Improving a Home Office Setup | Learn Chinese in English

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Use Improving a Home Office Setup to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

我在这张小桌子旁工作了一整天，肩膀很疼。

wǒ zài zhè zhāng xiǎo zhuōzi páng gōngzuò le yì zhěng tiān, jiānbǎng hěn téng My shoulders hurt after working at this small table all day.

你的工作设置对身体负担很大，尤其是显示器放得这么低。

nǐ de gōngzuò shèzhì duì shēntǐ fùdān hěn dà, yóuqí shì xiǎnshìqì fàng de zhème dī Your setup is hard on your body, especially with the monitor so low.

在买到合适的支架之前，我可以先用书把它垫高。

zài mǎi dào héshì de zhījià zhīqián, wǒ kěyǐ xiān yòng shū bǎ tā diàn gāo I could raise it with books until I buy a proper stand.

这样会有助于改善你的姿势。

zhèyàng huì yǒu zhù yú gǎishàn nǐ de zīshì That would help your posture.

你还应该看看窗户的反光是否影响了屏幕。

nǐ hái yīnggāi kànkan chuānghu de fǎnguāng shìfǒu yǐngxiǎng le píngmù You should also check whether glare from the window is affecting the screen.

下午的阳光让屏幕很难看清。

xiàwǔ de yángguāng ràng píngmù hěn nán kànqīng The afternoon sunlight makes the screen difficult to read.

试着把桌子稍微挪一下，或者打电话时拉上窗帘。

shìzhe bǎ zhuōzi shāowéi nuó yí xià, huòzhě dǎ diànhuà shí lā shàng chuānglián Try moving the desk slightly, or use the curtain during calls.

如果我感觉舒服一些，应该也能工作得更好。

rúguǒ wǒ gǎnjué shūfu yìxiē, yīnggāi yě néng gōngzuò de gèng hǎo If I feel more comfortable, I should be able to work better too.

当你长时间保持同一个姿势时，小小的调整也很重要。

dāng nǐ cháng shíjiān bǎochí tóng yí ge zīshì shí, xiǎoxiǎo de tiáozhěng yě hěn zhòngyào Small adjustments matter when you repeat the same position for hours.

我可以先试试这个布局，再决定要不要买东西。

wǒ kěyǐ xiān shìshi zhège bùjú, zài juédìng yào bú yào mǎi dōngxi I can try this layout first before buying anything.

这样做有道理，因为最便宜的办法可能就够了。

zhèyàng zuò yǒu dàolǐ, yīnwèi zuì piányi de bànfǎ kěnéng jiù gòu le That makes sense, because the cheapest solution may be enough.

Word by Word

我我 means “I” or “me” in “我在这张小桌子旁工作了一整天”. It is the person doing the working. Use 我 before a verb when talking about your own action or state.

在在 in “我在这张小桌子旁工作了一整天” places the action at the table, meaning “at” or “beside” in this context. It introduces the location before the action. A common pattern is 在 + place + verb.

这这 means “this” in “这张小桌子”, pointing to the particular small table being discussed. It comes before the measure word and noun. Use 这 + measure word + noun to identify something nearby or already understood.

张张 is the measure word used in “这张小桌子” for this table. It comes between 这 and 小桌子. Use 张 with flat objects such as tables, sheets, or other things understood as having a flat surface.

小小 means “small” in “这张小桌子”, describing the size of the table. It comes before the noun it modifies. Use 小 + noun when describing something as small.

桌子桌子 means “table” or “desk” in “这张小桌子”. Here it is the work surface beside which the speaker works. Use 桌子 with a measure word such as 张 when referring to a table.

旁旁 means “beside” or “next to” in “这张小桌子旁”. It marks the place beside the table where the speaker works. A common pattern is noun + 旁, as in “桌子旁” for “beside the table”.

工作工作 means “work” in “我在这张小桌子旁工作了一整天”. It names the activity the speaker has been doing. Use 工作 after a subject or location phrase to describe working.

了了 in “工作了一整天” shows that the stated period of working has been completed. It follows 工作 before the duration 一整天. This use is common when describing an action carried out for a completed amount of time.

一一 means “one” in “一整天”, where it contributes to the meaning “a whole day”. It comes before 整天 to form the duration expression. Use 一 + duration expression when stating one complete period.

整天整天 means “the whole day” in “工作了一整天”. Together with 一, it describes the full duration of the work. Use 一整天 after an action to say that it continued all day.

肩膀肩膀 means “shoulder” in “肩膀很疼”, the body part that hurts. It is the subject of the description of pain. Use 肩膀 with words such as 疼 when talking about shoulder pain.

很很 in “肩膀很疼” marks the degree of the pain, meaning “quite” or “very” in this description. It comes before the adjective-like word 疼. A common pattern is body part + 很 + condition.

疼疼 means “hurt” or “be painful” in “肩膀很疼”. It describes the speaker’s shoulder pain. Use body part + 疼 to say that a part of the body hurts.

你你 means “you” in “你的工作设置”. It identifies the person whose work setup is being discussed. Use 你 before a noun or verb when addressing one person.

的的 in “你的工作设置” links 你 to 工作设置 and marks possession, meaning “your work setup”. It follows the person who owns or is associated with the noun. Use pronoun + 的 + noun for expressions such as “your desk” or “your plan”.

设置设置 means “setup” or “arrangement” in “你的工作设置”. Here it refers to the way the work area and equipment are arranged. Use 设置 with a work area, device, or system when discussing how it is arranged.

对对 in “对身体负担很大” marks the body as the thing affected by the setup’s strain. The full expression says that the setup places a heavy burden on the body. A common pattern is 对 + person or thing + description.

身体身体 means “body” in “对身体负担很大”. It is the part of the person receiving the strain. Use 身体 with descriptions of health, comfort, pain, or physical burden.

负担负担 means “burden” or “strain” in “对身体负担很大”. It describes the physical load caused by the setup. Use 负担 with 对 and a person or body part when explaining what something is hard on.

大大 in “负担很大” means that the burden is great or heavy. It follows 很 to describe the degree of the burden. Use 很大 after a noun such as 负担 when saying that its size or effect is considerable.

尤其尤其 means “especially” in “尤其是显示器放得这么低”, highlighting the monitor’s low position as a particularly important problem. It introduces the point receiving extra emphasis. Use 尤其是 before a person, thing, or situation you want to single out.

是是 in “尤其是显示器放得这么低” introduces the specific case being emphasized. Here it links 尤其 to the monitor situation rather than simply identifying a noun. Use 尤其是 + noun or clause to say “especially ...”.

显示器显示器 means “monitor” or “display” in “显示器放得这么低”. It is the equipment whose position is being discussed. Use 显示器 with words describing its height, position, or effect on viewing.

放放 in “显示器放得这么低” means “place” or “put”; it describes the monitor being positioned low. The form 放得这么低 describes the result or degree of its placement. Use 放 + object when talking about placing something somewhere.

得得 in “放得这么低” connects 放 with the description 这么低, showing how low the monitor is positioned. The whole pattern is verb + 得 + description. Use this pattern when describing the degree or result of an action.

这么这么 in “放得这么低” means “so” or “to this extent”, pointing to the monitor’s notably low position. It comes before 低 in the description. Use 这么 + adjective when referring to a degree that is evident in the situation.

低低 in “放得这么低” means “low”, describing the monitor’s position. It follows 这么 after 得. Use 低 with objects or positions when describing height.

买买 means “buy” in “买到合适的支架”. It names the planned action of obtaining a suitable stand. Use 买 + object when talking about purchasing something.

到到 in “买到合适的支架” marks the result of successfully obtaining the stand. It follows 买 and makes the focus the achieved result, not just the attempt to purchase. A common pattern is verb + 到 + object when the action reaches its intended result.

合适合适 means “suitable” or “appropriate” in “合适的支架”. It describes a stand that fits the speaker’s needs. Use 合适的 + noun when identifying an appropriate object.

支架支架 means “stand” or “support” in “合适的支架”. Here it is the proper stand intended to raise the monitor. Use 支架 for an object that holds or supports another object.

之前之前 means “before” in “买到合适的支架之前”. It places the temporary action before the speaker obtains the suitable stand. Use an action or event + 之前 to refer to the time before it.

可以可以 in “我可以先用书把它垫高” means “can” or “may”, giving permission or indicating that the speaker has this practical option. It comes before the action phrase. Use 可以 + verb when describing an available action or possibility.

先先 in “可以先用书把它垫高” means “first” or “for now”. It shows that using books happens before buying the proper stand. Use 先 + verb when one action is planned before another.

用用 in “用书把它垫高” means “use” or “with”, identifying books as the means for raising the monitor. It comes before the tool or material used. A common pattern is 用 + object + verb.

书书 means “book” in “用书把它垫高”. The books are used as support under the monitor. Use 用 + 书 when explaining that books are being used as a practical tool or support.

把把 in “把它垫高” introduces the monitor as the object being deliberately changed. The construction focuses on the result of raising it with books. Use 把 + object + verb phrase when the action directly handles an object and produces a clear result.

它它 means “it” in “把它垫高”, referring here to the monitor mentioned earlier. It is placed after 把 as the object being raised. Use 它 to refer back to a non-person object already understood.

垫垫 in “把它垫高” means “raise by placing something underneath”. The books are placed under the monitor to change its height. Use 垫 + object + height description when something is raised with support underneath.

高高 in “把它垫高” describes the result of making the monitor higher. It follows 垫 as part of the result phrase. Use verb + 高 when an action makes an object higher.

这样这样 in “这样会有助于改善你的姿势” means “this way” or “like this”, referring to the suggested use of books to raise the monitor. It connects the proposed action with its expected effect. Use 这样 + verb or clause when referring to an immediately described method.

会会 in “这样会有助于改善你的姿势” expresses an expected result, meaning “will” or “would”. It comes before the result phrase 有助于改善你的姿势. Use 会 + verb phrase when predicting what an action is likely to cause.

有助于有助于 in “有助于改善你的姿势” means “help with” or “contribute to improving”. The whole expression describes a helpful effect on the following action or goal: 改善你的姿势. Within the expression, 有 conveys being helpful, 助 contributes the idea of help, and 于 marks what the help is directed toward.

改善改善 means “improve” in “改善你的姿势”. It describes making the posture better. Use 改善 + noun for improving a condition, habit, arrangement, or physical situation.

姿势姿势 means “posture” or “position” in “你的姿势”. Here it refers to the way the body is held while working. Use 姿势 with words describing keeping, changing, or improving a body position.

还还 in “你还应该看看” means “also” or “in addition”. It adds another recommendation after the earlier suggestion about the monitor. Use 还 before a verb or modal expression when adding one more action.

应该应该 in “你还应该看看” means “should” or “ought to”, presenting a recommendation to check something. It comes before 看看. Use 应该 + verb when advising someone about a suitable action.

看看看看 in “应该看看窗户的反光” means “take a look” or “check”. The repeated form makes the suggestion sound like a brief inspection. Use 看看 + object when asking someone to look at or check something.

窗户窗户 means “window” in “窗户的反光”. It is the source associated with the reflected light affecting the screen. Use 窗户的 + noun to describe something belonging to or coming from a window.

反光反光 means “glare” or “reflected light” in “窗户的反光”. It is the light from the window that may affect the screen. Use 反光 with a source such as 窗户 and with verbs describing its effect on visibility.

是否是否 in “反光是否影响了屏幕” introduces a yes-or-no question inside the larger sentence, meaning “whether”. It asks if the glare affected the screen. Use 是否 + verb phrase when checking whether a condition is true.

影响影响 in “是否影响了屏幕” means “affect” or “influence”. Here the glare may affect the screen’s visibility. Use 影响 + object to describe one thing having an effect on another.

屏幕屏幕 means “screen” in “影响了屏幕” and “让屏幕很难看清”. It refers to the display the speaker is trying to use and read. Use 屏幕 with words describing glare, readability, or position.

下午下午 means “afternoon” in “下午的阳光”. It identifies when the sunlight occurs. Use time expression + 的 + noun to describe something associated with that time.

阳光阳光 means “sunlight” in “下午的阳光”. It is the light making the screen difficult to read. Use 阳光 with descriptions of brightness, glare, or its effect on a room or screen.

让让 in “让屏幕很难看清” means “make” or “cause”, showing that the afternoon sunlight causes the screen to be difficult to read clearly. It is followed by the affected object and the resulting description. Use 让 + object + description or action to describe a cause and its effect.

难难 in “很难看清” means “difficult to”, describing how hard it is to see the screen clearly. It comes before the action 看清. Use 难 + verb when an action is difficult to carry out.

看看 in “看清” means “look at” or “read”, and with 清 it describes seeing the screen clearly. The full form 看清 is important here because the issue is clear visibility. Use 看清 + object when saying that something has been seen or read clearly.

清清 in “看清” marks the clear result of seeing, so 看清 means “see clearly” or “read clearly”. It follows 看 as part of a result expression. Use verb + 清 when the action reaches a clear visual result.

试试 in “试着把桌子稍微挪一下” means “try”. It introduces an action that B recommends experimenting with. Use 试着 + verb phrase when suggesting that someone try doing something.

着着 in “试着把桌子稍微挪一下” forms the expression 试着, meaning “try to”. It links the idea of trying with the following action. Use 试着 + action when proposing an experiment or attempt.

挪挪 in “把桌子稍微挪一下” means “move” or “shift”, referring to moving the desk to a different position. It appears in a 把 construction because the desk is the object being changed. Use 挪 + object when moving something from its current place.

一下一下 in “挪一下” makes the suggested movement sound small or brief, meaning “a little” or “once”. It softens the request to move the desk. Use verb + 一下 for a short, limited, or less forceful action.

或者或者 in “或者打电话时拉上窗帘” means “or”, introducing an alternative to moving the desk. It connects two possible ways to reduce the screen problem. Use 或者 between alternative actions or choices.

打打 in “打电话时” is the verb used with 电话 to mean “make or place a phone call”. Here it identifies the time during calls when the curtain should be closed. Use 打电话 when talking about making a phone call.

电话电话 in “打电话时” means “phone call” in this context. It forms the common expression 打电话 for making a call. Use 电话 after 打 for the action of calling someone.

时时 in “打电话时” means “when” or “during”. It marks the time at which the curtain should be closed. Use action + 时 to say “when doing that action” or “during that activity”.

拉拉 in “拉上窗帘” means “pull” or “draw”. It describes pulling the curtain across the window. Use 拉 + object when physically pulling something.

上上 in “拉上窗帘” shows the resulting position after pulling the curtain, namely that it is drawn closed or into place. It follows 拉 as part of the action-result expression. Use verb + 上 when an action brings something into a connected or settled position.

窗帘窗帘 means “curtain” in “拉上窗帘”. It is the object pulled closed to manage the sunlight during calls. Use 拉上 + 窗帘 when talking about drawing the curtain.

如果如果 in “如果我感觉舒服一些” means “if”, introducing a condition. The condition is feeling somewhat more comfortable, followed by the expected result. Use 如果 + condition, followed by the result clause.

感觉感觉 in “感觉舒服一些” means “feel”, describing the speaker’s physical experience. It is followed by the condition 舒服一些. Use 感觉 + adjective-like description to talk about how something feels.

舒服舒服 in “感觉舒服一些” means “comfortable”. It describes the speaker’s physical state after adjusting the setup. Use 感觉 + 舒服 when talking about feeling comfortable.

一些一些 in “舒服一些” means “somewhat” or “a little”, making the desired comfort a modest increase rather than an absolute change. It follows 舒服 in this expression. Use adjective + 一些 when describing a small degree of change.

也也 in “应该也能工作得更好” means “also” or “too”. It adds better work as another possible result of feeling more comfortable. Use 也 before the verb or ability expression being added.

能能 in “能工作得更好” means “can” or “be able to”. It expresses the possibility of working better under the condition just mentioned. Use 能 + verb when describing ability or a possible outcome.

更更 in “工作得更好” means “more” or “better than before”. It modifies 好 to show an improved degree of working well. Use 更 + adjective or adverb when comparing with an earlier state.

好好 in “工作得更好” means “well” and describes the quality of the working. With 得, the phrase 工作得更好 describes how the action is performed. Use verb + 得 + adjective or adverb to describe the quality of an action.

当当 in “当你长时间保持同一个姿势时” means “when” or “while”. It introduces the situation in which small adjustments matter. Use 当 + situation + 时 to frame an action or result in time.

长时间长时间 means “for a long time” in “长时间保持同一个姿势”. It describes the extended period of keeping one posture. Use 长时间 before a verb when emphasizing that an action continues for a long period.

保持保持 in “保持同一个姿势” means “keep” or “maintain”. It describes continuing in the same posture. Use 保持 + noun when talking about maintaining a position, condition, or state.

同一同一 in “同一个姿势” means “the same”, identifying one unchanged posture. It appears before 个 and 姿势 as part of the noun phrase. Use 同一个 + noun when referring to one identical item or state.

个个 in “同一个姿势” is the general measure word used before 姿势. It comes after 同一 and before the noun. Use 个 when a noun takes the general measure word, as in 一个姿势.

小小小小 in “小小的调整” means “small” or “slight”, emphasizing that the adjustments may be minor. It comes before 的调整. Use 小小的 + noun when describing something limited in size or degree.

调整调整 in “小小的调整” means “adjustment” here, referring to a small change in the work setup or position. It follows 的 as the noun being described. Use 调整 for a change made to improve how something is arranged or works.

重要重要 in “小小的调整也很重要” means “important”. It says that even minor changes matter when the same position is held for hours. Use 很重要 to say that an action, factor, or change matters.

试试试试 in “我可以先试试这个布局” means “try it” or “give it a try”. The repeated form presents the attempt as a practical, limited experiment. Use 试试 + object when suggesting or describing trying something out.

布局布局 means “layout” or “arrangement” in “这个布局”. It refers to the proposed arrangement of the desk and equipment. Use 布局 with a room, workspace, or other organized space.

再再 in “再决定要不要买东西” means “then” or “afterward”. It shows that the decision about buying comes after trying the layout. Use 先 + action，再 + action to express a sequence.

决定决定 in “决定要不要买东西” means “decide”. It introduces the choice about whether to buy something. Use 决定 + action or question phrase when stating what someone will decide.

要不要要不要 in “要不要买东西” asks whether someone wants or intends to do something, here whether to buy something. The whole expression is a choice between 要 and 不要: the first 要 presents wanting or doing it, 不 presents the negative option, and the repeated 要 completes the yes-or-no pattern. Use 要不要 + verb to ask whether to carry out an action.

东西东西 means “thing” or “stuff” in “买东西”. It refers generally to items the speaker might purchase, without naming a specific item. Use 买 + 东西 when talking about shopping or buying items in general.

做做 in “这样做有道理” means “do”, referring to trying the proposed layout before buying anything. It points back to the action already described. Use 这样做 when referring to an action or method just mentioned.

有道理有道理 in “这样做有道理” means “make sense” or “be reasonable”. The whole expression evaluates the proposed action as sensible; 有 conveys that it has, and 道理 contributes the idea of a sound reason. Use action + 有道理 when agreeing that a suggested plan is reasonable.

因为因为 in “因为最便宜的办法可能就够了” means “because”. It introduces the reason why the suggested approach makes sense. Use 因为 + reason after a statement that is being explained.

最最 in “最便宜的办法” marks the highest degree, meaning “the most” or “the -est”. It modifies 便宜 to identify the least expensive option. Use 最 + adjective before a noun when selecting the item with the highest degree of that quality.

便宜便宜 in “最便宜的办法” means “cheap” or “inexpensive”. It describes the cost of the possible solution. Use 便宜的 + noun when identifying an inexpensive option.

办法办法 in “最便宜的办法” means “way”, “method”, or “solution”. Here it refers to the practical approach of adjusting the existing setup. Use 办法 with 最便宜的 or another description when comparing possible solutions.

可能可能 in “办法可能就够了” means “might” or “possibly”. It shows that the speaker is making a cautious prediction about the solution being sufficient. Use 可能 + verb or adjective-like phrase when expressing possibility.

就就 in “可能就够了” means “just” or “simply”, emphasizing that the cheapest solution alone may be sufficient. It comes before 够了. Use 就 before a result when stressing that no additional action may be needed.

够够 in “可能就够了” means “be enough” or “be sufficient”. It says that the cheapest solution may meet the need. Use 够了 when saying that an amount, method, or solution is sufficient.

Grammar Points

稍微 + 动词

稍微调整布局

shāowéi tiáozhěng bùjú

Adjust the layout slightly.

稍微放在动词前，表示动作或变化的程度很小。

尤其 + 动词

尤其影响姿势

yóuqí yǐngxiǎng zīshì

Especially affects posture.

尤其放在动词前，用来强调某个影响或情况比其他情况更明显。

Chinese Vocabulary

垫高 verb

diàn gāo to raise by placing something underneath

用书把它垫高

反光 noun

fǎnguāng glare; reflection

窗户的反光

负担 noun

fùdān burden; strain

对身体负担很大

工作 verb

gōngzuò to work; work

工作了一整天

工作设置 phrase

gōngzuò shèzhì work setup

你的工作设置对身体负担很大

合适 adj

héshì suitable; proper

合适的支架

肩膀 noun

jiānbǎng shoulder

肩膀很疼

显示器 noun

xiǎnshìqì monitor

显示器放得这么低

一整天 phrase

yì zhěng tiān all day; the whole day

工作了一整天

尤其 adv

yóuqí especially

尤其是显示器放得这么低

支架 noun

zhījià stand; support

买到合适的支架

姿势 noun

zīshì posture; position

改善你的姿势

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

work setup

Show Answer

工作设置

especially

Show Answer

尤其

to work; work

Show Answer

工作

to raise by placing something underneath

Show Answer

垫高