Flexible plans during a heatwave | Learn Chinese in English

About This Lesson

Use Flexible plans during a heatwave to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

预计热浪还会持续。

yùjì rèlàng hái huì chíxù. The heatwave is expected to continue.

那我们应该把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候。

nà wǒmen yīnggāi bǎ hùwài ānpái fàng zài yì tiān zhōng bǐjiào liángkuài de shíhou. Then we should plan anything outside for the cooler part of the day.

我本来想去市场，但拥挤的人群可能会让事情更困难。

wǒ běnlái xiǎng qù shìchǎng, dàn yōngjǐ de rénqún kěnéng huì ràng shìqing gèng kùnnan. I wanted to visit the market, but the crowds might make it harder.

在这样的高温下，我们应该选个比较安静的时间，避免一直站着。

zài zhèyàng de gāowēn xià, wǒmen yīnggāi xuǎn ge bǐjiào ānjìng de shíjiān, bìmiǎn yìzhí zhànzhe. In that heat, we should choose a quieter time and avoid standing around.

我们可以走有树荫的街道，需要时就在室内休息。

wǒmen kěyǐ zǒu yǒu shùyīn de jiēdào, xūyào shí jiù zài shìnèi xiūxi. We can take shaded streets and rest indoors when needed.

如果天气更热，这样我们就有更大的灵活性。

rúguǒ tiānqì gèng rè, zhèyàng wǒmen jiù yǒu gèng dà de línghuóxìng. That gives us more flexibility if the heat gets worse.

戴顶帽子，再多带些水，会有帮助吗？

dài dǐng màozi, zài duō dài xiē shuǐ, huì yǒu bāngzhù ma? Would a hat and extra water help?

帽子会有帮助，穿轻薄的衣服也会让步行更轻松。

màozi huì yǒu bāngzhù, chuān qīngbáo de yīfu yě huì ràng bùxíng gèng qīngsōng. A hat will help, and light clothing would make the walk easier.

那天气太热的话，我们就可以改变计划。

nà tiānqì tài rè de huà, wǒmen jiù kěyǐ gǎibiàn jìhuà. Then we can change the plan if it feels too hot.

听起来，这对炎热的一天来说足够灵活了。

tīng qǐlái, zhè duì yánrè de yì tiān lái shuō zúgòu línghuó le. That sounds flexible enough for a hot day.

Word by Word

预计 “预计” means that something is expected or forecast to happen; here “预计热浪还会持续” says the heatwave is expected to continue. It is commonly used before an event or situation that is expected in the future, such as 预计比赛会开始. In this dialogue, it is useful when discussing a forecast or likely development.

热浪 “热浪” means a heatwave, the period of unusually hot weather discussed here. In “预计热浪还会持续”, it is the situation that is expected to continue. Use it when talking about an extended period of dangerous or uncomfortable heat.

还 “还” means still in “预计热浪还会持续”, showing that the heatwave is continuing beyond the present moment. It commonly appears before the verb or other element that remains true, as in 还在等. Use it when saying that a condition or action has not stopped.

会 “会” indicates that something is expected or likely to happen in “热浪还会持续”. Here it connects the subject with a future or probable continuation. It can be reused before an action or event that is expected to occur, such as 会下雨.

持续 “持续” means continue or last in “热浪还会持续”. It describes the heatwave as remaining in progress. A common reuse pattern is 持续 + an event or condition, such as 持续很久.

那 “那” means then or in that case in “那我们应该把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. It connects the advice to the preceding information about the heatwave. Use it at the start of a response when drawing a practical conclusion from what was just said.

我们 “我们” means we or us and refers to the two people making the plan. In “我们应该把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候”, it is the group responsible for the action. It can be used before a verb or suggestion when speaking for oneself together with others.

应该 “应该” means should in “我们应该把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. It presents the recommended action as appropriate under the hot conditions. A common pattern is 应该 + action, for example 应该早点休息.

把 “把” marks the object being handled or placed in “把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. The pattern 把 + object + action focuses on what is done to that object. Here, 户外安排 is placed at a cooler time rather than simply mentioned as the action’s object.

户外 “户外” means outdoors or outdoor activities in “把户外安排放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. It identifies the plans that take place outside. It commonly appears before a noun, as in 户外活动.

安排 “安排” means arrange or schedule in “户外安排”. Here it refers to the planned outdoor activities. It can also be used before a time or activity when organizing what will happen, such as 安排时间.

放 “放” means put or place in “放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. Here it means placing the outdoor plans at a particular time. A common pattern is 放在 + place or time, as in 放在下午.

在 “在” marks the location or time where something is placed in “放在一天中比较凉快的时候”. It links 放 to the time phrase that follows. The pattern 在 + place or time is also used to state where or when an action happens.

一天 “一天” means a day in “一天中比较凉快的时候”. It identifies the whole day whose cooler period is being selected. It can be used with a time expression to talk about what happens during a day.

中 “中” means within or during in “一天中比较凉快的时候”. It places the selected time inside the span of one day. The pattern noun + 中 is used for a period or range, such as 一年中.

比较 “比较” means relatively or comparatively in “比较凉快的时候”. It softens the description by identifying a time that is cooler relative to other parts of the day. It commonly appears before an adjective when making a moderate comparison, such as 比较方便.

凉快 “凉快” means cool or pleasantly less hot in “比较凉快的时候”. Together with 比较, it describes the cooler part of the day for the visit. Use it when talking about weather or a place that feels comfortably cool.

的 “的” links “比较凉快” to “时候” in “比较凉快的时候”, making the description identify which time is meant. The pattern descriptive phrase + 的 + noun is commonly used to specify a person, thing, or time. Here it helps form “the time that is relatively cooler”.

时候 “时候” means time or the point when something happens in “比较凉快的时候”. It refers to the period selected for the outdoor plan. A common pattern is verb or description + 的时候, meaning when that action or condition occurs.

我 “我” means I or me and identifies the speaker in “我本来想去市场”. It is the person who originally wanted to visit the market. It commonly appears before an action or feeling that concerns the speaker.

本来 “本来” means originally or at first in “我本来想去市场”. It shows that the speaker had an earlier intention before introducing the problem with the crowds. Use it when explaining an original plan that may change or be contrasted with the current situation.

想 “想” means want to or intend to in “想去市场”. It expresses the speaker’s intention to go. A common reuse pattern is 想 + action, such as 想休息.

去 “去” means go in “去市场”. It indicates movement toward the market. It commonly appears before a destination, as in 去商店.

市场 “市场” means market in “去市场”. It is the destination the speaker wanted to visit. Use it when referring to a place where goods are sold or people go to shop.

但 “但” means but in “但拥挤的人群可能会让事情更困难”. It introduces a problem that contrasts with the earlier wish to visit the market. It commonly links an initial plan or fact with an opposing consideration.

拥挤 “拥挤” means crowded in “拥挤的人群”. It describes the people as packed closely together. It can be placed before a noun to describe a crowded place or group, as in 拥挤的街道.

人群 “人群” means a crowd of people in “拥挤的人群”. It is the group that might make the visit more difficult. Use it when referring to many people considered together, especially in a public place.

可能 “可能” means might or possibly in “人群可能会让事情更困难”. It presents the effect as possible rather than certain. It commonly appears before an action or result that may happen, such as 可能下雨.

让 “让” means make or cause in “让事情更困难”. The crowds are described as causing the situation to become more difficult. A common pattern is 让 + person or thing + description or action, as in 让工作更容易.

事情 “事情” means the matter or situation in “让事情更困难”. It is the thing whose difficulty may increase because of the crowds. It can refer broadly to a matter, task, or situation being discussed.

更 “更” means more or even more in “更困难”. It increases the degree of the following description. A common pattern is 更 + adjective, used when comparing a condition with another condition or with an earlier state.

困难 “困难” means difficult in “让事情更困难”. It describes the situation as requiring more effort or being harder to manage. It can follow 更 to express an increased degree of difficulty.

这样 “这样” means this way or like this in “在这样的高温下”. It points to the particular kind of heat being discussed. It can be used before a noun to refer to a situation or condition already understood from the context.

高温 “高温” means high temperature or intense heat in “这样的高温”. It describes the hot conditions affecting the plan. It is commonly used when discussing weather, heat warnings, or other conditions involving unusually high temperatures.

下 “下” means under or in the conditions of in “在这样的高温下”. It frames the advice as applying while those hot conditions exist. The pattern 在 + condition + 下 is used to describe what happens under a particular situation.

选 “选” means choose in “选个比较安静的时间”. It describes selecting one suitable time for the visit. A common reuse pattern is 选 + object, such as 选时间.

个 “个” is the general measure word used in “选个比较安静的时间”. It counts or introduces one time choice before 时间. It commonly appears between a number or determiner and a noun, and in this phrase the number 一 is understood.

安静 “安静” means quiet in “比较安静的时间”. It describes a time with less noise or fewer people. It can be used before 的时间 or another noun to identify a quiet period or place.

时间 “时间” means time in “选个比较安静的时间”. It is the period being selected for the market visit. It commonly follows a description such as 安静的时间 or 凉快的时间.

避免 “避免” means avoid in “避免一直站着”. It introduces an action that the speakers want not to do in the heat. A common pattern is 避免 + action or situation, such as 避免等待太久.

一直 “一直” means continuously or for the whole period in “一直站着”. It shows that the standing would continue rather than happen only briefly. It commonly appears before an action to describe an unbroken or ongoing duration.

站 “站” means stand in “站着”. It describes the physical activity the speakers want to avoid doing continuously. It can be followed by 着 when the focus is on remaining in that state.

着 “着” marks the ongoing state in “站着”. Together, “站着” describes being or remaining standing, which is what the speakers want to avoid for a long time. It is used after an action to show that the resulting state continues.

可以 “可以” means can or be able to in “我们可以走有树荫的街道”. It presents the shaded route and indoor rest as available options. It commonly appears before an action when suggesting what is possible or permitted.

走 “走” means walk or go along in “走有树荫的街道”. Here it describes taking a particular street on foot. It can be used before a route or destination when describing movement.

有 “有” means have or contain in “有树荫的街道”. It describes the streets as having tree shade. The pattern 有 + noun is commonly used to state what a place or thing has.

树荫 “树荫” means shade from trees in “有树荫的街道”. It identifies the feature that makes the streets more suitable in the heat. It can be used after 有 to describe a place that provides tree shade.

街道 “街道” means street in “走有树荫的街道”. It is the route the speakers can take to stay in the shade. Use it when referring to a public road or street in a town or city.

需要 “需要” means need in “需要时”. It introduces the condition in which rest may be necessary. It commonly appears before an object or action, such as 需要休息.

时 “时” means when or at the time in “需要时”. It makes the preceding condition “需要” into a time expression meaning when needed. This compact pattern can introduce the point at which the following action should happen.

就 “就” means then or accordingly in “需要时就在室内休息”. It shows that indoor rest follows when it is needed. It commonly appears in a condition-and-result pattern to mark the resulting action.

室内 “室内” means indoors or inside a building in “在室内休息”. It identifies where the speakers can rest. It commonly follows 在 when describing an indoor location.

休息 “休息” means rest in “在室内休息”. It describes taking a break indoors when necessary. It can be used after a place phrase to say where someone rests.

如果 “如果” means if in “如果天气更热”. It introduces the condition under which the plan will provide more flexibility. A common pattern is 如果 + condition, followed by the result or response.

天气 “天气” means weather in “如果天气更热”. It is the condition being described as becoming hotter. It commonly appears before an adjective describing the weather, such as 天气很热.

热 “热” means hot in “天气更热”. With 更, it describes the weather as hotter than before or than another point of comparison. It is commonly used after 天气 to describe hot weather.

大 “大” contributes the meaning of greater in “更大的灵活性”. With 更, it describes the amount or degree of flexibility as greater. The pattern 更大的 + noun is used for a larger or greater degree of something.

灵活性 “灵活性” means flexibility in “更大的灵活性”. It refers to the ability to adjust the plan when the heat changes. It is useful when discussing plans or arrangements that can adapt to changing conditions.

戴 “戴” means wear or put on in “戴顶帽子”. It is used here for putting a hat on the head for protection from the heat. A common pattern is 戴 + hat or another item worn on the body.

顶 “顶” is the measure word used with 帽子 in “戴顶帽子”. It identifies one hat even though 一 is not stated in this phrase. It is used when counting or introducing hats.

帽子 “帽子” means hat in “戴顶帽子”. It is the item suggested as protection from the heat. It commonly follows 戴 when describing wearing or putting on a hat.

再 “再” means additionally in “再多带些水”. It adds another suggestion after taking or wearing a hat. Here it does not mean repeating an action; it introduces one more item to bring.

多 “多” means more or extra in “多带些水”. It increases the amount of water to bring. A common pattern is 多 + verb, used to suggest doing an action to a greater extent or quantity.

带 “带” means bring or carry in “带些水”. It describes taking water along for the outing. A common pattern is 带 + object, such as 带水.

些 “些” indicates some amount of water in “些水”. It leaves the exact quantity unspecified. It commonly appears before a noun when referring to an indefinite amount.

水 “水” means water in “带些水”. It is the extra drink suggested for the hot walk. It can follow a quantity expression such as 些水.

帮助 “帮助” means help in “戴顶帽子，再多带些水，会有帮助吗”. The speaker asks whether these measures would be useful. It can be used after 有 to ask or state whether something provides help.

吗 “吗” is the yes-or-no question particle at the end of “会有帮助吗”. It turns the statement into a question about whether the measures will help. It is placed at the end of a sentence when expecting a yes-or-no response.

穿 “穿” means wear in “穿轻薄的衣服”. It describes putting on or wearing clothing. A common pattern is 穿 + clothing item, as in 穿衣服.

轻薄 “轻薄” means light and thin in “轻薄的衣服”. It describes clothing that is not heavy or thick, making the walk easier in the heat. It is commonly used before 的衣服 when describing suitable clothing.

衣服 “衣服” means clothing or clothes in “轻薄的衣服”. It is the item described as light and thin. It commonly follows 穿 when talking about wearing clothes.

也 “也” means also in “穿轻薄的衣服也会让步行更轻松”. It adds the clothing suggestion to the earlier suggestion about a hat. It commonly appears before the verb or result that is being added.

步行 “步行” means walking in “让步行更轻松”. It refers to the activity that becomes easier with light clothing. It can be used as the activity affected by a description such as 更轻松.

轻松 “轻松” means easy or less physically demanding in “让步行更轻松”. It describes the result of wearing light clothing while walking. The pattern 让 + activity + 更轻松 describes making an activity easier.

太 “太” means too or overly in “太热的话”. It shows that the heat has reached an excessive level for the plan. It commonly appears before an adjective in a condition such as 太晚的话.

的话 “的话” marks the whole condition as “if” or “in the case that” in “天气太热的话”. In this expression, 的 links the preceding condition to 话, and together 的话 forms the conditional phrase. It can follow a situation before the response or result, as in 下雨的话.

改变 “改变” means change in “改变计划”. It describes adjusting the existing plan when the weather is too hot. A common pattern is 改变 + plan, arrangement, or situation.

计划 “计划” means plan in “改变计划”. It is the arrangement that can be adjusted if the heat becomes too uncomfortable. It commonly follows 改变 when discussing a change to an existing plan.

听起来 “听起来” means sound or seem in “听起来，这对炎热的一天来说足够灵活了”. 听 contributes the impression received by hearing, while 起来 makes the phrase describe how something comes across. It is commonly followed by an adjective or evaluation, such as 听起来不错.

这 “这” means this in “这对炎热的一天来说足够灵活了”. It points to the flexible arrangement that has just been discussed. It can appear before a phrase or noun when referring to something specific in the current context.

对 “对” introduces the situation used as the standard in “对炎热的一天来说”. Together with 来说, “对炎热的一天来说” means for or considering a hot day. This pattern is useful when judging whether something is suitable from a particular viewpoint.

炎热 “炎热” means hot or scorching in “炎热的一天”. It describes the day as intensely hot. It commonly appears before 的一天 or another time expression when describing hot weather.

来说 “来说” means as for or speaking of in “对炎热的一天来说”. Together with 对, it frames the hot day as the standard for the evaluation that follows. The pattern 对 + situation + 来说 is used to say how something is viewed in a particular situation.

足够 “足够” means enough or sufficiently in “足够灵活”. It says that the plan reaches the needed level of flexibility for a hot day. A common pattern is 足够 + adjective, such as 足够安全.

灵活 “灵活” means flexible in “足够灵活”. It describes the plan as able to adapt when the heat changes. It can follow 足够 when evaluating whether an arrangement offers enough room to adjust.

了 “了” is the sentence-final particle in “足够灵活了”, marking the current conclusion or new state that the plan is now considered flexible enough. It gives the evaluation a sense of completion. It can appear at the end of a sentence when a situation or assessment has changed.

Grammar Points

预计 + 会 + 动词

高温预计会持续。

gāowēn yùjì huì chíxù.

The high temperatures are expected to continue.

预计常放在主语后，和“会”一起表示预测；中文语序不同于英语的 be expected to。

一直 + 动词/状态词

人群一直站着。

rénqún yìzhí zhànzhe.

The crowd keeps standing.

一直放在动词前，表示动作或状态持续；“着”强调站立的状态仍在继续。

Chinese Vocabulary

安排 verb

ānpái arrange; plan

本来 adv

běnlái originally; at first

持续 verb

chíxù continue; last

高温 noun

gāowēn high temperature; heat

户外 noun

hùwài outdoors; outside

困难 adj

kùnnan difficult; difficulty

凉快 adj

liángkuài cool

热浪 noun

rèlàng heatwave

人群 noun

rénqún crowd

市场 noun

shìchǎng market

拥挤 adj

yōngjǐ crowded

预计 adv

yùjì be expected to; be forecast to

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

outdoors; outside

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户外

difficult; difficulty

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困难

be expected to; be forecast to

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预计

crowded

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拥挤