About This Lesson
Use Turn a Walk into a Useful Reset to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我无法决定哪个设计版本更好。
Wǒ wúfǎ juédìng nǎge shèjì bǎnběn gèng hǎo. I can't decide which version of the design works better.
B
我们出去走几分钟，把这件事谈清楚吧。
Wǒmen chūqù zǒu jǐ fēnzhōng, bǎ zhè jiàn shì tán qīngchu ba. Let's step out for a few minutes and talk it through.
A
新鲜空气可能会有帮助，但我不想花太多时间。
Xīnxiān kōngqì kěnéng huì yǒu bāngzhù, dàn wǒ bù xiǎng huā tài duō shíjiān. Fresh air might help, but I don't want to lose too much time.
B
我们就在街区绕一圈，专注于最重要的决定。
Wǒmen jiù zài jiēqū rào yì quān, zhuānzhù yú zuì zhòngyào de juédìng. We can just circle the block and focus on the main decision.
A
这样我可以休息一下，又不会完全放下这个问题。
Zhèyàng wǒ kěyǐ xiūxi yíxià, yòu bú huì wánquán fàngxià zhège wèntí. That would give me a break without dropping the problem completely.
B
有时候，走动走动会让决定变得容易一些。
Yǒu shíhou, zǒudòng zǒudòng huì ràng juédìng biàn de róngyì yìxiē. Sometimes moving around makes the decision feel easier.
A
我会带上手机，以防我们需要查看设计样稿。
Wǒ huì dài shàng shǒujī, yǐfáng wǒmen xūyào chákàn shèjì yànggǎo. I'll bring my phone in case we need to check the mockup.
B
放松地走，别让它变成另一个任务。
Fàngsōng de zǒu, bié ràng tā biàn chéng lìng yí ge rènwu. Keep the pace relaxed so it doesn't turn into another task.
A
走一小段路后，我们可以回来选一个方向。
Zǒu yì xiǎo duàn lù hòu, wǒmen kěyǐ huílái xuǎn yí ge fāngxiàng. After a short walk, we can come back and choose one direction.
B
短暂调整一下思路，或许能让我们不用再纠结一个小时。
Duǎnzàn tiáozhěng yíxià sīlù, huòxǔ néng ràng wǒmen bú yòng zài jiūjié yí ge xiǎoshí. A short reset might save us from another hour of overthinking.Word by Word
我
我 means I or me in this dialogue, as in 我无法 and 给我. It appears before a verb when it is the person acting or experiencing something. Use it when speaking about yourself in everyday conversation.
无法
无法 means be unable to or cannot, as in 我无法决定. It presents the decision as not currently possible for the speaker. Use it before an action when explaining that you cannot do it.
决定
决定 means decide in 我无法决定, and decision in 最重要的决定. Its meaning depends on whether it describes choosing or the choice itself. Use it when discussing a choice, conclusion, or important matter.
哪个
哪个 means which one in 哪个设计版本. It asks the listener to identify one option from several possibilities. Use it before a noun when choosing between alternatives.
设计
设计 means design in 设计版本. Here it identifies the kind of version being compared. Use it before a noun when talking about a design or something related to design.
版本
版本 means version in 设计版本. It identifies one form or edition of the design. Use it after the thing being varied, such as a design, document, or application.
更
更 marks a comparison in 更好, meaning more or comparatively. It shows that one option is judged better than another. Use it before an adjective when comparing two or more possibilities.
好
好 means good, and in 更好 it means better because 更 adds the comparison. The dialogue uses it to evaluate one design version. Use it after a comparison marker when describing a more favorable option.
我们
我们 means we or us in 我们出去 and 我们可以. It refers to the speaker and the other person together. Use it as the subject when proposing or describing a shared action.
出去
出去 means go out in 我们出去走几分钟. It describes moving from the current place to outside. Use it before an activity when suggesting that people leave the present location to do it.
走
走 means walk in 出去走几分钟 and 走一小段路. Here it describes a short walk rather than a detailed journey. Use it with a duration or distance when suggesting a walk.
几
几 means a few or several in 几分钟. It asks for or indicates a small, unspecified number before a counting word. Use it before a time unit or another suitable measure word when the exact number is not important.
分钟
分钟 means minute in 几分钟. It measures the short amount of time planned for the walk. Use it after a number or quantity word to state a duration.
把
把 marks 这件事 as the object being handled in 把这件事谈清楚. It highlights what the action will deal with or change. Use it before an object when describing a deliberate action performed on that object.
这
这 means this in 这件事 and 这个问题. It points to a matter that is close or already understood in the conversation. Use it before a measure word and noun to identify a specific thing.
件
件 is the measure word in 这件事 for a matter or issue. It connects the demonstrative 这 with the noun 事. Use it with matters, events, or other nouns that take this measure word.
事
事 means matter or thing in 这件事. It refers to the issue the speakers want to discuss clearly. Use it when referring to a matter, event, or situation rather than a physical object.
谈
谈 means talk about or discuss in 谈清楚. It supplies the act of discussing the matter, while 清楚 describes the desired result. Use it when discussing an issue with another person.
清楚
清楚 means clearly or thoroughly in 谈清楚, where the discussion should lead to a clear understanding. It describes the result of dealing with the matter. Use it after an action when saying that something should become clear or settled.
吧
吧 softens 谈清楚吧 into a suggestion rather than a firm command. It is useful when proposing an action to another person. Put it at the end of a suggestion in friendly conversation.
新鲜
新鲜 means fresh in 新鲜空气. It describes the air outside as fresh. Use it before a noun when describing freshness, especially with air or food.
空气
空气 means air in 新鲜空气. Here it is the thing that might help the speaker think. Use it with descriptions such as 新鲜空气 when talking about the air around you.
可能
可能 means possibly or might in 可能会有帮助. It shows that the speaker is making a cautious prediction rather than stating a certainty. Use it before a possible result or action when you are not sure.
会
会 helps express a possible result in 可能会有帮助. Together with 可能, it presents being helpful as a possibility. Use it before a verb or verbal phrase when describing a likely or possible outcome.
有
有 means have or there is, and in 有帮助 it contributes the idea that help is present or available. The phrase describes fresh air as helpful. Use it before a noun when stating that something exists or is available.
帮助
帮助 means help in 有帮助, where the phrase means be helpful. It identifies the beneficial effect expected from fresh air. Use it when describing assistance or something that benefits a person.
但
但 means but in 但我不想花太多时间. It introduces a concern that contrasts with the possible benefit. Use it to connect a positive point with a limitation or opposing concern.
不
不 negates the following action in 不想 and 不会. It makes the speaker say that they do not want something or that something will not happen. Put it before the verb or expression being denied.
想
想 means want to in 我不想花太多时间. It expresses the speaker's preference about how much time to spend. Use it before an action when stating what you want or do not want to do.
花
花 means spend in 花太多时间, specifically spend too much time. It is used with a time amount to describe the time required by an activity. Use it when talking about how much time an action consumes.
太
太 means too or excessively in 太多时间. It marks the amount as more than the speaker considers acceptable. Use it before an adjective or amount when expressing an excessive degree.
多
多 means much or many in 太多时间. Here it describes an excessive amount of time, together with 太. Use it with a noun to discuss quantity, especially when the amount is large.
时间
时间 means time in 花太多时间. It is the resource the speaker does not want to spend excessively. Use it after an amount or time expression when describing duration or available time.
就
就 means just or simply in 就在街区绕一圈. It presents the walk as a limited, straightforward plan. Use it before an action when narrowing the proposal to something simple or specific.
在
在 contributes the location meaning in 就在街区, pointing to where the walk will happen. It is placed before the place expression. Use it before a location when stating where an action takes place.
街区
街区 means city block or neighborhood in 街区绕一圈. It identifies the area around which they plan to walk. Use it when referring to a block or local urban area.
绕
绕 means go around or circle in 绕一圈. It describes moving around the block rather than going directly somewhere. Use it with a place or circuit when describing going around it.
一
一 means one or a in 一圈, 一个问题, 一小段路, 一个方向, and 一个小时. It gives a single quantity before a measure word or noun. Use it when referring to one item, one period, or one unit.
圈
圈 means a round or circuit in 绕一圈. It measures one complete circuit around the block. Use it after 一 when describing one round or loop.
专注
专注 means focus or concentrate in 专注于最重要的决定. It describes directing attention toward the main decision. Use it with 于 and the object of attention when telling someone what to focus on.
于
于 links 专注 with its focus in 专注于最重要的决定, meaning focus on. It marks the target of the attention. Use it after 专注 when naming what someone is concentrating on.
最
最 means most in 最重要的决定. It marks the highest degree of importance among the decisions being considered. Use it before an adjective when identifying the greatest degree.
重要
重要 means important in 最重要的决定. It describes which decision deserves the most attention. Use it before 的 and a noun when describing an important person, thing, or matter.
的
的 links 最重要 to 决定 in 最重要的决定, turning the description into a noun phrase. It shows that the preceding words describe the following noun. Use it between a modifier and the noun it describes.
这样
这样 means this way or like this in 这样我可以休息一下. It refers back to the proposed short walk and its arrangement. Use it at the start of a sentence when explaining a result that follows from a way of doing something.
可以
可以 means can or be able to in 我可以休息一下. It presents the break as possible under the proposed plan. Use it before an action when saying that the action is possible or permitted.
休息
休息 means rest or take a break in 休息一下. It describes pausing work briefly. Use it when suggesting or describing a period away from an activity.
一下
一下 makes 休息一下 a brief, softened action, meaning take a short break. In this expression, 一 and 下 together give the idea of one short, limited interval rather than a long rest. Use it after an action when making the action brief or less forceful.
又
又 links the second benefit in 又不会完全放下这个问题 with the first benefit of taking a break. Here it means and also or at the same time, not again. Use it when presenting another result that occurs together with the first one.
完全
完全 means completely in 完全放下这个问题. It emphasizes that the problem is not being set aside in its entirety. Use it before an action or description when stressing totality.
放下
放下 means put down or let go of in 放下这个问题. Here it means stop dealing with the problem entirely for the moment. Use it with a physical object or, as here, with an issue that someone stops holding in attention.
个
个 is the general measure word in 这个问题. It connects 这 with 问题 when identifying one specific issue. Use it with many everyday nouns when a general measure word is needed.
问题
问题 means problem or issue in 这个问题. It refers to the design matter that the speakers continue to consider. Use it for a question, difficulty, or matter needing attention.
有时候
有时候 means sometimes in 有时候走动走动. It introduces something that happens on some occasions but not always. Put it near the beginning of a sentence when describing a recurring possibility.
走动
走动 means move around in 走动走动. It describes light movement rather than staying seated. The repeated form presents a short, casual amount of movement; use it when suggesting movement during a break.
让
让 means let or make in 让决定变得容易一些. It introduces the thing whose state is affected, namely the decision. Use it before a person or thing when saying that something causes or allows a result.
变得
变得 means become or turn in 变得容易一些. It shows a change toward being easier. Use it before an adjective when describing a change in condition.
容易
容易 means easy in 容易一些. It describes the decision as requiring less effort after moving around. Use it after a verb such as 变得 when describing an easier condition.
一些
一些 means somewhat or a little in 容易一些. It softens the comparison and says that the decision feels easier to some degree. Use it after an adjective when indicating a limited increase or decrease in degree.
带上
带上 means bring along in 带上手机. It describes taking the phone with the speaker while going out. Use it before the object you plan to carry with you.
手机
手机 means mobile phone in 带上手机. It is the device the speaker will carry in case the mockup needs checking. Use it when talking about a phone used for mobile communication or work.
以防
以防 means in case in 以防我们需要查看样稿. It introduces a possible situation for which the phone is being brought. Use it before a possible need or problem when explaining a precaution.
需要
需要 means need in 我们需要查看样稿. It expresses that checking the mockup may become necessary. Use it before a noun or action when stating a requirement or necessity.
查看
查看 means check or view in 查看样稿. It describes looking at the mockup to inspect it. Use it before the thing being checked or viewed.
样稿
样稿 means mockup or sample design in 查看样稿. It is the design sample the speakers may inspect on the phone. Use it for a draft or sample version of a design or document.
地
地 turns 放松 into the manner expression 放松地走, meaning walk in a relaxed way. It connects a description of manner to the following action. Use it after a modifier when explaining how an action is performed.
别
别 means do not in 别让它变成另一个任务. It gives a negative instruction to prevent an unwanted result. Put it before the action that someone should avoid.
它
它 means it in 它变成另一个任务. It refers back to the walk as the thing that might change into another task. Use it when referring to a non-human thing already mentioned.
变成
变成 means turn into or become in 变成另一个任务. It describes a change of identity or result from a walk into a task. Use it before the new state or thing that something becomes.
另
另 means another or additional in 另一个任务. It signals that the task would be a separate one from the original work. Use it with 一个 and a noun when identifying an additional item or activity.
任务
任务 means task in 另一个任务. It describes work that the speakers do not want the walk to become. Use it for a specific piece of work or responsibility.
小
小 means small or short in 一小段路. Here it describes the length of the stretch of road, not its physical size. Use it before a measure expression when describing a short amount or distance.
段
段 measures a stretch or section in 一小段路. It presents the walk as one limited part of a route. Use it with 路 or another extended thing when referring to a section or stretch.
路
路 means road or way in 一小段路. It identifies the distance walked after the short walk. Use it with a measure word such as 段 when describing part of a route.
后
后 means after in 一小段路后. It places the return and later decision after the short walk. Use it after an event or time expression to mark what happens afterward.
回来
回来 means come back or return in 我们可以回来选一个方向. It describes returning to the original work after the walk. Use it when someone moves back toward the place or situation being discussed.
和
和 normally means and and connects coordinated nouns or actions. The provided Chinese dialogue does not contain 和, so its specific contextual use in this lesson cannot be determined. Use it in a new sentence when joining two comparable items or actions.
选
选 means choose or select in 选一个方向. It describes making the final choice after the walk. Use it before the option or object that is selected.
方向
方向 means direction in 一个方向. Here it refers to one chosen approach for the design decision. Use it when discussing a route, orientation, or general course of action.
短暂
短暂 means short or brief in 短暂调整一下思路. It describes the reset as lasting only a short time. Use it before a noun or action when emphasizing limited duration.
调整
调整 means adjust or reset in 短暂调整一下思路. It describes changing the way of thinking so the speakers can consider the decision more clearly. Use it with a plan, setting, thought process, or other thing that can be adjusted.
思路
思路 means line of thought or way of thinking in 调整一下思路. It refers to the mental approach used to consider the design decision. Use it when discussing how someone organizes or develops their thinking.
或许
或许 means perhaps or maybe in 或许能让我们不用再纠结一个小时. It expresses a possibility with a cautious tone. Use it before a possible result when you do not want to sound certain.
能
能 means can or be able to in 能让我们不用再纠结一个小时. It presents the short reset as capable of producing the stated result. Use it before a verb when describing ability or a possible effect.
不用
不用 means not need to or do not have to in 不用再纠结. It says that another action will no longer be necessary. Use it before a verb when removing an obligation or need.
再
再 means again or further in 再纠结. It refers to continuing the overthinking for additional time. Use it before an action when saying that it happens again or continues further.
纠结
纠结 means agonize over or overthink in 纠结一个小时. It describes remaining mentally stuck on the decision for a long time. Use it when someone has difficulty letting go of a choice or issue.
小时
小时 means hour in 一个小时. It measures the additional period that might otherwise be spent overthinking. Use it after a number to state a duration in hours.
Grammar Points
以防 + 小句
带上样稿，以防无法决定方向。
Dài shàng yànggǎo, yǐfáng wúfǎ juédìng fāngxiàng.Bring the mockup in case you are unable to decide on a direction.
以防表示“in case”，后面接可能发生的情况或结果。
专注于 + 名词
专注于重要任务。
Zhuānzhù yú zhòngyào rènwu.Focus on the important task.
专注于表示“focus on”，于后面接关注的对象。
Chinese Vocabulary
版本
noun
bǎnběn
version
帮助
verb
bāngzhù
help
出去
verb
chūqù
go out
街区
noun
jiēqū
block; neighborhood block
决定
verb
juédìng
decide; decision
可能
adv
kěnéng
might; possibly
绕一圈
phrase
rào yì quān
go around once; circle the block
设计
noun
shèjì
design
谈清楚
phrase
tán qīngchu
talk something through; clarify through discussion
无法
adv
wúfǎ
be unable to; cannot
新鲜空气
phrase
xīnxiān kōngqì
fresh air
专注于
phrase
zhuānzhù yú
focus on
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
fresh air
Show Answer
新鲜空气go out
Show Answer
出去design
Show Answer
设计talk something through; clarify through discussion