context involves a long duration of time; using it for short-term tasks sounds unnatural.
Expression
B2
Keep improving; strive for perfection
It describes the act of taking something already excellent and pushing it further toward perfection. It’s about never being satisfied with just 'good enough' and constantly refining your craft.
Usage: This is a formal four-character idiom (Chengyu) but is very common in professional and artistic contexts. It usually functions as a verb or an adjective describing a spirit or attitude.
Expression
C1
Many grains of sand make a tower
It describes how many tiny, individual efforts or items can eventually build something massive and impressive. It is the Chinese way of saying that every little bit helps and patience leads to greatness.
Usage: The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any context involving gradual growth. While it has Buddhist origins, it is now considered a secular, inspirational idiom suitable for all ages.
Expression
C1
Second to none
Imagine you're counting things on your fingers. This phrase means someone or something is so outstanding that they are the very first finger you'd count—the absolute best of the best.
Usage: This is a high-register idiom that fits well in both formal speeches and enthusiastic casual praise. It carries a sense of authority and definitive judgment.
Expression
B2
The following will elaborate
This phrase is a professional way to say 'I'm about to explain the details below.' It acts like a roadmap for your reader, signaling that the deep dive is coming up next.
Usage: This is a high-register expression. Use it in documents, formal emails, or academic contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are being intentionally sarcastic or humorous.
Expression
B2
What cannot be ignored is
This phrase is used to introduce a crucial point or a hidden fact that needs serious attention. It’s like saying, 'Don't overlook this—it's actually a big deal!'
Usage: This is a B2-level transition phrase. It leans toward formal/professional registers. Use it to introduce a 'hard truth' or a critical analytical point.
Expression
C1
Not entirely satisfactory
This phrase describes a situation that didn't quite live up to your hopes or expectations. It is the polite way of saying something was 'meh' or 'not as good as I wanted it to be.'
Usage: This phrase is high-level (C1) and will make you sound very educated. Use it when you want to provide a critique that is professional, objective, and slightly indirect.
Expression
C1
Extremely grateful
This phrase is the ultimate way to say 'I can't thank you enough.' It describes a level of gratitude so deep that it feels overwhelming or impossible to fully express.
Usage: This is a high-register expression. Use it in formal writing, business contexts, or when expressing profound personal thanks; avoid it in casual, everyday interactions to prevent sounding 'stiff.'
Expression
B2
Do practical things for the people
This phrase means taking concrete, effective actions to solve real problems for a group of people. It's about prioritizing tangible results over empty promises or symbolic gestures.
Usage: The phrase is generally formal and positive. When used in casual settings, it often carries a tone of mock-respect or playful exaggeration. Avoid using it for trivial personal interactions.
Expression
C1
Draw inferences from one instance
It describes the ability to take one piece of knowledge and apply the logic to many other similar situations. It's that 'lightbulb moment' where you learn one rule and suddenly understand the whole system.
Usage: This is a neutral-to-formal idiom. It is most frequently used in educational, professional, or self-improvement contexts. Avoid using it to describe simple imitation.
Expression
C1
Make persistent efforts
This phrase describes the act of working steadily and patiently on a long-term goal. It is about the power of consistency and endurance over a long period rather than a quick burst of energy.
Usage: This is a high-register phrase. While it has become more common in daily life due to its use in media, it still carries a formal and authoritative tone. Use it to show depth of character and long-term vision.
Expression
B2
From an innovation perspective
This phrase is your go-to way to say 'looking at this from a creative or new perspective.' It’s the perfect intro for when you want to suggest a fresh idea or a non-traditional solution.
Usage: This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings but can be used playfully in casual speech to sound 'expert-like.'
Expression
B2
From multiple perspectives
It means looking at a situation or problem from different viewpoints instead of just one. It’s like walking around a statue to see every side before deciding what it is.
Usage: The phrase is highly versatile. It primarily functions as an adverbial phrase at the start of a clause. Ensure you follow it with a verb like 'look', 'think', or 'analyze' to complete the thought.
Expression
B2
Analyzing from a macro perspective
It's like zooming out on a map to see the whole country instead of just one street. You use it when you want to discuss the 'big picture' or overall trends rather than getting lost in tiny details.
Usage: This phrase sits comfortably between formal and neutral. It's a staple of business Chinese but is increasingly used in daily life to provide perspective. Avoid using it for trivial matters unless you're being intentionally ironic.
Expression
B2
From a practical perspective
This phrase is used to pivot a conversation from abstract ideas to real-world application. It's like saying, 'Okay, theory aside, how does this actually work in real life?'
Usage: This phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any conversation that involves planning or decision-making. It is safe to use in both professional emails and casual chats with friends.
Expression
B2
Fundamentally speaking
It's like peeling an onion to find the core. You use it to strip away the fluff and explain the real, underlying reason or essence of a situation.
Usage: This phrase carries a high level of logical authority. It is best used when you want to transition from discussing symptoms to discussing the cause.
Expression
B2
Theoretically speaking
Think of this as the phrase you use when something works perfectly in your head or on paper, but you know real life is about to get messy. It's that classic 'in a perfect world' disclaimer.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and very versatile. It works in both formal reports and casual banter, but remember that it almost always signals that a 'but' or a complication is coming next.
Expression
C1
Unity is strength
Imagine a group of people sharing a single goal so intensely that their combined willpower becomes an indestructible fortress. It describes the incredible power of collective unity to overcome massive challenges.
Usage: This is a high-register expression. While understandable in casual speech, it is most at home in written Chinese, speeches, or formal discussions about teamwork and resilience.
Expression
C1
Feel greatly gratified
It describes a deep sense of relief combined with joy when you see someone you care about succeed or a long-term effort finally pay off. It is like a warm, satisfied glow in your heart after a period of worry or hard work.
Usage: The phrase is sophisticated and carries a 'mentor-like' tone. It is best used in situations involving growth, recovery, or the successful conclusion of a difficult period. Avoid using it in extremely casual slang-filled conversations unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Expression
C1
On this occasion
Think of this as the 'red carpet' of time markers. It is a formal way to say 'at this very moment' or 'on this special occasion' to highlight the importance of the event.
Usage: This is a C1-level phrase primarily found in written documents, formal speeches, and high-register social interactions. Its primary 'gotcha' is using it in casual settings where it sounds overly dramatic.
Expression
B2
Comprehensively and thoroughly advance
This phrase describes the act of pushing a project or initiative forward with total coverage and intense focus. It's like saying you're not just dipping your toes in—you're diving into the deep end and swimming across the whole pool.
Usage: This is a high-register phrase. It is best suited for written reports, speeches, and professional environments. Using it correctly signals that you are familiar with Chinese organizational culture.
Expression
B2
Break down goals and tasks
This phrase describes the process of taking a massive, overwhelming goal and cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to finish. It is like turning a giant mountain into a series of small, manageable hills.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but leans towards formal/professional. It is highly effective in business, academic, and self-improvement contexts, but use it sparingly in casual social settings to avoid sounding like a manager.
Expression
C1
Utilize deep learning models
This phrase describes the act of using advanced artificial intelligence architectures to process complex data and solve high-level problems.
Usage: This is a C1-level technical expression. It is most at home in formal reports, academic papers, and professional tech environments, but it is increasingly common in general business discourse.
Expression
B2
Increase punishment
This phrase means making the consequences for breaking rules much more severe. It’s like turning up the volume on a penalty to make sure people actually follow the law.
Usage: This is a high-register, formal expression. Use it in writing, speeches, or professional environments. Avoid using it in intimate or very casual settings unless you are being intentionally hyperbolic for humor.
Expression
B2
Accelerate product iteration
This phrase means speeding up the cycle of updating and improving a product. It's about releasing new versions quickly to stay ahead of the competition.
Usage: This is a standard business expression. It is neutral to formal. Avoid using it in purely social or romantic contexts unless you are making a specific joke about 'upgrading' something.
Expression
B2
Strive for practical results
This phrase is all about cutting through the noise to get real, tangible results. It means focusing your energy on what actually works rather than just looking busy or following empty procedures.
Usage: This is a formal expression best suited for professional environments, academic goals, or serious advice. It carries a tone of determination and pragmatism.
Expression
C1
Imperative; inevitable
This phrase describes something that is absolutely necessary and must be done immediately because of the current situation. It's like saying a certain action is inevitable and unavoidable.
Usage: This is a high-level (C1) idiom. It is most effective in professional writing, speeches, or serious discussions. Avoid using it for trivial matters to maintain its impact.
Expression
C1
Draw on collective wisdom
It describes the act of gathering and adopting the best qualities, ideas, or techniques from a wide variety of sources to create something superior. Think of it as being a 'talent sponge' who curates excellence from everyone around you.
Usage: This is a versatile C1-level idiom. It sits in the 'sweet spot' of being formal enough for a speech but natural enough for a coffee-shop chat about your latest project.
