分明
fēn míng
Clear, obvious, distinct
分明 (fēn míng) — clearly, obviously
Subj. + 分明 (fēnmíng) + Verb / Adj.
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what分明Action
Rule structure
分明 (fēn míng) (fēnmíng) is a modal adverb stressing that a fact is completely obvious, often with a tone of reproach or surprise. It comes before the predicate. It sounds emotional in speech and more restrained in writing.
Rule structure
分明 (fēn míng) (fēnmíng) is a modal adverb stressing that a fact is completely obvious, often with a tone of reproach or surprise. It comes before the predicate. It sounds emotional in speech and more restrained in writing.
Examples
他分明知道答案，却不说。
Tā fēnmíng zhīdào dá'àn, què bù shuō.
He clearly knows the answer, yet won’t say it.
Examples
他分明知道答案，却不说。
Tā fēnmíng zhīdào dá'àn, què bù shuō.
He clearly knows the answer, yet won’t say it.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “clearly, obviously” in Chinese with 分明?
Use the structure: Subj. + 分明 (fēnmíng) + Verb / Adj.. For example: 他分明知道答案，却不说。 — “He clearly knows the answer, yet won’t say it”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他分明知道答案，却不说。 — “He clearly knows the answer, yet won’t say it”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase