In the fascinating world of the Chinese language, idiomatic expressions play a key role in cultural communication. One such interesting expression is 白白 (bái bái), which carries various meanings and uses depending on the context. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of 白白, examine its grammatical structure, and provide several example sentences to illustrate its usage.
What Does 白白 (bái bái) Mean?
The expression 白白 (bái bái) is often translated as “plainly,” “for nothing,” or “in vain.” As a colloquial term, its usage extends beyond a straightforward translation, often embodying a sense of futility or unnecessary effort. It can connote that something was done without achieving any useful result, or simply that something was done in vain. Let’s look at the nuances of its meanings:
- Plainly or Clearly: It can suggest a clear or straightforward manner in which something is done or expressed.
- For Nothing or In Vain: It is commonly used to indicate an action was done without purpose or resulted in no beneficial outcome.
- To Go Unrewarded: Often, the action or effort associated with 白白 does not yield any results, summing up the sentiment of being wasted.
Grammatical Structure of 白白
Understanding the grammatical structure of 白白 is essential for using it accurately in the Chinese language. Here’s a breakdown:
Formal Composition
白 (bái) means “white,” which often symbolizes purity or simplicity in Chinese culture, while 白白 can be seen as an adverbial form meaning “in vain” or “plainly.”
Usage in Sentences
白白 typically functions as an adverb in a sentence. It modifies verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed—often implying a lack of need or purpose. Here are the key grammatical points:
- Position: 白白 is usually positioned before a verb to modify its meaning.
- Contextual Relevance: Understanding the context is vital as it can drastically change the implication of the sentence.
Example Sentences Using 白白
To clarify the use of 白白, let’s explore several example sentences:
1. 白白浪费时间 (bái bái làng fèi shí jiān)
This sentence translates to “wasting time for nothing.” It implies that time was spent without a productive outcome.
2. 他白白等了一个小时 (tā bái bái děng le yī gè xiǎo shí)
Meaning “He waited for an hour in vain,” this illustrates that the waiting did not yield any results nor was worthwhile.
3. 你白白花了很多钱 (nǐ bái bái huā le hěn duō qián)
This translates to “You spent a lot of money for nothing,” suggesting that the expenditure did not bring any benefits.
4. 我白白努力了 (wǒ bái bái nǔ lì le)
Meaning “I worked hard in vain,” it communicates a feeling of frustration over putting in effort that did not pay off.
5. 白白解释也没有用 (bái bái jiě shì yě méiyǒu yòng)
This means “Explaining it plainly is useless,” indicating that no matter how clearly something is explained, it won’t matter in this context.
Conclusion
Understanding the expression 白白 (bái bái) enriches one’s grasp of conversational Chinese and aids in grasping cultural nuances. Whether used to express futility or simplicity, mastering such idiomatic phrases is essential for effective communication. As language learners, exploring phrases like 白白 opens new avenues for understanding both language and culture.
The next time you stumble upon this term, you’ll appreciate its layered meanings and contexts, making your Chinese conversation all the more fluent and engaging.

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