Narrowing a Local History Search | Learn Chinese in English

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Use Narrowing a Local History Search to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

我正在研究地方历史，需要更可靠的资料。

wǒ zhèngzài yánjiū dìfāng lìshǐ, xūyào gèng kěkào de zīliào I'm researching local history and need stronger sources.

我们先缩小主题范围，这样数据库搜索就能找到有用的记录。

wǒmen xiān suōxiǎo zhǔtí fànwéi, zhèyàng shùjùkù sōusuǒ jiù néng zhǎodào yǒuyòng de jìlù Let's narrow the topic first so the database search returns useful records.

我试过比较宽泛的关键词，但搜索结果很杂乱。

wǒ shìguo bǐjiào kuānfàn de guānjiàncí, dàn sōusuǒ jiéguǒ hěn záluàn I tried broad keywords, and the results were all over the place.

把街区名称、日期范围和资料类型设为筛选条件。

bǎ jiēqū míngchēng, rìqī fànwéi hé zīliào lèixíng shè wéi shāixuǎn tiáojiàn Use the neighborhood name, a date range, and the source type as filters.

你能教我如何访问报纸档案吗？

nǐ néng jiāo wǒ rúhé fǎngwèn bàozhǐ dàng'àn ma Could you show me how to access the newspaper archives?

有些档案只有在图书馆网络上才能打开。

yǒuxiē dàng'àn zhǐyǒu zài túshūguǎn wǎngluò shàng cái néng dǎkāi Some archives open only on the library network.

所以，请从这个目录页面开始。

suǒyǐ, qǐng cóng zhège mùlù yèmiàn kāishǐ So start from this catalogue page.

这就解释了为什么我在家里打不开它们。

zhè jiù jiěshì le wèishénme wǒ zài jiālǐ dǎ bù kāi tāmen That explains why they would not load from home.

现在用这台电脑吧。

xiànzài yòng zhè tái diànnǎo ba Use this computer now.

或者通过档案链接，用你的借书证登录。

huòzhě tōngguò dàng'àn liànjiē, yòng nǐ de jièshūzhèng dēnglù Or sign in with your library card from the archive link.

这样应该能帮我节省很多时间。

zhèyàng yīnggāi néng bāng wǒ jiéshěng hěn duō shíjiān That should save me a lot of time.

这样也应该能帮你找到更容易引用的资料。

zhèyàng yě yīnggāi néng bāng nǐ zhǎodào gèng róngyì yǐnyòng de zīliào It should also give you sources that are easier to cite.

Word by Word

我 “我” refers to the speaker, meaning “I” or “me,” in “我正在研究地方历史”. It commonly comes before the action or state being described, as in “我需要资料”. You use it when talking about yourself to another person.

正在 “正在” shows that the action in “我正在研究地方历史” is in progress now. It is placed before the action word, here before “研究”. Use “正在 + action” when describing something happening at the moment of speaking.

研究 “研究” means to research or study a subject; here it describes examining local history. It can be followed directly by the topic being studied, as in “研究地方历史”. You use it when discussing a serious or organized investigation.

地方 “地方” means local in “地方历史”, referring to a particular area rather than history in general. Here it modifies “历史” before the noun. Use it before a subject when you want to limit that subject to a local area.

历史 “历史” means history, the subject being researched in “地方历史”. It follows “地方” to form the topic “local history”. You use it when discussing past events, records, or the development of a place.

需要 “需要” means need in “需要更可靠的资料”. It is followed by the thing that is needed, here “更可靠的资料”. Use “需要 + object” to state a practical requirement.

更 “更” means more or even more in “更可靠的资料”; it increases the degree of “可靠”. It comes before the describing word it modifies. Use “更 + description” when comparing with an earlier or implied standard.

可靠 “可靠” means reliable or trustworthy in “更可靠的资料”. It describes the quality of the materials, and “更” makes that quality stronger. Use it before “的” and a noun when describing dependable information or sources.

的 In “更可靠的资料”, “的” links the description “更可靠” to the noun “资料”. The words before “的” describe or identify the noun after it. Use this pattern for a noun phrase such as “清楚的说明”. “清楚的说明” is a new example.

资料 “资料” means research materials or sources in “更可靠的资料”. It is the object of “需要” and refers to information used for research. You use it when talking about collected written, digital, or documentary material.

我们 “我们” means “we” or “us” in “我们先缩小主题范围”. It identifies the speaker together with the person being addressed. Use it before an action when proposing that both people do something.

先 “先” means first in “我们先缩小主题范围”. It shows that narrowing the topic should happen before the database search. Use it before an action to set its order in a plan.

缩小 “缩小” means narrow or reduce in “缩小主题范围”. It describes making the scope of a topic smaller and more focused. Use it with an object such as “范围” when limiting a search or discussion.

主题 “主题” means topic or theme in “主题范围”. It identifies what the research is about. Use it before “范围” when referring to the scope of a particular topic.

范围 “范围” means scope or range in “缩小主题范围”. It is the area or limits that are being reduced. Use it after a topic or category when describing how broad something is.

这样 “这样” means in this way or this way in “这样数据库搜索就能找到有用的记录”. It refers to the preceding action of narrowing the topic. Use it to connect a method or situation with its result.

数据库 “数据库” means database in “数据库搜索”. It identifies the system being searched for research records. Use it before “搜索” to describe a search carried out in a database.

搜索 “搜索” means search in “数据库搜索”. Here it names the search process that can find records. Use it before an object, such as “搜索资料”, or after a place such as “数据库搜索”. “搜索资料” is a new example.

就 “就” links the condition or method to its expected result in “这样数据库搜索就能找到有用的记录”. It gives the sense of then or thereby. Use it in a pattern where one action makes a later result possible.

能 “能” means can or be able to in “就能找到有用的记录”. It indicates that the search will have the ability to find useful records. Use “能 + action” to describe ability or a possible result.

找到 “找到” means find successfully in “找到有用的记录”. The form combines the action of looking for something with the result of locating it. Use it before the object found, as in “找到答案”. “找到答案” is a new example.

有用 “有用” means useful in “有用的记录”. It describes records that help with the research. Use it before “的” and a noun when identifying something as useful, as in “有用的资料”. “有用的资料” is a new example.

记录 “记录” means records in “有用的记录”. It refers to stored entries or pieces of information returned by the database. Use it after a describing phrase such as “有用的” when discussing searchable information.

试 “试” means try in “我试过比较宽泛的关键词”. It describes making an attempt to use broad keywords. Use it before an action or object when saying that you tried something.

过 “过” after “试” in “我试过比较宽泛的关键词” indicates that the speaker has had that experience before. It follows the action word and does not describe the current attempt itself. Use “action + 过” to mention a past experience, such as “看过这本书”. “看过这本书” is a new example.

比较 “比较” means relatively or comparatively in “比较宽泛的关键词”. It softens the description by presenting the keywords as fairly broad. It comes before the describing word it modifies. Use it when making a moderate comparison without giving an exact measurement.

宽泛 “宽泛” means broad or wide-ranging in “比较宽泛的关键词”. It describes keywords that cover too much territory for this search. Use it before “的” and a noun when describing a broad range of content.

关键词 “关键词” means keyword in “比较宽泛的关键词”. It refers to a search term entered into the database. Use it when discussing the words used to retrieve search results.

但 “但” means but in “但搜索结果很杂乱”. It introduces a result that contrasts with the previous attempt. Use it between two statements when the second one limits or opposes the first.

结果 “结果” means result in “搜索结果”. It refers to what the search produced. Use it after the activity that produced it, as in “考试结果”. “考试结果” is a new example.

很 “很” intensifies the description “杂乱” in “结果很杂乱”, meaning that the results are quite messy. It is placed before the describing word. Use it before an adjective when describing a noticeable degree.

杂乱 “杂乱” means messy or disorganized in “搜索结果很杂乱”. It describes results that are not neatly focused or arranged. Use it after “很” or another degree word when describing an untidy collection of information.

把 “把” marks “街区名称、日期范围和资料类型” as the specific objects being handled in “把……设为筛选条件”. It is used before an object when the sentence focuses on what is done to that object. Use the full pattern “把 + object + action/result”, keeping the object before the action.

街区 “街区” means neighborhood or district in “街区名称”. It identifies the local area used as a search detail. Use it before “名称” when referring to a neighborhood’s name.

名称 “名称” means name or designation in “街区名称”. It specifies the name of the neighborhood rather than the neighborhood itself. Use it after the thing whose official or identifying name is meant.

日期 “日期” means date in “日期范围”. It identifies calendar dates as one of the search details. Use it before “范围” when referring to a range of dates.

和 “和” means and in “街区名称、日期范围和资料类型”. It joins the listed search details. Use it to connect nouns or noun phrases in a list.

类型 “类型” means type or category in “资料类型”. It identifies the category of source material. Use it after the thing being classified, such as “资料类型” for source type.

设 “设” contributes the meaning set or designate in “设为筛选条件”. It describes assigning the listed items a particular function. It is used with “为” in the pattern “设为 + role or category”.

为 “为” means as or into in “设为筛选条件”. Together with “设”, it shows that the listed details are designated as filtering criteria. Use it in “设为 + noun” when assigning something a role.

筛选 “筛选” means filter or screen in “筛选条件”. It describes selecting relevant results by applying criteria. Use it before “条件” when referring to the criteria used for filtering.

条件 “条件” means condition or criterion in “筛选条件”. Here it refers to a requirement used to filter search results. Use it after a function word such as “筛选” to name the criteria for a process.

你 “你” means “you” in “你能教我如何访问报纸档案吗”. It refers to the person being asked for help. Use it before an ability or action when addressing one person directly.

教 “教” means teach or show someone how in “教我如何访问报纸档案”. It is followed by the person receiving instruction, “我”, and then what they are taught. Use “教 + person + how or action” when asking for instruction.

如何 “如何” means how in “如何访问报纸档案”. It introduces the method of carrying out the action “访问”. Use it before an action when asking or explaining how to do something.

访问 “访问” means access in “访问报纸档案”. Here it refers to reaching archival material through the library system. Use it before a website, archive, or other resource that someone wants to access.

报纸 “报纸” means newspaper in “报纸档案”. It identifies the type of material held in the archives. Use it before “档案” when referring to newspaper archives.

档案 “档案” means archives or archival records in “报纸档案”. It refers to stored historical material that the researcher wants to access. Use it after a material type, such as “报纸”, to specify the archive.

吗 “吗” marks the sentence “你能教我如何访问报纸档案吗” as a yes-or-no question. It is placed at the end of the question. Use it after a statement when asking whether it is true or possible.

有些 “有些” means some in “有些档案”. It indicates that the statement applies to part of the archives, not all of them. Use it before a plural or collective noun when referring to an unspecified portion.

只有 “只有” means only in “只有在图书馆网络上才能打开”. It limits the condition under which the archives can be opened. Here it works with “才” to express that access is possible only under that condition.

在 “在” marks the place or platform in “在图书馆网络上”. It shows where the archives can be opened. Use “在 + place or platform” to locate an action or state.

图书馆 “图书馆” means library in “图书馆网络”. It identifies the institution whose network provides access. Use it before another noun when describing something belonging to or associated with a library.

网络 “网络” means network in “图书馆网络”. It refers to the library’s network connection as the access environment. Use it after an institution or place when naming its network.

上 “上” means on in “图书馆网络上”. It marks the network as the platform where the archives can be opened. Use it after a platform or medium when describing something available on it.

才 “才” means only then or not until in “只有在图书馆网络上才能打开”. It emphasizes that opening the archives is possible only when the stated condition is met. Use it with “只有” in the pattern “只有 + condition + 才 + result”.

打开 “打开” is the action of opening or loading something; in the dialogue it appears in “打不开”, meaning the archives cannot be opened or loaded. The form “打开” names the action, while “不” makes it impossible here. Use it with a file, page, or archive when describing access.

所以 “所以” means so or therefore in “所以，请从这个目录页面开始”. It introduces the recommendation that follows from the access restriction. Use it to connect a reason or explanation with its practical result.

请 “请” means please in “请从这个目录页面开始”. It makes the instruction more polite. Use it before a request or instruction directed at another person.

从 “从” means from in “从这个目录页面开始”. It marks the starting point for the action “开始”. Use “从 + starting point + action” when telling someone where or when to begin.

这个 “这个” means this in “这个目录页面”. It points to a specific page near the speakers or currently under discussion. Use it before a noun to identify one particular item.

目录 “目录” means catalogue or directory in “目录页面”. It identifies the page that lists or leads to the available resources. Use it before “页面” when referring to a catalogue page.

页面 “页面” means page in “目录页面”. It refers to a page on the library’s catalogue or website. Use it after a page type, such as “目录”, to specify what kind of page it is.

开始 “开始” means start or begin in “从这个目录页面开始”. It tells the researcher to use that page as the first step. Use it after a starting point in “从 + place or time + 开始”.

这 “这” means this or that in “这就解释了为什么我在家里打不开它们”. Here it refers to the newly understood library-network restriction. Use it to point back to a situation or fact just mentioned.

解释 “解释” means explain in “这就解释了为什么我在家里打不开它们”. It introduces the reason that makes the earlier problem understandable. Use “解释 + why or result” when giving the reason for something.

为什么 “为什么” means why in “为什么我在家里打不开它们”. It introduces the reason for the archives not loading at home. Use it before a subject and action when asking or explaining a cause.

家里 “家里” means at home in “我在家里打不开它们”. The ending “里” presents home as the place where the problem occurred. Use it after “在” when describing an action or situation at home.

不 “不” negates the action in “打不开”, meaning the speaker cannot open or load the archives. It appears before the action word “打开”. Use it before an action when stating that the action does not happen or cannot happen in the described situation.

它们 “它们” means they or them in “打不开它们”. It refers back to the archives mentioned earlier. Use it to refer to multiple non-human things after they have already been identified.

现在 “现在” means now in “现在用这台电脑吧”. It marks the immediate time for using the computer. Use it before an action when suggesting that the action happen at this moment.

用 “用” means use in “用这台电脑” and shows the tool used for the action. It also appears in “用你的借书证登录”, where it means using something as a means. Use “用 + tool or means + action” to say what enables an action.

这台 “这台” means this one, with “台” used for a machine in “这台电脑”. It identifies one particular computer. Use “这台 + machine” when pointing out a specific piece of equipment.

电脑 “电脑” means computer in “这台电脑”. It is the tool the librarian offers the researcher. Use it after a classifier such as “这台” when referring to a computer.

吧 “吧” softens “现在用这台电脑吧” into a suggestion rather than a forceful command. It appears at the end of the sentence. Use it after a proposed action when inviting agreement or making the instruction gentler.

或者 “或者” means or in “或者通过档案链接”. It introduces an alternative way to access the archives. Use it before the second option when presenting a choice between methods.

通过 “通过” means through or by means of in “通过档案链接”. It identifies the route used to carry out the login. Use “通过 + route or method + action” when explaining how something is done.

链接 “链接” means link in “档案链接”. It identifies the digital link leading to the archive. Use it after the resource it leads to, such as “档案链接” for an archive link.

借书证 “借书证” means library card in “用你的借书证登录”. It is the card used as a library member credential. Use it after “用” when describing the item used to log in or access library services.

登录 “登录” means sign in or log in in “用你的借书证登录”. It describes entering a service with the library card. Use it after the credential or method, as in “用账号登录”. “用账号登录” is a new example.

应该 “应该” means should in “应该能帮我节省很多时间”. It expresses an expected or likely result rather than a guaranteed one. Use it before “能” and an action when saying that something is expected to help make an outcome possible.

帮 “帮” means help in “帮我节省很多时间” and “帮你找到更容易引用的资料”. It is followed by the person helped and the action or result, such as “帮我节省”. Use the pattern “帮 + person + action” when describing assistance.

节省 “节省” means save or reduce the amount of something used in “节省很多时间”. Here the saved resource is time. Use it before an amount and a resource, as in “节省时间” or “节省费用”. “节省费用” is a new example.

很多 “很多” means a lot of in “很多时间”. It indicates a large amount of time. Use it before a noun when describing a large quantity, as in “很多资料”. “很多资料” is a new example.

时间 “时间” means time in “节省很多时间”. It is the resource that the suggested access method will save. Use it after quantity words or verbs such as “节省” when discussing time.

也 “也” means also in “也应该能帮你找到更容易引用的资料”. It adds another expected benefit to the time-saving benefit already mentioned. Use it before the action or result that is being added.

容易 “容易” means easy in “更容易引用的资料”. It describes sources that require less difficulty to cite. It comes before “引用” inside the describing phrase. Use “容易 + action” when saying that an action is easy to do.

引用 “引用” means cite in “更容易引用的资料”. It refers to using a source in a research text with an appropriate reference. Use it after “容易” when describing sources that are easy to cite, or before a source when describing the act of citing it.

Grammar Points

把 + 宾语 + 动词

把主题范围缩小。

bǎ zhǔtí fànwéi suōxiǎo

Narrow the scope of the topic.

把 places the object before the verb and highlights the result of the action.

形容词 + 的 + 名词

可靠的资料

kěkào de zīliào

reliable research material

的 connects an adjective to the noun it describes; it is required in many descriptive phrases.

Chinese Vocabulary

地方历史 phrase

dìfāng lìshǐ local history

关键词 noun

guānjiàncí keyword

记录 noun

jìlù record

可靠 adj

kěkào reliable

宽泛 adj

kuānfàn broad; general

数据库 noun

shùjùkù database

搜索 noun

sōusuǒ search

缩小 verb

suōxiǎo narrow; reduce

研究 verb

yánjiū research

杂乱 adj

záluàn messy; disorganized

主题范围 phrase

zhǔtí fànwéi scope of the topic

资料 noun

zīliào source; research material

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

scope of the topic

Show Answer

主题范围

local history

Show Answer

地方历史

narrow; reduce

Show Answer

缩小

keyword

Show Answer

关键词