LEARN + CHINESE / 198 of 300 HSK 5
Each Other, Like This 彼此/如此
The two teammates trust 彼此: each trusts the other. 如此 points back to the situation or describes how something is. One is mutual; the other reaches back to an idea already in the conversation.
A Mutual Relationship
虽然我们性格不同，但彼此都很尊重对方。
Suīrán wǒmen xìnggé bùtóng, dàn bǐcǐ dōu hěn zūnzhòng duìfāng.
Although our personalities differ, we both respect each other.
彼此 sits before the shared action, 尊重. It tells us the respect goes both ways.
他们认识多年，工作上一直彼此信任。
Tāmen rènshi duōnián, gōngzuò shàng yìzhí bǐcǐ xìnrèn.
They’ve known each other for years and have always trusted each other at work.
Referring Back
事情没有你想的如此复杂，我们可以一步一步解决。
Shìqing méiyǒu nǐ xiǎng de rúcǐ fùzá, wǒmen kěyǐ yí bù yí bù jiějué.
Things aren’t as complicated as you think; we can solve them one step at a time.
如此 points back to the situation being discussed. Here 如此复杂 means “this complicated” or “as complicated as that.”
你如此认真地准备，面试一定会顺利。
Nǐ rúcǐ rènzhēn de zhǔnbèi, miànshì yídìng huì shùnlì.
You’ve prepared so carefully; the interview should go well.
如此 can also come before an adjective or manner phrase to mean “so” or “in this way.” In conversation, people often choose 这么 or 那么 instead.
Hint · 힌트
Use 彼此 when the action is mutual: 彼此帮助, 彼此了解. Use 如此 to point back to a situation or degree: 如此重要, 如此安排.
In Real Life
彼此 usually needs people on both sides of the relationship. It can stand before a verb, but not every English “each other” sentence uses it in the same position.
Vocabulary
| Chinese | English |
|---|---|
bǐcǐ | each other; one another |
rúcǐ | so; like this |
suīrán | although |
xìnggé | personality |
bùtóng | different |
zūnzhòng | to respect |
duìfāng | the other person; other side |
rènshi | to know; meet |
duōnián | many years |
gōngzuò | work; to work |
yìzhí | all along; continuously |
xìnrèn | to trust |
shìqing | matter; situation |
fùzá | complicated |
jiějué | to solve |
yí bù yí bù | step by step |
rènzhēn | serious; earnest |
zhǔnbèi | to prepare |
miànshì | job interview |
shùnlì | smooth; successful |
YOUR PROGRESS
Finished this lesson?
Save your place in this course.