About This Lesson
Use Resolving a Small Team Disagreement to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我觉得我们有分歧，是因为我们的假设不同。
Wǒ juéde wǒmen yǒu fēnqí, shì yīnwèi wǒmen de jiǎshè bùtóng. I think we disagree because we made different assumptions.
B
我以为客户想先要一个简单的版本。
Wǒ yǐwéi kèhù xiǎng xiān yào yí ge jiǎndān de bǎnběn. I thought the client wanted a simple version first.
A
我以为他们希望得到一个包含所有功能的完整版本。
Wǒ yǐwéi tāmen xīwàng dédào yí ge bāohán suǒyǒu gōngnéng de wánzhěng bǎnběn. I thought they expected a complete version with every feature.
B
我们看看笔记吧，不要凭记忆争论。
Wǒmen kànkan bǐjì ba, bú yào píng jìyì zhēnglùn. Let's check the notes instead of arguing from memory.
A
笔记上说速度最重要，但仍然需要一个高级功能。
Bǐjì shàng shuō sùdù zuì zhòngyào, dàn réngrán xūyào yí ge gāojí gōngnéng. The notes say speed matters most, but one advanced feature is still required.
B
包含这个功能的简单版本，听起来是合适的折中方案。
Bāohán zhège gōngnéng de jiǎndān bǎnběn, tīng qǐlái shì héshì de zhēzhōng fāng'àn. A simpler version that includes that feature sounds like the right compromise.
A
如果我们清楚地解释这个取舍，我可以接受。
Rúguǒ wǒmen qīngchu de jiěshì zhège qǔshě, wǒ kěyǐ jiēshòu. I can accept that if we explain the trade-off clearly.
B
我们可以围绕客户的优先事项来说明这一点。
Wǒmen kěyǐ wéirào kèhù de yōuxiān shìxiàng lái shuōmíng zhè yì diǎn. We can frame it around the client's priorities.
A
我会更新任务描述，使它符合这个决定。
Wǒ huì gēngxīn rènwu miáoshù, shǐ tā fúhé zhège juédìng. I'll update the task description to match the decision.
B
这样，这个分歧就不应该拖慢项目进度。
Zhèyàng, zhège fēnqí jiù bù yīnggāi tuōmàn xiàngmù jìndù. Then the disagreement should not slow the project down.Word by Word
我
我 means “I” here and is the first-person subject of the speaker’s opinion. It commonly appears before a verb when the speaker describes a thought, feeling, or action. A teammate can use it when giving a personal view.
觉得
觉得 means “think” or “feel” here and introduces the speaker’s view. It is followed by a clause, as in 我觉得我们有分歧. Use it when presenting an opinion or impression in a discussion.
我们
我们 means “we” or “us” here and refers to the two teammates together. It appears before 有分歧 as the subject of the statement. Use it when including yourself and the person you are addressing.
有
有 means “have” here, expressing that the teammates have a disagreement. In 有分歧, it is followed by the thing or situation that exists. Use 有 before a noun to state that someone has or there is something.
分歧
分歧 means “disagreement” or “difference of opinion” here. The exact expression 有分歧 describes a difference between people’s views. It is useful when discussing a problem between teammates without necessarily describing a serious conflict.
是
是 links the statement about the disagreement to its reason in 是因为. Here it does not identify one thing as another; it helps introduce the explanation that follows. Use 是因为 + reason when explaining why something happened.
因为
因为 means “because” and introduces the reason for the disagreement. In 是因为我们的假设不同, it gives the cause after the main statement. Use 因为 before a reason when explaining a situation.
的
的 links 我们 and 假设 to show that the assumptions belong to or are associated with “us.” This is the possessive or modifying use in 我们的假设. A reliable pattern is person or group + 的 + noun.
假设
假设 means “assumption” here: an idea the teammates accepted before checking the notes. It is the noun in 我们的假设不同. Use it when discussing beliefs or starting points that may affect a decision.
不同
不同 means “different” here and describes the relationship between the teammates’ assumptions. It appears after 我们的假设 as the predicate of the sentence. Use it after a subject when saying that two things do not match.
以为
以为 means “think” or “assume” here, referring to what the speaker believed about the client’s wishes. In this dialogue, that belief is revealed as one of the assumptions behind the disagreement. It commonly introduces the content of an earlier belief.
客户
客户 means “client” here, the person or organization whose needs guide the project. It appears before 想 and 希望 to identify whose wishes are being discussed. Use it when talking about a customer in a business or service context.
想
想 means “want” here and describes the client’s desired action or result. In 客户想先要一个简单的版本, it is followed by a clause describing what the client wants. Use it before a verb phrase to state a person’s wish or intention.
先
先 means “first” here and places the request for a simple version before later work. It appears before 要 in 先要一个简单的版本. Use 先 before an action when that action should happen earlier than another action.
要
要 means “want” or “need to have” here, within 先要一个简单的版本. It identifies the requested version as the object of the client’s wish. Use 要 before a noun when someone wants or needs that thing.
个
个 is the classifier in 一个简单的版本, placed between 一 and 版本. It counts this version as one item. A common pattern is number + 个 + noun when counting many everyday items.
简单
简单 means “simple” here and describes the requested version as not fully elaborate. It comes before 版本 as a modifier. Use it before a noun when describing something as straightforward or limited in scope.
版本
版本 means “version” here, referring to a form of the project that can be delivered to the client. It appears after 简单的 and is counted with 个. Use it when distinguishing different forms or stages of a product or document.
他们
他们 means “they” or “them” here and refers to the clients. It is the subject before 希望得到一个完整版本. Use it when referring to a group of people already identified in the conversation.
希望
希望 means “hope” or “expect” here and introduces what the clients want to receive. In 他们希望得到一个完整版本, it is followed by the desired result. Use it before a verb phrase when describing someone’s expectation or hope.
得到
得到 means “get” or “receive” here and describes obtaining a complete version. It follows 希望 and takes 一个包含所有功能的完整版本 as its object. Use 得到 + object when focusing on receiving a result, item, or benefit.
包含
包含 means “include” or “contain” here and describes what the complete version has inside it. In 包含所有功能的完整版本, it introduces the included features. Use 包含 before the content that is included in a product, document, or plan.
所有
所有 means “all” or “every” here and describes the full set of features. It appears directly before 功能 in 所有功能. Use 所有 + noun when referring to the whole relevant group of things.
功能
功能 means “feature” here, referring to a capability of the project. It appears in 所有功能 and is also part of 这个功能 later in the dialogue. Use it when discussing what a product, system, or tool can do.
完整
完整 means “complete” here and describes a version containing every required feature. It comes before 版本 in 一个包含所有功能的完整版本. Use it before a noun when emphasizing that nothing important is missing.
看看
看看 means “take a look” or “check” here and makes the invitation to inspect the notes sound light and conversational. It is a reduplicated form used before 笔记. Use 看看 + object when inviting someone to look at something briefly.
笔记
笔记 means “notes” here, specifically the written project information the teammates use to settle their disagreement. It is the object of 看看 and the source referred to in 笔记上. Use it for written notes made during work, study, or a meeting.
吧
吧 softens the suggestion in 我们看看笔记吧, giving the sentence the meaning “let’s check the notes.” It commonly appears at the end of a suggestion or invitation. Use it when proposing an action in a cooperative, less forceful way.
不
不 contributes the negation in 不要凭记忆争论, meaning that the speakers should not argue from memory. Here it works together with 要 to form a negative command. Use 不要 + verb when telling someone not to do something.
凭
凭 means “by relying on” or “based on” here, identifying memory as the basis for the argument. In 凭记忆争论, it comes before that basis. Use 凭 + basis when describing what someone relies on to act or decide.
记忆
记忆 means “memory” here and names the information the teammates might rely on instead of written notes. It follows 凭 in 凭记忆. Use it when referring to remembered information or a person’s ability to remember.
争论
争论 means “argue” or “debate” here and names the action the teammates want to avoid doing from memory. It follows the phrase 凭记忆. Use it after 不要 when advising someone not to argue or debate.
上
上 means “on” or “in” here in 笔记上, referring to information written in the notes. It follows the written source rather than describing physical movement. Use a document or source + 上 when saying that information appears in it.
说
说 means “say” or “state” here, with 笔记上 as the source of the statement. It introduces the information that speed matters most. Use source + 说 + statement when reporting what a document or person says.
速度
速度 means “speed” here and is the project quality that the notes place first. It is the subject of 速度最重要. Use it when discussing how fast something happens or how quickly work is completed.
最
最 means “most” here and marks the highest degree in 速度最重要. It comes before 重要 to show that speed has the greatest priority. Use 最 + adjective when comparing several things and identifying the highest degree.
重要
重要 means “important” here and describes speed as the top priority. It follows 最 in 速度最重要. Use it after a subject when stating that something matters in a decision or situation.
但
但 means “but” and connects the priority of speed with the additional requirement for one advanced feature. It marks a contrast between two pieces of project information. Use it to link a statement with an opposing or limiting point.
仍然
仍然 means “still” here and shows that the advanced feature remains required despite speed being the top priority. It appears before 需要. Use it when a condition continues to apply after another fact or change.
需要
需要 means “need” or “require” here and states that one advanced feature is necessary. It is followed by 一个高级功能 as the required item. Use 需要 + noun when identifying something necessary for a task or result.
高级
高级 means “advanced” here and describes the required feature as more sophisticated than a basic one. It comes before 功能 in 一个高级功能. Use it before a noun when describing a higher-level capability or option.
这
这 means “this” here and points to the advanced feature just mentioned. In 这个功能, it appears before the classifier 个 and the noun 功能. Use 这 + classifier + noun to identify a nearby or recently mentioned item.
听起来
听起来 means “sound” or “seem” here, expressing an impression about the proposed compromise. In the construction 听起来, 听 contributes hearing and 起来 presents the resulting impression, so the whole expression means that something appears suitable. Use it before a description when evaluating a proposal or idea.
合适
合适 means “suitable” or “right” here and describes the compromise as appropriate for the situation. It appears in 合适的折中方案 before the noun it modifies. Use it when judging whether a choice fits a need or circumstance.
折中
折中 means “compromise” here, referring to a solution between the simpler and more complete versions. It combines with 方案 in 折中方案. Use it when teammates or other parties accept a middle-ground solution.
方案
方案 means “plan” or “solution” here and identifies the proposed way forward. In 合适的折中方案, it is modified by both 合适的 and 折中. Use it for a planned approach to a task or problem.
如果
如果 means “if” and introduces the condition for accepting the compromise. In 如果我们清楚地解释这个取舍, the following clause states what must happen first. Use 如果 + condition, often followed by a result clause.
清楚
清楚 means “clear” here and describes the manner of the explanation in 清楚地解释. It is connected to the verb by 地. Use it when emphasizing that information or an explanation is understandable and unambiguous.
地
地 links 清楚 to 解释 and turns the description into the manner of the action: explaining clearly. The pattern adjective + 地 + verb is used to describe how an action is performed. Here it modifies 解释 rather than changing the meaning of the whole sentence.
解释
解释 means “explain” here and refers to making the trade-off understandable to others. It takes 这个取舍 as its object in 解释这个取舍. Use 解释 + object when clarifying a decision, reason, or difficult point.
取舍
取舍 means “trade-off” here, the balance involved in choosing a simpler version while keeping one advanced feature. It is the object of 解释 in 解释这个取舍. Use it when explaining what is gained and what is limited by a choice.
可以
可以 means “can” here and expresses that the speaker is able or willing to accept the proposal. It comes before 接受 in 我可以接受. Use 可以 + verb to state ability, permission, or an acceptable possibility.
接受
接受 means “accept” here and describes agreeing to the proposed compromise. It follows 可以 and takes that compromise as its understood object. Use it when agreeing to a plan, condition, suggestion, or result.
围绕
围绕 means “center around” or “organize around” here and identifies the client’s priorities as the focus of the explanation. It appears before 客户的优先事项 in 围绕客户的优先事项来说明. Use 围绕 + focus when framing a discussion around a central topic or need.
优先
优先 contributes the idea of priority in 优先事项, referring to what matters most to the client. It modifies 事项 rather than standing alone in this dialogue. Use it in a noun phrase when identifying priorities that should guide a decision.
事项
事项 means “matter” or “item” here, and in 优先事项 it refers to the client’s priority matters. It follows 优先 to form a compound expression. Use it when referring to specific matters or items being handled in work.
来
来 links the focus phrase to the following action in 围绕客户的优先事项来说明. It presents the explanation as the action carried out around that focus. A common pattern is a purpose or focus phrase + 来 + verb.
说明
说明 means “explain” or “clarify” here and refers to presenting the compromise in terms of the client’s priorities. It takes 这一点 as the understood point being explained. Use 说明 + point or information when making something clear to another person.
点
点 means “point” here in 这一点, referring to the compromise or explanation just discussed. It is part of a phrase that points back to a specific idea. Use 这一点 when referring to one particular point in an ongoing discussion.
会
会 means “will” or “be going to” here and marks the speaker’s planned action. It comes before 更新 in 我会更新. Use 会 + verb when describing a future action or an expected event.
更新
更新 means “update” here and describes changing the task description so that it reflects the decision. It takes 任务描述 as its object. Use 更新 + document, record, or information when bringing it into line with a new decision.
任务
任务 means “task” here and identifies the piece of work whose description will be changed. It combines with 描述 in 任务描述. Use it when referring to a specific assignment or piece of project work.
描述
描述 means “description” here and refers to the written explanation of the task. In 任务描述, it forms a noun compound with 任务. Use it for information that explains what something is or involves.
使
使 means “make” or “cause” here and introduces the result that the update should produce. In 使它符合这个决定, it is followed by an object and a resulting state. Use 使 + object + result or state when saying that one action causes something to become or do something.
它
它 means “it” here and refers to the task description. It is the object after 使 and before 符合. Use it to refer back to a nonhuman thing already identified in the conversation.
符合
符合 means “match” or “conform to” here and describes the task description as matching the decision. It is followed by 这个决定 in 使它符合这个决定. Use 符合 + standard, requirement, decision, or expectation when checking whether something is aligned.
决定
决定 means “decision” here and names the agreed outcome that the task description should reflect. It appears after 这个 in 这个决定. Use it when referring to a choice or conclusion reached after discussion.
这样
这样 means “in this way” or “then” here and refers to the agreed actions described in the previous lines. It introduces the expected consequence for the project. Use it at the beginning of a sentence to connect a method or arrangement with its result.
就
就 marks the consequence that follows from the arrangement in 这样，这个分歧就不应该拖慢项目进度. It links the preceding situation with the expected result. Use it in a cause-and-result pattern when the result follows naturally from a condition or action.
应该
应该 means “should” here and expresses the expected result that the disagreement will not slow the project. It comes before the negative verb phrase. Use 应该 + verb when describing what is expected, appropriate, or likely.
拖慢
拖慢 means “slow down” here and describes delaying the project’s progress. It takes 项目进度 as its object in 拖慢项目进度. Use 拖慢 + process, work, or schedule when an action causes progress to become slower.
项目
项目 means “project” here and identifies the work whose progress might be delayed. It modifies 进度 in 项目进度. Use it when referring to an organized piece of work with a defined goal.
进度
进度 means “progress” or “schedule” here and refers to how the project is moving forward. In 项目进度, it is the thing that could be slowed down. Use it when discussing whether work is on time or how far a project has advanced.
Grammar Points
而不是 + 动词/短语
先更新任务描述，而不是凭记忆决定。
Xiān gēngxīn rènwu miáoshù, ér bú shì píng jìyì juédìng.Update the task description first instead of deciding from memory.
而不是 introduces an alternative that should not be chosen. It links two contrasting actions in one sentence.
Chinese Vocabulary
版本
noun
bǎnběn
version
包含
verb
bāohán
to include; to contain
笔记
noun
bǐjì
notes
分歧
noun
fēnqí
disagreement
功能
noun
gōngnéng
feature; function
假设
noun
jiǎshè
assumption
简单
adj
jiǎndān
simple
客户
noun
kèhù
client; customer
完整
adj
wánzhěng
complete
希望
verb
xīwàng
to hope; to expect
先
adv
xiān
first; beforehand
以为
verb
yǐwéi
to think; to assume
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
disagreement
Show Answer
分歧complete
Show Answer
完整client; customer
Show Answer
客户notes