顺便
HSK 4- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 顺便 expresses a secondary action carried out incidentally while performing another main action.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
顺便 (shùnbiàn) is an adverb used to express a secondary action performed in passing or while one is at it during the course of a primary action. The action following 顺便 is typically minor, less important, and occurs along the same route or within the same time frame as the main action. It makes sentences feel more natural and efficient, similar to saying "while you're at it" or "on the way" in English.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我回家的时候顺便买点菜。繁: 我回家的時候順便買點菜。Wǒ huí jiā de shíhou shùnbiàn mǎi diǎn cài.
When I go home, I'll buy some vegetables on the way.
- 你去食堂吗？顺便帮我带份饭。繁: 你去食堂嗎？順便幫我帶份飯。Nǐ qù shítáng ma? Shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dài fèn fàn.
Are you going to the dining hall? Please bring me a meal while you're at it.
- 出去的时候请顺便关门。繁: 出去的時候請順便關門。Chūqù de shíhou qǐng shùnbiàn guān mén.
When you go out, please remember to close the door.
- 我去银行，顺便寄一封信。繁: 我去銀行，順便寄一封信。Wǒ qù yínháng, shùnbiàn jì yì fēng xìn.
I went to the bank and took the opportunity to mail a letter.
- 你下楼吗？顺便帮我倒垃圾。繁: 你下樓嗎？順便幫我倒垃圾。Nǐ xià lóu ma? Shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dào lājī.
Are you going downstairs? Please take out the trash for me while you're at it.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我顺便去超市买东西。Correct:我出去，顺便去超市买东西。
顺便 requires a main action as a foundation. You must first clearly state what you are doing (going outside), and only then can you "conveniently" go to the supermarket.
- Wrong:我买书，顺便去图书馆。Correct:我去图书馆，顺便买本书。
The action following `顺便` must be secondary and less important. Going to the library is the main purpose; buying books is merely incidental.