1. Home
  2. Grammar Points
  3. Expressing "so-called" with 所谓 ("suo3wei4")

Expressing "so-called" with 所谓 ("suo3wei4")

所谓 suǒwèi

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

所谓 + (的) Noun Phrase

Translations

  • so-called

Definition

所谓（suǒwèi）是一个汉语词组，常用于引导对某人或某事物的称呼或描述，通常带有怀疑、讽刺或强调其名不副实的意味。

所谓 (suǒwèi) is a Chinese phrase used to introduce a term or description for someone or something, often with a tone of skepticism, irony, or to emphasize that it is so-called (possibly not living up to the name).

Usage

所谓通常放在名词或名词短语前面，用来引出被广泛称呼但可能名不副实的事物。它可以用于正式或口语场合，表达质疑、讽刺或自嘲。

所谓 is typically placed before a noun or noun phrase to introduce something that is commonly called by that name but may not deserve it. It can be used in formal or spoken contexts to express doubt, irony, or self-deprecation.

Examples

  • 1 他自称是所谓'专家'，实际上什么都不懂。（He calls himself a so-called 'expert', but actually knows nothing.）
  • 2 这就是所谓的'公平竞争'？难道不是作弊吗？（This is what they call 'fair competition'? Isn't that cheating?）
  • 3 所谓的'完美计划'在一开始就出了差错。（The so-called 'perfect plan' went wrong from the start.）
  • 4 她总是追求所谓的'时尚'，但看起来并不适合她。（She always pursues so-called 'fashion', but it doesn't suit her.）
  • 5 在所谓的'和平谈判'中，双方实际上在互相指责。（In the so-called 'peace talks', the two sides were actually accusing each other.）

Put it into practice

Exam-style HSK drills with instant scoring and explanations.

Find my HSK level

Free · about 3 minutes · no account needed