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Expressing "almost" using 差点 ("cha1dian3")

差点 chàdiǎn

Adverb
HSK 3

Structure

Subj. + 差点 + Predicate Subj. + 差点 (+就) + Predicate + 了

Translations

  • almost

Definition

表示某种情况几乎发生但最终没有发生，常带有庆幸或遗憾的意味。

Indicates that a situation almost happened but did not, often with a sense of relief or regret.

Usage

“差点”后面通常接动词短语或形容词，表示接近某种结果但未实现。用于肯定句时，常表示接近不希望发生的事情；用于否定句时，表示接近希望发生的事情。

“差点” is usually followed by a verb phrase or adjective, indicating that something was close to happening but didn't. In affirmative sentences, it often refers to something undesirable that was narrowly avoided; in negative sentences, it refers to something desirable that almost happened.

Examples

  • 1 我差点迟到了。 (I was almost late.)
  • 2 她差点哭了。 (She almost cried.)
  • 3 我差点忘了带钥匙。 (I almost forgot to bring the keys.)
  • 4 他差点没赶上火车。 (He almost missed the train.)
  • 5 我们差点赢了比赛。 (We almost won the game.)

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