About This Lesson
Use Borrowing a Drill Safely to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗？
wǒ kěyǐ jiè nǐ de diànzuàn lái ānzhuāng yí ge xiǎo jiàzi ma? Could I borrow your drill to put up a small shelf?
B
可以。你以前用过电钻吗？
kěyǐ. nǐ yǐqián yòngguo diànzuàn ma? You can. Have you used a drill before?
A
我只用过一次，所以有一些基本说明会有帮助。
wǒ zhǐ yòngguo yí cì, suǒyǐ yǒu yìxiē jīběn shuōmíng huì yǒu bāngzhù. Only once, so basic instructions would help.
B
先确认墙是什么类型的，并戴上护目镜。
xiān quèrèn qiáng shì shénme lèixíng de, bìng dài shàng hùmùjìng. Check what kind of wall it is first, and wear safety glasses.
A
我还担心会碰到电线。
wǒ hái dānxīn huì pèngdào diànxiàn. I'm also worried about hitting electrical wires.
B
不管在哪里钻孔，都要先用这个探测器。
bùguǎn zài nǎlǐ zuānkǒng, dōu yào xiān yòng zhège tàncèqì. Use this detector before you drill anywhere.
A
我会先扫描那个位置，再标出孔的位置。
wǒ huì xiān sǎomiáo nàge wèizhì, zài biāochū kǒng de wèizhì. I'll scan the spot before I mark the holes.
B
请把电钻、充电器和钻头一起带回来。
qǐng bǎ diànzuàn, chōngdiànqì hé zuāntóu yìqǐ dài huílái. Please bring the drill back with the charger and bits together.
A
我会先把灰尘清理干净，再把它还回来。
wǒ huì xiān bǎ huīchén qīnglǐ gānjìng, zài bǎ tā huán huílái. I'll clean off the dust before I return it.
B
慢慢来，安全比速度更重要。
mànmàn lái, ānquán bǐ sùdù gèng zhòngyào. Take your time with it; safety matters more than speed.Word by Word
我
我 means “I” or “me”; it is the first-person subject in 我可以借你的电钻 and 我还担心会碰到电线. It is used when talking about your own action, experience, or concern, such as when borrowing a tool or describing a safety worry.
可以
可以 means “may” or “be allowed to” in 我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗？ and grants permission in 可以. It commonly comes before an action to ask for or give permission, for example when requesting to borrow something.
借
借 means “borrow” in 借你的电钻, where the borrowed item follows the verb. The pattern 借 + item is useful when asking to use someone else’s property temporarily, such as a tool or book.
你
你 means “you” in 你以前用过电钻吗？ and also appears in 你的电钻 to identify the owner. Use it when addressing one person or referring to that person’s action, experience, or belongings.
的
的 marks possession in 你的电钻, meaning “your drill.” The pattern person + 的 + noun is used to identify who something belongs to, such as when distinguishing one person’s tool from another’s.
电钻
电钻 means “electric drill” in 借你的电钻 and 用过电钻. It is the tool being borrowed and used here, so it can follow verbs such as 借 or 用 when discussing repair work.
来
来 introduces the purpose in 来安装一个小架子: the drill is borrowed in order to install a shelf. In 慢慢来, it is part of an expression meaning to proceed slowly, so it can appear both in purpose expressions and in advice about pace.
安装
安装 means “install” in 安装一个小架子, with the shelf as its object. The pattern 安装 + object is useful when putting a shelf, device, or other item in place.
一
一 means “one” in 一个小架子. It comes before the measure word 个 to identify one item, useful when specifying that only one shelf or object is involved.
个
个 is the general measure word in 一个小架子. The pattern number + 个 + noun is commonly used when counting ordinary objects, such as one shelf.
小
小 means “small” in 小架子 and comes before the noun it describes. The pattern 小 + noun is useful when describing an object’s size, such as a small shelf.
架子
架子 means “shelf” in 一个小架子. It is the object being installed, so it can follow a measure phrase and the verb 安装 when discussing home repairs.
吗
吗 turns 我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子 into a yes-or-no question. It is placed at the end of a statement when asking for confirmation or permission, as in a request to borrow something.
以前
以前 means “before” or “previously” in 你以前用过电钻吗？. It places the experience before the present, and the pattern 以前 + action is useful when asking whether someone has done something before.
用
用 means “use” in 用过电钻, with the drill as the object. The pattern 用 + tool or object is useful when asking about or describing how someone operates equipment.
过
过 in 用过 indicates that the person has the experience of using a drill before. The pattern verb + 过 is useful when discussing whether someone has ever had a particular experience, such as using unfamiliar equipment.
只
只 means “only” in 只用过一次 and limits the amount of experience to one occasion. It commonly comes before the action or quantity being limited, useful when explaining that your experience is limited.
次
次 counts occurrences in 一次, meaning “one time.” The pattern number + 次 is useful for reporting how many times an action has happened, such as using a drill once.
所以
所以 means “so” or “therefore” in 所以有一些基本说明会有帮助. It connects the limited previous experience with the request for helpful instructions, and 所以 + result is useful when explaining a consequence.
有
有 means “have” or “there is/are” in 有一些基本说明, presenting the instructions as available help. The pattern 有 + noun is useful when saying that a resource, item, or assistance is available.
一些
一些 means “some” or “a few” in 一些基本说明 and modifies the instructions. It is useful when referring to an unspecified but limited amount of information or help.
基本
基本 means “basic” in 基本说明 and describes instructions suitable for starting. The pattern 基本 + noun is useful when asking for introductory guidance before performing an unfamiliar task.
说明
说明 means “instructions” or “explanation” in 基本说明. Here it refers to guidance about using the drill, so it is useful when a beginner asks someone to explain how to do a task.
会
会 in 会有帮助 means “would” or “is likely to,” presenting the instructions as something expected to be helpful. The pattern 会 + result is useful when describing an expected effect, such as advice being helpful to a beginner.
帮助
帮助 means “help” in 会有帮助, where 有帮助 together means “be helpful.” It is useful when explaining that instructions, advice, or another resource will support someone with a task.
先
先 means “first” in 先确认墙是什么类型的 and 先用这个探测器. It marks the action that must happen before the next step, useful for giving a safety sequence before drilling.
确认
确认 means “confirm” or “check” in 确认墙是什么类型的, where the wall type must be verified. The pattern 确认 + fact or detail is useful when checking information before taking action.
墙
墙 means “wall” in 墙是什么类型的. It is the surface being assessed before drilling, and it is useful when discussing repair or installation work in a room.
是
是 links the wall with its type in 墙是什么类型的, asking what kind of wall it is. The pattern subject + 是 + description or category is useful when identifying what something is.
什么
什么 means “what” in 什么类型 and asks for unspecified information. Here it asks which type the wall belongs to, useful when identifying a material or category before choosing a method.
类型
类型 means “type” or “kind” in 什么类型. It is used to classify the wall, so it is useful when asking which category or kind of thing something belongs to.
并
并 links another instruction in 并戴上护目镜, meaning “and also.” It connects the wall check with the safety action, useful when giving more than one instruction in sequence.
戴
戴 means “wear” or “put on” in 戴上护目镜. It is used with a wearable item, and here it gives safety advice before drilling.
上
上 in 戴上护目镜 shows that the glasses are put onto the wearer and the action reaches that result. The pattern verb + 上 is useful when describing something being put on or attached, such as safety equipment.
护目镜
护目镜 means “safety glasses” in 戴上护目镜. They are the protective item to wear before drilling, so the expression is useful when giving eye-safety instructions.
还
还 means “also” in 我还担心会碰到电线, adding another concern. In 还回来, it contributes to the idea of returning something, so its meaning depends on the surrounding expression; it is useful for adding a point or describing return in this dialogue.
担心
担心 means “worry” or “be concerned” in 担心会碰到电线. It is followed here by the concern itself, and the pattern 担心 + event or situation is useful when warning about a possible risk.
碰
碰 means “hit” or “touch” in 碰到电线. With an object such as electrical wires, it describes coming into contact with something, useful when discussing a possible accident.
到
到 in 碰到电线 shows that the action reaches contact with the wires. The expression 碰到电线 is useful when describing or warning about touching something during drilling.
电线
电线 means “electrical wire” in 碰到电线. It is the hidden hazard the speaker is worried about, so the word is useful when discussing electrical safety behind a wall.
不管
不管 means “no matter” or “regardless of” in 不管在哪里钻孔. It introduces a condition that applies to every possible location, useful when stating a general safety rule.
在
在 marks location in 在哪里, asking about the place where drilling may happen. The pattern 在 + place is useful when describing where an action occurs.
哪里
哪里 means “where,” but in 不管在哪里 it means “wherever” or “no matter where.” This form is useful when a rule applies to every possible location rather than one specific place.
钻
钻 means “drill” as a verb in 钻孔. It describes making a hole, and the pattern 钻 + 孔 is useful when discussing drilling into a wall.
孔
孔 means “hole” in 钻孔 and 标出孔的位置. It is the opening being made for the shelf, useful when discussing where holes should be drilled and marked.
都
都 means “in every case” in 不管在哪里钻孔，都要先用这个探测器. Together with 不管, it makes the instruction apply to all possible drilling locations, useful for stating a rule without exceptions.
要
要 means “need to” or “must” in 都要先用这个探测器. It introduces the required action, useful when giving a direct safety instruction before work begins.
这
这 means “this” in 这个探测器 and points to the detector being offered or nearby. The pattern 这 + noun is useful when identifying a specific object in the current situation.
探测器
探测器 means “detector” in 这个探测器. It is the device to use before drilling, so the word is useful when discussing equipment for checking a work area.
扫描
扫描 means “scan” in 扫描那个位置. It describes checking the intended spot before marking holes, useful when inspecting an area before a repair or installation.
那
那 means “that” in 那个位置 and points to a previously identified spot. The pattern 那 + noun is useful when referring to an object or place that is not the one currently closest to the speaker.
位置
位置 means “position” or “spot” in 那个位置 and 孔的位置. It identifies the place to scan and the place where the holes will be marked, useful when discussing exact locations during installation.
再
再 means “then” in 再标出孔的位置 and 再把它还回来, showing that the next action follows a previous one. The pattern 先...再... is useful for describing an ordered procedure.
标
标 means “mark” in 标出孔的位置. It describes indicating the intended hole locations, useful when preparing a surface before drilling.
出
出 in 标出孔的位置 shows the result of marking the hole positions clearly. The expression 标出孔的位置 is useful when identifying the exact points where work should be done.
请
请 means “please” in 请把电钻、充电器和钻头一起带回来 and makes the instruction polite. It commonly comes before a requested action, useful when asking someone to return borrowed equipment.
把
把 places the object before the action in 把电钻、充电器和钻头一起带回来 and 把灰尘清理干净. The pattern 把 + object + action is useful when emphasizing what happens to a specific item, such as returning or cleaning it.
充电器
充电器 means “charger” in 电钻、充电器和钻头. It is one of the borrowed items that must be returned, useful when listing the parts or accessories belonging with a tool.
和
和 means “and” in 电钻、充电器和钻头 and connects the items in the list. The pattern A 和 B is useful when naming two or more things together.
钻头
钻头 means “drill bit” in 电钻、充电器和钻头. It is an accessory returned with the drill, useful when listing the complete set of equipment.
一起
一起 means “together” in 电钻、充电器和钻头一起带回来. It shows that all the listed items should be brought back as one group, useful when reminding someone not to leave out any part.
带
带 means “bring” or “take” in 带回来, where the drill and accessories are transported back. The pattern 带 + object + direction complement is useful when telling someone to carry an item to a particular place.
回
回 in 带回来 and 还回来 adds the meaning “back,” showing movement or return toward the relevant place. The pattern verb + 回来 is useful when asking someone to bring a borrowed item back.
灰尘
灰尘 means “dust” in 把灰尘清理干净. It is the material being removed after drilling, useful when describing cleanup before returning a tool.
清理
清理 means “clean” or “clear away” in 清理干净, with dust as the object. The pattern 清理 + material or area is useful when preparing equipment or a workspace for return.
干净
干净 means “clean” in 清理干净 and describes the result of the cleaning. The pattern verb + 干净 is useful when saying that something has been cleaned to a clean state.
它
它 means “it” in 把它还回来 and refers to the drill being returned. It is useful when referring back to an already known object instead of repeating the noun.
慢慢
慢慢 means “slowly” or “without rushing” in 慢慢来. Together, 慢慢来 advises someone to proceed at a careful pace, useful when encouraging calm work during a potentially risky task.
安全
安全 means “safety” in 安全比速度更重要. It is the priority being compared with speed, useful when explaining that protection should come first during practical work.
比
比 is the comparison marker in 安全比速度更重要, linking safety with speed. The pattern A 比 B + adjective is useful when saying that one thing has a greater quality or priority than another.
速度
速度 means “speed” in 安全比速度更重要. It is the quality being treated as less important than safety, useful when comparing how quickly something is done with how safely it is done.
更
更 means “more” in 比速度更重要 and strengthens the comparison. The pattern 比 + comparison item + 更 + adjective is useful when emphasizing that one quality exceeds another.
重要
重要 means “important” in 安全比速度更重要. It describes safety as having higher priority than speed, useful when stating which consideration matters more in a practical situation.
Grammar Points
动词 + 过
你以前用过电钻吗？
nǐ yǐqián yòngguo diànzuàn ma?Have you used an electric drill before?
过 marks a past experience without specifying exactly when it happened.
Chinese Vocabulary
安装
verb
ānzhuāng
install; put up
我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗?
戴上
verb
dài shàng
put on; wear
并戴上护目镜。
电钻
noun
diànzuàn
electric drill
我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗?
基本
adj
jīběn
basic
所以有一些基本说明会有帮助。
架子
noun
jiàzi
shelf
我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗?
借
verb
jiè
borrow
我可以借你的电钻来安装一个小架子吗?
类型
noun
lèixíng
type; kind
墙是什么类型的。
墙
noun
qiáng
wall
先确认墙是什么类型的。
确认
verb
quèrèn
check; confirm
先确认墙是什么类型的。
说明
noun
shuōmíng
instructions
所以有一些基本说明会有帮助。
以前
adv
yǐqián
before; previously
你以前用过电钻吗?
用过
verb
yòngguo
have used
你以前用过电钻吗?
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
basic
Show Answer
基本instructions
Show Answer
说明type; kind
Show Answer
类型put on; wear