姑且
gū qiě
For the time being, temporarily
姑且 (gū qiě) vs 暂且 (zàn qiě) — temporarily, for now
姑且 (gūqiě) / 暂且 (zànqiě) + Verb; 历来 (lìlái) + Verb / Adj.; 尚 (shàng) + Verb / Adj.
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what姑且暂且Action
Who / what历来Action
Who / what尚Action
Rule structure
姑且 (gūqiě) means “let us assume for now”, and 暂且 (zànqiě) means “for the time being”: the first more often signals an assumption, the second a temporary arrangement. 历来 (lìlái) indicates a long-standing habit or tradition. 尚 (shàng) is literary “still, yet”: 工作尚未完成 (Gōngzuò shàng wèi wánchéng), “The work is not finished yet”. Their meanings differ, so they are not interchangeable in every context.
Rule structure
姑且 (gūqiě) means “let us assume for now”, and 暂且 (zànqiě) means “for the time being”: the first more often signals an assumption, the second a temporary arrangement. 历来 (lìlái) indicates a long-standing habit or tradition. 尚 (shàng) is literary “still, yet”: 工作尚未完成 (Gōngzuò shàng wèi wánchéng), “The work is not finished yet”. Their meanings differ, so they are not interchangeable in every context.
Examples
这个问题暂且不讨论。
Zhège wèntí zànqiě bù tǎolùn.
Let’s leave this issue aside for now.
Examples
这个问题暂且不讨论。
Zhège wèntí zànqiě bù tǎolùn.
Let’s leave this issue aside for now.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “temporarily, for now” in Chinese with 姑且 vs 暂且?
Use the structure: 姑且 (gūqiě) / 暂且 (zànqiě) + Verb; 历来 (lìlái) + Verb / Adj.; 尚 (shàng) + Verb / Adj.. For example: 这个问题暂且不讨论。 — “Let’s leave this issue aside for now”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这个问题暂且不讨论。 — “Let’s leave this issue aside for now”.
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