About This Lesson
Use Troubleshooting an unstable internet connection before an important call to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
从今天早上开始，网络连接一直不稳定。
Cóng jīntiān zǎoshang kāishǐ, wǎngluò liánjiē yìzhí bù wěndìng. The internet connection has been unstable since this morning.
A
我的视频通话马上就要开始了。
Wǒ de shìpín tōnghuà mǎshàng jiù yào kāishǐ le. My video call starts soon.
B
看看现在是不是有其他设备占用了太多带宽。
Kànkan xiànzài shì bú shì yǒu qítā shèbèi zhànyòng le tài duō dàikuān. See if another device is using too much bandwidth right now.
A
平板电脑正在下载更新，所以这可能就是所有东西感觉很慢的原因。
Píngbǎn diànnǎo zhèngzài xiàzài gēngxīn, suǒyǐ zhè kěnéng jiù shì suǒyǒu dōngxi gǎnjué hěn màn de yuányīn. The tablet is downloading updates, so that might explain why everything feels slow.
B
先暂停更新，如果信号还是会断，就重启路由器。
Xiān zàntíng gēngxīn, rúguǒ xìnhào háishi huì duàn, jiù chóngqǐ lùyóuqì. Pause the update, then restart the router if the signal still drops.
A
我还可以用手机热点作为备用网络，不过它的速度比较慢。
Wǒ hái kěyǐ yòng shǒujī rèdiǎn zuòwéi bèiyòng wǎngluò, búguò tā de sùdù bǐjiào màn. I also have my phone's hotspot as a backup, although it is slower.
B
如果会议期间热点变得不稳定，就只使用语音。
Rúguǒ huìyì qījiān rèdiǎn biàn de bù wěndìng, jiù zhǐ shǐyòng yǔyīn. If the hotspot gets shaky during the meeting, switch to audio only.
A
我应该在通话开始前提醒团队吗？
Wǒ yīnggāi zài tōnghuà kāishǐ qián tíxǐng tuánduì ma? Should I warn the team before the call begins?
B
发一条简短的信息能帮助他们了解现在的情况。
Fā yì tiáo jiǎnduǎn de xìnxī néng bāngzhù tāmen liǎojiě xiànzài de qíngkuàng. A short message would help them understand what is happening.
A
我可以说，如果通话卡住，我可能会切换网络。
Wǒ kěyǐ shuō, rúguǒ tōnghuà kǎzhù, wǒ kěnéng huì qiēhuàn wǎngluò. I can say I may switch networks if the call freezes.
B
这样可以避免大家以为你突然离开了。
Zhèyàng kěyǐ bìmiǎn dàjiā yǐwéi nǐ tūrán líkāi le. That should keep people from thinking you suddenly left.Word by Word
从
In “从今天早上开始,” 从 marks the starting point in time: from this morning onward. A common reuse pattern is 从 + time + 开始, useful when explaining when a situation began.
今天
今天 means “today” in “今天早上,” identifying the current calendar day. It commonly comes before a time of day, as in 今天早上, when describing when something happened or started.
早上
早上 means “morning” in “今天早上,” referring to the early part of the day. It can follow a day expression such as 今天 and is useful when giving a time for an event.
开始
开始 means “begin” or “start”; in “从今天早上开始” it marks when the unstable connection began, and in “马上就要开始了” it describes the call starting soon. It is commonly used before an event or activity, such as 视频通话开始.
网络
网络 means “network” or “internet” in “网络连接,” referring here to the system providing the connection. It commonly combines with words such as 网络连接 when discussing internet problems.
连接
连接 means “connection” in “网络连接,” the link that allows the internet to work. It is useful in the pattern 网络连接 + adjective, such as describing whether the connection is stable.
一直
一直 means that a situation has continued throughout the relevant period; in “一直不稳定,” the connection has remained unstable. It commonly comes before a verb or state when describing an ongoing situation.
不
不 negates the following description in “不稳定,” making it mean “not stable.” It is commonly placed directly before a verb or adjective to form a negative statement.
稳定
稳定 means “stable” in “不稳定,” describing a connection that does not remain reliably steady. It can follow a subject such as 网络连接 when reporting the condition of a service or system.
我
我 means “I” or “me”; in “我的视频通话,” it identifies the speaker as the owner of the video call. It can be used as the subject of a sentence or before 的 to show possession.
的
的 links 我 and 视频通话 in “我的视频通话,” showing that the video call belongs to or is associated with the speaker. A common reuse pattern is person + 的 + noun, as in describing someone’s device or meeting.
视频
视频 means “video” in “视频通话,” specifying that the call includes video. It commonly comes before a noun to describe a video-related activity or function.
通话
通话 means “call” in “视频通话” and “通话开始前,” referring to a conversation conducted through a phone or communication service. It commonly combines with 视频 or with time expressions about when the call begins.
马上
马上 means “soon” or “immediately” in “马上就要开始了,” showing that the call is expected to start very shortly. It commonly comes before a verb when an action is imminent.
就
In “马上就要开始了,” 就 helps present the start as imminent, together with 马上 and 要. A useful reuse pattern is a time expression + 就要 + verb when something is about to happen.
要
In “就要开始了,” 要 expresses that the call is about to start rather than simply describing a general intention. It commonly comes before a verb when an event is approaching.
了
The final 了 in “就要开始了” marks a new or changing situation: the call is now approaching its start. It is useful when describing a situation that has changed or is about to change.
看看
看看 means “take a look” or “check” in “看看现在是不是有其他设备,” giving a light suggestion to investigate. The reduplicated form commonly makes a request or suggestion sound brief and practical.
现在
现在 means “now” or “at present” in “现在是不是有其他设备,” focusing the check on the current moment. It commonly appears before the action or situation being discussed.
是
In “是不是有其他设备,” 是 is part of the yes-no question pattern asking whether another device is using the bandwidth. 是不是 + clause is useful when checking if a possible explanation is true.
其他
其他 means “other” in “其他设备,” referring to devices besides the one already being considered. It commonly comes directly before a noun when identifying additional people or things.
设备
设备 means “device” in “其他设备,” such as another piece of equipment connected to the network. It commonly follows a describing word such as 其他 and is useful when troubleshooting technology.
占用
In “占用了太多带宽,” 占用 means “use up” or “occupy,” describing a device taking too much bandwidth; the dialogue form includes 了. It commonly combines with a resource, such as 带宽, when explaining why resources are limited.
太
太 means “too” or “excessively” in “太多带宽,” indicating an excessive amount. It commonly comes before 多 or an adjective when describing an amount or degree that is beyond what is suitable.
多
多 means “much” in “太多带宽,” referring to a large amount of bandwidth. The pattern 太多 + noun is useful when saying that a resource is being used excessively.
带宽
带宽 means “bandwidth,” the network capacity being used in “太多带宽.” It is useful with verbs such as 占用 when discussing how devices affect an internet connection.
平板电脑
平板电脑 means “tablet computer” in “平板电脑正在下载更新,” identifying the device causing the possible slowdown. It can be used as the subject of a sentence about what a tablet is doing.
正在
正在 shows that an action is in progress in “正在下载更新,” meaning the tablet is currently downloading updates. It commonly comes before the verb describing an ongoing action.
下载
下载 means “download” in “下载更新,” describing the tablet receiving update data. It commonly comes before the item being downloaded, such as 更新.
更新
更新 means “update” as the item being downloaded in “下载更新” and paused in “暂停更新.” It commonly follows an action such as 下载 or 暂停 when discussing software or device maintenance.
所以
所以 means “so” or “therefore” in “所以这可能就是……的原因,” connecting the tablet’s download with the possible explanation for the slow performance. It commonly introduces a result or conclusion after a reason.
这
这 means “this” in “这可能就是……的原因,” referring to the tablet downloading updates or the situation just described. It commonly points back to a fact or event that has already been mentioned.
可能
可能 means “might” or “possibly” in “这可能就是……的原因,” showing that the speaker is offering a possible explanation rather than certainty. It commonly comes before a verb or conclusion about an uncertain situation.
所有
所有 means “all” in “所有东西,” covering the complete set of things affected by the slow connection. It commonly comes before a noun to express the whole group.
东西
东西 means “things” in “所有东西,” referring broadly to everything that feels slow. It commonly follows 所有 when speaking generally about all affected items or activities.
感觉
感觉 means “feel” or “seem” in “所有东西感觉很慢,” describing how the situation appears to the speaker. A useful pattern is subject + 感觉 + adjective when reporting an impression rather than a measured fact.
很
很 adds degree to 慢 in “感觉很慢,” making the description “feels very or quite slow.” It commonly comes before an adjective when forming a natural descriptive statement.
慢
慢 means “slow” in “感觉很慢,” describing the speed of the affected devices or activities. It is useful after 很 or another degree word when reporting how fast something seems.
原因
原因 means “reason” or “cause” in “这可能就是所有东西感觉很慢的原因,” identifying what may explain the slowness. A common reuse pattern is X 是 Y 的原因 when connecting a cause with its result.
先
先 means “first” or “for now” in “先暂停更新,” telling the listener to pause the update before taking the next troubleshooting step. It commonly comes before the first action in an ordered set of instructions.
暂停
暂停 means “pause” in “暂停更新,” telling someone to stop the update temporarily rather than necessarily canceling it. It commonly comes before an activity or process that is being temporarily stopped.
如果
如果 means “if” in “如果信号还是会断,” introducing the condition under which the router should be restarted. It commonly begins a conditional clause followed by the resulting action.
信号
信号 means “signal” in “信号还是会断,” referring to the network signal whose continuity is in question. It commonly appears with words describing whether a connection remains available or drops.
还是
还是 means “still” in “还是会断,” showing that the signal may continue to drop even after the update is paused. It commonly comes before the verb or state that remains true.
会
会 in “会断” expresses an expected or possible occurrence: the signal may drop. It commonly comes before a verb when discussing what may happen under a condition.
断
断 means “drop” or “disconnect” in “信号还是会断,” describing the signal losing continuity. It is useful after 信号 when reporting an internet connection that cuts out.
重启
重启 means “restart” in “重启路由器,” instructing the listener to start the router again. It commonly comes directly before the device or program being restarted.
路由器
路由器 means “router” in “重启路由器,” the device that manages the local network connection. It is useful as the object of an instruction about fixing an unstable internet connection.
还
还 means “also” or “in addition” in “我还可以用手机热点,” adding the hotspot as another available option. It commonly appears before the verb or ability being added to the discussion.
可以
可以 means “can” or “may” in “我还可以用手机热点,” presenting the hotspot as an available backup choice. It commonly comes before a verb to describe an option or permission.
用
用 means “use” in “用手机热点,” identifying the hotspot as the tool or method for connecting. A common reuse pattern is 用 + object when explaining what device or method will be used.
手机
手机 means “mobile phone” in “手机热点,” identifying the phone that provides the hotspot. It commonly comes before a noun to specify a phone-related function or service.
热点
热点 means “hotspot” in “手机热点,” the backup network provided by the phone. It commonly combines with 手机 and can be the object of 用 when switching connection methods.
作为
作为 means “serve as” or “be used as” in “作为备用网络,” explaining the role assigned to the phone hotspot. A useful pattern is A 作为 B when describing what function or role something has.
备用
备用 means “backup” or “spare” in “备用网络,” describing an option kept available in case the main connection fails. It commonly comes before a noun for an alternative device, network, or resource.
不过
不过 introduces a contrast in “不过它的速度比较慢”: the hotspot is available, but it is slower. It commonly begins a contrasting clause after presenting a useful option or fact.
它
它 means “it” in “它的速度,” referring here to the hotspot. It commonly appears before 的 to describe something belonging to or associated with a previously mentioned non-human item.
速度
速度 means “speed” in “它的速度比较慢,” describing how fast the hotspot connection is. It commonly combines with an adjective such as 慢 to evaluate a service or process.
比较
比较 means “relatively” in “比较慢,” making the description “relatively slow” rather than an absolute statement. It commonly comes before an adjective when giving a moderate comparison or evaluation.
会议
会议 means “meeting” in “会议期间,” referring to the video meeting during which the backup connection might become unstable. It commonly combines with 期间 to specify when something happens.
期间
期间 means “during” or “the period of” in “会议期间,” marking the time covered by the meeting. A common reuse pattern is event + 期间 when describing something that happens while an event is underway.
变得
变得 means “become” or “get” in “变得不稳定,” showing a change into an unstable state. It commonly comes before an adjective describing the new condition.
只
只 means “only” in “只使用语音,” limiting the communication mode to audio. It commonly comes before the verb or object that is being restricted.
使用
使用 means “use” in “使用语音,” describing the choice to communicate through audio. It commonly comes before the tool, service, or mode being used, and is suitable for practical instructions.
语音
语音 means “audio” or “voice” in “只使用语音,” referring to the audio channel without video. It is useful when explaining a communication mode or a fallback option during a meeting.
应该
应该 means “should” in “我应该在通话开始前提醒团队吗？,” asking whether warning the team is the appropriate action. It commonly comes before a verb when asking for or giving advice.
在
在 marks the relevant time in “在通话开始前,” meaning before the call begins. It commonly comes before a time, place, or event that sets the context for an action.
前
前 means “before” in “通话开始前,” placing the warning earlier than the call’s start. A common reuse pattern is event or verb + 前 when specifying that something happens beforehand.
提醒
提醒 means “remind” or “warn” in “提醒团队,” referring to giving the team advance notice about the connection problem. It commonly comes before the person or group who should receive the notice.
团队
团队 means “team” in “提醒团队,” identifying the group that should be informed before the call. It commonly follows a verb such as 提醒 when naming the people receiving information.
吗
吗 is the yes-no question particle at the end of “我应该在通话开始前提醒团队吗？,” turning the statement into a question. It commonly follows a complete question seeking confirmation or advice.
发
发 means “send” in “发一条简短的信息,” referring to sending a message to the team. It commonly comes before a message or other item being sent.
一
一 means “one” or “a” in “一条简短的信息,” specifying one message. It commonly appears before a measure word such as 条 when counting a message.
条
条 is the measure word in “一条简短的信息,” counting one message. The reusable pattern is 一条 + message, useful when referring to a single written message.
简短
简短 means “short” or “brief” in “简短的信息,” describing a message that does not contain much text. It commonly comes before a noun such as 信息 when specifying the message’s length.
信息
信息 means “message” in “发一条简短的信息,” referring to the notice sent to the team. It commonly follows 发 when talking about sending information to other people.
能
能 means “can” or “be able to” in “能帮助他们了解,” expressing that the short message has the ability to help. It commonly comes before a verb when describing what something or someone can do.
帮助
帮助 means “help” in “帮助他们了解现在的情况,” describing the message’s useful effect on the team. It commonly combines with a person or group followed by the action they are helped to do.
他们
他们 means “they” or “them” in “帮助他们了解,” referring to the team members who receive the explanation. The same pronoun can be used as a subject or object depending on its position in the sentence.
了解
了解 means “understand” or “learn about” in “了解现在的情况,” referring to the team becoming informed about the current situation. It commonly comes before the topic that someone wants to understand.
情况
情况 means “situation” or “circumstances” in “现在的情况,” referring to what is happening with the connection and the call. It commonly follows 的 after a time or descriptive phrase, as in 现在的情况.
说
说 means “say” in “我可以说,” introducing the wording the speaker can give the team. It commonly comes before the content of what someone says.
卡住
卡住 means “freeze” or “get stuck” in “通话卡住,” describing the call stopping or becoming unresponsive. It commonly follows the device, application, or call that has stopped progressing.
切换
切换 means “switch” in “切换网络,” describing a change from one network to another if the call freezes. It commonly comes before the network, mode, or option being changed.
这样
这样 means “this way” or “like this” in “这样可以避免,” referring to the suggested message and backup plan. It commonly comes before 可以 or another result expression when explaining what an action achieves.
避免
避免 means “avoid” or “prevent” in “避免大家以为你突然离开了,” describing the goal of preventing a mistaken impression. It commonly comes before a verb phrase that names the unwanted result.
大家
大家 means “everyone” or “everybody” in “大家以为,” referring to all the people in the team or meeting. It commonly acts as the subject when describing a shared reaction or belief.
以为
以为 means “think” or “assume,” often introducing a belief that may be mistaken; in “以为你突然离开了,” people might wrongly assume that you left. It commonly comes before the content of the assumption.
你
你 means “you” in “你突然离开了,” referring to the person whose disappearance from the call might be misunderstood. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence addressed to one person.
突然
突然 means “suddenly” in “突然离开了,” describing the leaving as unexpected or without warning. It commonly comes before the verb describing an abrupt action or change.
离开
离开 means “leave” in “突然离开了,” referring to leaving the call or meeting; the dialogue form includes final 了. It commonly comes before a place, event, or situation that someone departs from.
Grammar Points
一直 + 形容词
网络连接一直不稳定。
Wǎngluò liánjiē yìzhí bù wěndìng.The internet connection has always been unstable.
一直放在形容词前，表示某种状态从过去持续到现在。
避免 + 动词
避免会议期间突然切换网络。
Bìmiǎn huìyì qījiān tūrán qiēhuàn wǎngluò.Avoid suddenly switching networks during the meeting.
避免后面直接接动词或动词短语，表示不要做某事。
Chinese Vocabulary
不稳定
adj
bù wěndìng
unstable
网络连接一直不稳定
带宽
noun
dàikuān
bandwidth
占用了太多带宽
更新
noun
gēngxīn
update
暂停更新
平板电脑
noun
píngbǎn diànnǎo
tablet
平板电脑正在下载更新
设备
noun
shèbèi
device
其他设备
视频通话
noun
shìpín tōnghuà
video call
我的视频通话马上就要开始了
网络连接
noun
wǎngluò liánjiē
internet connection
网络连接一直不稳定
下载
verb
xiàzài
to download
正在下载更新
一直
adv
yìzhí
一直;all along
一直不稳定
暂停
verb
zàntíng
to pause
暂停更新
占用
verb
zhànyòng
to use up; to occupy
占用了太多带宽
重启
verb
chóngqǐ
to restart
重启路由器
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
video call
Show Answer
视频通话internet connection
Show Answer
网络连接tablet
Show Answer
平板电脑to restart