以…为…
HSK 5- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 以…为… is used to express the meaning of 'taking something as something' or 'regarding someone as something', carrying a formal register.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a classical and formal structure, commonly used in written language or fixed set phrases. It expresses the subject actively "taking/regarding object A as object B."
In everyday spoken language, equivalent structures such as 把…当作… (treat … as …) or 把…看作… (regard … as …) tend to sound more natural. However, there are many fixed expressions using 以…为… that you should memorize, for example: 以…为中心 (take … as the center), 以…为基础 (take … as the foundation), 以…为荣 (take pride in …).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我们以客户为中心。繁: 我們以客戶為中心。Wǒmen yǐ kèhù wéi zhōngxīn.
We place customers at the center of everything we do.
- 他以助人为乐。繁: 他以助人為樂。Tā yǐ zhùrén wéi lè.
He takes pleasure in helping others.
- 我以你为荣。繁: 我以你為榮。Wǒ yǐ nǐ wéi róng.
I am proud of you.
- 这个故事以历史为背景。繁: 這個故事以歷史為背景。Zhège gùshi yǐ lìshǐ wéi bèijǐng.
This story is set against a historical background.
- 学生应以学习为重。繁: 學生應以學習為重。Xuéshēng yīng yǐ xuéxí wéi zhòng.
Students should prioritize studying.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:以他为我朋友。Correct:我以他为朋友。
The subject (我) must come at the beginning of the sentence, before the preposition 以. This structure cannot begin with 以.
- Wrong:他以乐为助人。Correct:他以助人为乐。
The order of A and B is crucial. It must be 'take helping others' (助人) 'as joy' (乐); the order cannot be reversed.