Understanding how to express the concept of “quiet” in Chinese is crucial for effective communication, whether you’re traveling, studying, or working with Chinese speakers. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to say “quiet” in Mandarin Chinese, covering different contexts, nuances, and grammatical considerations.
Mastering these expressions will significantly enhance your ability to understand and participate in conversations, ensuring you can effectively convey the need for silence or describe a peaceful environment. This guide is beneficial for students, language enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone looking to improve their Mandarin Chinese proficiency.
This article will delve into the different words and phrases used to express “quiet” in Chinese, their specific meanings, and how they are used in sentences. We will also cover common mistakes to avoid and provide plenty of practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “quiet” in Chinese and be able to use these expressions confidently in various situations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Quiet” in Chinese
- Structural Breakdown of Key Terms
- Types and Categories of “Quiet” Expressions
- Examples of “Quiet” in Use
- Usage Rules for “Quiet” Expressions
- Common Mistakes When Using “Quiet”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Quiet” in Chinese
The concept of “quiet” in Chinese encompasses more than just the absence of noise. It can also refer to a state of peace, tranquility, or even silence. To accurately convey the meaning of “quiet” in Chinese, it’s essential to understand the different words and phrases available and their specific connotations. The most common word for “quiet” is 安静 (ānjìng), which typically describes a state of being peaceful or undisturbed. However, depending on the context, other terms like 别吵 (bié chǎo), 轻声 (qīngshēng), 沉默 (chénmò), and 休声 (xiū shēng) might be more appropriate. The choice depends on whether you are describing a place, asking someone to be quiet, or referring to a state of silence.
These terms can function as adjectives, verbs, or adverbs, depending on their usage in a sentence. For example, 安静 (ānjìng) can be used as an adjective to describe a quiet place (安静的地方 – ānjìng de dìfāng) or as a verb to suggest someone should be quiet (请安静 – qǐng ānjìng). Understanding these nuances will help you communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings. Furthermore, cultural context plays a significant role. In some situations, direct commands might be considered rude, so choosing a softer expression is more appropriate.
Structural Breakdown of Key Terms
Understanding the structure of the Chinese words for “quiet” can provide deeper insight into their meanings and usage. Let’s break down the most common terms:
- 安静 (Ānjìng): This word is composed of two characters: 安 (ān), meaning “peaceful” or “tranquil,” and 静 (jìng), meaning “quiet” or “still.” Together, they create a sense of peaceful quietness.
- 别吵 (Bié chǎo): This phrase is a direct command. 别 (bié) means “don’t,” and 吵 (chǎo) means “to make noise” or “to quarrel.” Therefore, 别吵 (bié chǎo) literally translates to “don’t make noise.”
- 轻声 (Qīngshēng): This term is composed of 轻 (qīng), meaning “light” or “soft,” and 声 (shēng), meaning “sound” or “voice.” Together, they indicate speaking or acting in a soft, low voice.
- 沉默 (Chénmò): This word consists of 沉 (chén), meaning “deep” or “profound,” and 默 (mò), meaning “silent” or “tacit.” 沉默 (chénmò) describes a state of deep silence or taciturnity.
- 休声 (Xiū shēng): This term is less common but still useful. 休 (xiū) means “to stop” or “to cease,” and 声 (shēng) means “sound” or “voice.” Thus, 休声 (xiū shēng) implies ceasing noise or keeping silence.
Knowing the individual meanings of these characters can significantly improve your comprehension and retention of these terms. It also helps you understand related words and phrases in Chinese.
For instance, recognizing the character 静 (jìng) in other words related to stillness or tranquility can expand your vocabulary and improve your overall understanding of the language.
Types and Categories of “Quiet” Expressions
There are several ways to express “quiet” in Chinese, each with its own nuance and appropriate context. Here’s a breakdown of the most common expressions:
安静 (Ānjìng) – Quiet/Peaceful
安静 (Ānjìng) is the most common and versatile way to say “quiet” or “peaceful” in Chinese. It can be used to describe a place, a person’s demeanor, or a situation. It typically implies a general state of tranquility and lack of disturbance. This term is widely applicable and generally considered polite.
别吵 (Bié chǎo) – Be Quiet/Don’t Make Noise
别吵 (Bié chǎo) is a direct command meaning “be quiet” or “don’t make noise.” It’s typically used when someone is being disruptive and needs to be told to stop making noise. While effective, it can be considered impolite in certain situations, especially when addressing elders or superiors. A softer approach might be preferred in formal settings.
轻声 (Qīngshēng) – Softly/In a Low Voice
轻声 (Qīngshēng) means “softly” or “in a low voice.” It’s used to request someone to speak more quietly or to describe the manner in which someone is speaking. This term is more polite than 别吵 (bié chǎo) and is suitable for situations where a gentle reminder is needed. It emphasizes the manner of speaking rather than demanding complete silence.
沉默 (Chénmò) – Silent/Taciturn
沉默 (Chénmò) means “silent” or “taciturn.” It describes a state of being completely silent, often suggesting thoughtfulness or a deliberate withholding of speech. This term is used to describe a person’s demeanor or a situation where there is a noticeable absence of sound. It carries a stronger connotation than simply being quiet.
休声 (Xiū shēng) – Hush/Keep Silence
休声 (Xiū shēng) is a less common expression, meaning “hush” or “keep silence.” It’s a more formal and emphatic way of asking for silence, often used in situations where absolute quiet is required. This term is not as frequently used in everyday conversation but can be found in literature or formal announcements. It often implies a sense of authority or importance.
Examples of “Quiet” in Use
To better understand how these expressions are used, let’s look at some examples in context:
安静 (Ānjìng) Examples
The following examples illustrate the various ways to use 安静 (Ānjìng) in sentences, demonstrating its versatility as both an adjective and a verb. Understanding these examples will allow you to correctly use 安静 (Ānjìng) in a multitude of situations.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 请安静。 | Qǐng ānjìng. | Please be quiet. |
| 图书馆里很安静。 | Túshūguǎn lǐ hěn ānjìng. | The library is very quiet. |
| 我喜欢安静的地方。 | Wǒ xǐhuan ānjìng de dìfang. | I like quiet places. |
| 保持安静！ | Bǎochí ānjìng! | Keep quiet! |
| 这间房间很安静。 | Zhè jiān fángjiān hěn ānjìng. | This room is very quiet. |
| 他喜欢安静地看书。 | Tā xǐhuan ānjìng de kàn shū. | He likes to read quietly. |
| 我们需要一个安静的环境。 | Wǒmen xūyào yīge ānjìng de huánjìng. | We need a quiet environment. |
| 她安静地坐在那里。 | Tā ānjìng de zuò zài nàlǐ. | She sat there quietly. |
| 孩子们在睡觉，请安静。 | Háizimen zài shuìjiào, qǐng ānjìng. | The children are sleeping, please be quiet. |
| 这个小镇很安静。 | Zhège xiǎozhèn hěn ānjìng. | This small town is very quiet. |
| 手术室需要保持安静。 | Shǒushùshì xūyào bǎochí ānjìng. | The operating room needs to be kept quiet. |
| 请大家安静一下。 | Qǐng dàjiā ānjìng yīxià. | Please everyone be quiet for a moment. |
| 公园里非常安静。 | Gōngyuán lǐ fēicháng ānjìng. | The park is very quiet. |
| 我希望这里能保持安静。 | Wǒ xīwàng zhèlǐ néng bǎochí ānjìng. | I hope it can remain quiet here. |
| 安静的环境有助于学习。 | Ānjìng de huánjìng yǒu zhù yú xuéxí. | A quiet environment helps with studying. |
| 请保持安静，我们在考试。 | Qǐng bǎochí ānjìng, wǒmen zài kǎoshì. | Please keep quiet, we are taking an exam. |
| 这个地方非常安静，适合休息。 | Zhège dìfang fēicháng ānjìng, shìhé xiūxi. | This place is very quiet, suitable for resting. |
| 她喜欢安静地思考问题。 | Tā xǐhuan ānjìng de sīkǎo wèntí. | She likes to think about problems quietly. |
| 我们需要一个安静的角落。 | Wǒmen xūyào yīge ānjìng de jiǎoluò. | We need a quiet corner. |
| 请安静地离开。 | Qǐng ānjìng de líkāi. | Please leave quietly. |
| 我喜欢在安静的夜晚看星星。 | Wǒ xǐhuan zài ānjìng de yèwǎn kàn xīngxing. | I like to look at the stars on quiet nights. |
别吵 (Bié chǎo) Examples
The following table demonstrates the use of 别吵 (Bié chǎo) in various scenarios. Note the direct and sometimes impolite nature of this expression.
Use it cautiously and consider the context.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 别吵！我在工作。 | Bié chǎo! Wǒ zài gōngzuò. | Be quiet! I’m working. |
| 孩子们，别吵！ | Háizimen, bié chǎo! | Kids, be quiet! |
| 请你别吵。 | Qǐng nǐ bié chǎo. | Please don’t make noise. |
| 别吵了！我很累。 | Bié chǎo le! Wǒ hěn lèi. | Stop making noise! I’m very tired. |
| 别吵，我在听电话。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ zài tīng diànhuà. | Be quiet, I’m on the phone. |
| 你们别吵了！ | Nǐmen bié chǎo le! | You guys stop making noise! |
| 上课了，别吵！ | Shàngkè le, bié chǎo! | Class has started, be quiet! |
| 电影开始了，别吵。 | Diànyǐng kāishǐ le, bié chǎo. | The movie has started, be quiet. |
| 别吵，我需要集中注意力。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ xūyào jízhōng zhùyìlì. | Be quiet, I need to concentrate. |
| 考试的时候，别吵。 | Kǎoshì de shíhou, bié chǎo. | During the exam, be quiet. |
| 别吵，我正在思考。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ zhèngzài sīkǎo. | Be quiet, I’m thinking. |
| 别吵，我在看电视。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ zài kàn diànshì. | Be quiet, I’m watching TV. |
| 小声点，别吵！ | Xiǎoshēng diǎn, bié chǎo! | Speak quieter, don’t make noise! |
| 别吵，我在睡觉！ | Bié chǎo, wǒ zài shuìjiào! | Be quiet, I’m sleeping! |
| 别吵，我头疼。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ tóuténg. | Be quiet, I have a headache. |
| 别吵，这里是图书馆。 | Bié chǎo, zhèlǐ shì túshūguǎn. | Be quiet, this is a library. |
| 别吵，病人需要休息。 | Bié chǎo, bìngrén xūyào xiūxi. | Be quiet, the patient needs to rest. |
| 别吵，我在开会。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ zài kāihuì. | Be quiet, I’m in a meeting. |
| 别吵，孩子们在学习。 | Bié chǎo, háizimen zài xuéxí. | Be quiet, the children are studying. |
| 别吵，我在录音。 | Bié chǎo, wǒ zài lùyīn. | Be quiet, I’m recording. |
轻声 (Qīngshēng) Examples
The following examples show how to use 轻声 (Qīngshēng) to request quietness in a polite and gentle manner. This expression focuses on the volume of speech rather than demanding complete silence.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 请轻声说话。 | Qǐng qīngshēng shuōhuà. | Please speak softly. |
| 请你轻声一点。 | Qǐng nǐ qīngshēng yīdiǎn. | Please be a little quieter. |
| 轻声细语 | Qīngshēng xìyǔ | Speak in a soft voice |
| 请轻声走进房间。 | Qǐng qīngshēng zǒujìn fángjiān. | Please walk into the room quietly. |
| 请轻声关门。 | Qǐng qīngshēng guānmén. | Please close the door quietly. |
| 轻声地唱歌。 | Qīngshēng de chànggē. | Sing softly. |
| 请轻声地告诉我。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de gàosù wǒ. | Please tell me softly. |
| 在图书馆里要轻声。 | Zài túshūguǎn lǐ yào qīngshēng. | Be quiet in the library. (Speak softly) |
| 轻声地走过。 | Qīngshēng de zǒuguò. | Walk past quietly. |
| 请轻声地读课文。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de dú kèwén. | Please read the text softly. |
| 轻声地笑了笑。 | Qīngshēng de xiào le xiào. | Smiled softly. |
| 请轻声地打开盒子。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de dǎkāi hézi. | Please open the box quietly. |
| 她轻声地说话。 | Tā qīngshēng de shuōhuà. | She speaks softly. |
| 轻声地移动椅子。 | Qīngshēng de yídòng yǐzi. | Move the chair quietly. |
| 请轻声地放下东西。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de fàngxià dōngxi. | Please put things down quietly. |
| 轻声地叹了口气。 | Qīngshēng de tàn le yī kǒuqì. | Sighed softly. |
| 请轻声地念出名字。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de niànchū míngzì. | Please call out the name softly. |
| 轻声地拍了拍他的肩膀。 | Qīngshēng de pāi le pāi tā de jiānbǎng. | Patted his shoulder softly. |
| 请轻声地回答问题。 | Qǐng qīngshēng de huídá wèntí. | Please answer the question softly. |
| 轻声地问了一句。 | Qīngshēng de wèn le yí jù. | Asked softly. |
沉默 (Chénmò) Examples
The following examples illustrate the use of 沉默 (Chénmò) to describe a state of silence, often implying thoughtfulness or a deliberate withholding of speech. This term has a stronger connotation than simply being quiet.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 他选择了沉默。 | Tā xuǎnzé le chénmò. | He chose silence. |
| 沉默是金。 | Chénmò shì jīn. | Silence is golden. |
| 她沉默不语。 | Tā chénmò bù yǔ. | She remained silent. |
| 房间里一片沉默。 | Fángjiān lǐ yīpiàn chénmò. | The room was silent. |
| 沉默了一会儿。 | Chénmò le yīhuìr. | Remained silent for a while. |
| 打破沉默。 | Dǎpò chénmò. | Break the silence. |
| 长时间的沉默。 | Cháng shíjiān de chénmò. | A long silence. |
| 沉默地离开了。 | Chénmò de líkāi le. | Left in silence. |
| 他的沉默让人不安。 | Tā de chénmò ràng rén bù’ān. | His silence made people uneasy. |
| 沉默地看着他。 | Chénmò de kànzhe tā. | Looked at him in silence. |
| 沉默以对。 | Chénmò yǐ duì. | Respond with silence. |
| 沉默是最好的回答。 | Chénmò shì zuì hǎo de huídá. | Silence is the best answer. |
| 沉默地思考。 | Chénmò de sīkǎo. | Think in silence. |
| 沉默的羔羊。 | Chénmò de gāoyáng. | The Silence of the Lambs. |
| 他们沉默地坐着。 | Tāmen chénmò de zuòzhe. | They sat in silence. |
| 沉默地接受了。 | Chénmò de jiēshòu le. | Accepted in silence. |
| 沉默地流泪。 | Chénmò de liúlèi. | Cry in silence. |
| 打破了长时间的沉默。 | Dǎpò le cháng shíjiān de chénmò. | Broke the long silence. |
| 沉默地守护。 | Chénmò de shǒuhù. | Guard in silence. |
| 沉默地祈祷。 | Chénmò de qídǎo. | Pray in silence. |
休声 (Xiū shēng) Examples
The following examples demonstrate the use of 休声 (Xiū shēng), a more formal and emphatic way of asking for silence. This term is less commonly used in everyday conversation but can be found in literature or formal announcements.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 休声！肃静！ | Xiū shēng! Sùjìng! | Silence! Be quiet! |
| 休声，不得喧哗。 | Xiū shēng, bùdé xuānhuá. | Silence, no noise allowed. |
| 休声，法庭开庭了。 | Xiū shēng, fǎtíng kāitíng le. | Silence, the court is in session. |
| 休声，所有人保持安静。 | Xiū shēng, suǒyǒu rén bǎochí ānjìng. | Silence, everyone remain quiet. |
| 休声，不得扰乱秩序。 | Xiū shēng, bùdé rǎoluàn zhìxù. | Silence, do not disturb the order. |
| 休声，聆听重要讲话。 | Xiū shēng, língtīng zhòngyào jiǎnghuà. | Silence, listen to the important speech. |
| 休声，尊重逝者。 | Xiū shēng, zūnzhòng shìzhě. | Silence, respect the deceased. |
| 休声，认真听讲。 | Xiū shēng, rènzhēn tīngjiǎng. | Silence, listen attentively. |
| 休声，注意场合。 | Xiū shēng, zhùyì chǎnghé. | Silence, be mindful of the occasion. |
| 休声，禁止喧闹。 | Xiū shēng, jìnzhǐ xuānnào. | Silence, no loud noises allowed. |
Usage Rules for “Quiet” Expressions
Using the correct expression for “quiet” depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Here are some general rules to follow:
- Use 安静 (Ānjìng) for general situations: When you want to describe a place or situation as quiet, or politely ask someone to be quiet, 安静 (ānjìng) is usually the best choice.
- Be cautious with 别吵 (Bié chǎo): This phrase is direct and can be considered impolite. Use it sparingly, especially with superiors, elders, or strangers. In less formal settings, it may be appropriate among friends or family.
- Use 轻声 (Qīngshēng) for gentle requests: When you want to ask someone to speak more softly, 轻声 (qīngshēng) is a polite and effective option. It focuses on the manner of speaking rather than demanding complete silence.
- Use 沉默 (Chénmò) to describe a state of silence: This term is used to describe a state of being completely silent, often implying thoughtfulness or a deliberate withholding of speech. It’s not used to ask someone to be quiet.
- Use 休声 (Xiū shēng) in formal settings: This term is a more formal and emphatic way of asking for silence, often used in situations where absolute quiet is required. It’s not as common in everyday conversation.
Remember to consider the cultural context when choosing your words. Politeness and respect are highly valued in Chinese culture, so choosing a softer expression is often more appropriate, especially when addressing someone of higher status or unfamiliar individuals.
Common Mistakes When Using “Quiet”
Here are some common mistakes that learners make when using “quiet” in Chinese:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 别安静！ | 别吵！ (Bié chǎo!) or 请安静。(Qǐng ānjìng.) | “别” means “don’t,” so “别安静” means “don’t quiet,” which doesn’t make sense. You should use 别吵 (bié chǎo) or 请安静 (qǐng ānjìng). |
| 我很沉默。 (When trying to ask someone to be quiet) | 请安静。(Qǐng ānjìng.) | “我很沉默” means “I am silent.” You are describing your own state, not asking someone else to be quiet. |
| 轻声别吵！ | 请轻声说话。(Qǐng qīngshēng shuōhuà.) | “轻声别吵” is a combination of two different expressions and doesn’t make sense. Use 请轻声说话 (qǐng qīngshēng shuōhuà) to ask someone to speak softly. |
| 这个地方很吵，请沉默。 | 这个地方很吵，请安静。(Zhège dìfang hěn chǎo, qǐng ānjìng.) | “沉默” implies silence. Asking for silence in a noisy place would be “请安静”. |
Avoiding these common mistakes will improve your fluency and accuracy when speaking Chinese.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “quiet” in Chinese with these practice exercises:
- Translate the following sentences into Chinese:
- Please be quiet, the baby is sleeping.
- The library is a very quiet place.
- Can you speak more softly?
- He remained silent throughout the meeting.
- Silence! The ceremony is about to begin.
- Choose the correct expression for each situation:
- You want to politely ask someone to lower their voice. (安静 / 别吵 / 轻声 / 沉默)
- You want to describe a peaceful forest. (安静 / 别吵 / 轻声 / 沉默)
- You want to tell someone to stop making noise immediately. (安静 / 别吵 / 轻声 / 沉默)
- You want to describe someone who doesn’t talk much. (安静 / 别吵 / 轻声 / 沉默)
- Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word:
- ________ (Ānjìng/Bié chǎo)！我在工作。
- 图书馆里很________ (Ānjìng/Chénmò)。
- 请你________ (Qīngshēng/Bié chǎo) 说话。
- 他________ (Chénmò/Ānjìng) 地离开了。
- ________ (Xiū shēng/Bié chǎo)！法庭开庭了。
Answer Key:
-
- 请安静，宝宝在睡觉。(Qǐng ānjìng, bǎobao zài shuìjiào.)
- 图书馆是一个很安静的地方。(Túshūguǎn shì yīge hěn ānjìng de dìfang.)
- 你可以轻声一点说话吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ qīngshēng yīdiǎn shuōhuà ma?)
- 他在整个会议中保持沉默。(Tā zài zhěnggè huìyì zhōng bǎochí chénmò.)
- 休声！仪式即将开始。(Xiū shēng! Yíshì jíjiāng kāishǐ.)
-
- 轻声 (Qīngshēng)
- 安静 (Ānjìng)
- 别吵 (Bié chǎo)
- 沉默 (Chénmò)
-
- 别吵 (Bié chǎo)
- 安静 (Ānjìng)
- 轻声 (Qīngshēng)
- 沉默 (Chénmò)
- 休声 (Xiū shēng)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Translate: “Please be quiet, I’m studying.” | 请安静，我在学习。(Qǐng ānjìng, wǒ zài xuéxí.) |
| Translate: “The night is very quiet.” |
晚上很安静。(Wǎnshang hěn ānjìng.) |
Advanced Topics
For those looking to deepen their understanding, here are some advanced topics related to “quiet” in Chinese:
- Idiomatic expressions: Explore idioms and proverbs related to silence and tranquility, such as “此时无声胜有声 (cǐ shí wú shēng shèng yǒu shēng),” which means “at this moment, silence speaks louder than words.”
- Regional variations: Investigate regional differences in how “quiet” is expressed. Some dialects may have unique words or phrases for different types of silence.
- Literary usage: Analyze how “quiet” is used in Chinese literature and poetry to create mood and convey deeper meanings.
- Cultural significance: Research the cultural significance of silence in Chinese society. In some contexts, silence can be a sign of respect, agreement, or contemplation.
Delving into these advanced topics will provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the concept of “quiet” in Chinese culture and language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 安静 (Ānjìng) always the best choice for “quiet”?
While 安静 (Ānjìng) is the most versatile and common word for “quiet,” it’s not always the best choice. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing.
For example, 别吵 (Bié chǎo) is more direct and can be impolite, while 轻声 (Qīngshēng) is a gentler way to ask someone to speak softly.
How do I politely ask someone to be quiet in Chinese?
The most polite way to ask someone to be quiet is to use 请安静 (Qǐng ānjìng), which means “please be quiet.” You can also use 请轻声说话 (Qǐng qīngshēng shuōhuà) to ask someone to speak more softly. Avoid using 别吵 (Bié chǎo) unless you have a close relationship with the person and the situation is informal.
What’s the difference between 沉默 (Chénmò) and 安静 (Ānjìng)?
安静 (Ānjìng) generally describes a state of being peaceful or undisturbed, while 沉默 (Chénmò) describes a state of complete silence, often implying thoughtfulness or a deliberate withholding of speech. 安静 (Ānjìng) can be used to ask someone to be quiet, whereas 沉默 (Chénmò) cannot.
When should I use 休声 (Xiū shēng)?
休声 (Xiū shēng) is a more formal and emphatic way of asking for silence, often used in situations where absolute quiet is required, such as in a courtroom or during a formal ceremony. It’s not as common in everyday conversation.
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “quiet” in Chinese involves mastering various expressions, each with its own nuance and appropriate context. By learning the meanings of 安静 (Ānjìng), 别吵 (Bié chǎo), 轻声 (Qīngshēng), 沉默 (Chénmò), and 休声 (Xiū shēng), and understanding their usage rules, you can effectively communicate the need for silence or describe a peaceful environment in Chinese.
Remember to consider the cultural context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing to choose the most appropriate expression. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently and accurately express the concept of “quiet” in Chinese.